Dominican Republic Jazz Festival 2016

Event information, times and locations

The Dominican Republic Jazz Festival has been bringing locals and tourists together to enjoy some of the World’s best Latin Jazz groups and musicians for 19 years. This year marks the 20th consecutive year, upholding its title of longest running jazz event in the Dominican Republic, and is sure to be spectacular! Taking place in various locations such as Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata and Cabarete, this free 5-day festival is bursting with rhythm, culture, flavor and color! With over 12,000 people attending last year, the 20th edition is set to break records.

The 20th anniversary is being celebrated never before by dedicating the festivities to women and women jazz musicians. This theme is to promote gender equality and abolition to violence against women through the incredible talent of female musicians. Not only does it support great causes, but this festival also brings education and passion through their association with FEDUJAZZ, a non-profit foundation that provides free music education and workshops for the local youth. This organization motivates and develops over 200 children with piano, drums, saxophone, guitar, bass, violin, and violoncello lessons amongst many others by using jazz as a teaching platform. The structured music programs foster musical skills, but many other skills such as teamwork and critical thinking which can enhance their overall education and life opportunities form. Although FEDUJAZZ focuses on the youth, the organization involves the entire community by inviting parents to participate in technical and professional programs. For example, women are invited to receive training on how to make jewelry, handbags, and carpets with the support of the Dominican Technical Institute, to give them valuable life long skills.

Along with all the incredible music, this year there will be a special exhibition illustrating the history of the event, organized by plastic artist Adolfo Faringthon. We can’t wait!

While the festival is free, you can purchase VIP tickets offering priority seating and complimentary beverages. The proceeds from these tickets go to FEDUJAZZ, so you can be spoilt, and help provide a free music education for the youth!

The festival will take place from the 8th to the 12th of November, and the exciting line-up is as follows:

November 8th – Santo Domingo – 8 pm

• Big Band Conservatory of Santo Domingo featuring Special Guests (Dominican Republic)

• Berklee Global Jazz Institute featuring Joanne Brackeen (USA)

November 9th – Santiago, Centro Leon – 8 pm

• Lihi Haruvi (Israel)

• Pat Pereyra y su Banda – Tribute (Dominican Republic)

November 10th – Puerto Plata – 8 pm

• Sabrina Esteban (Dominican Republic)

• Tia Fuller Quartet (USA)

November 11th – Cabarete Beach – 8 pm

• Enerolisa y su Grupo de salve (Dominican Republic)

• Berklee Global Jazz Institute Ambassadors with special guest Terri Lyne Carrington (USA)

• Esperanza Spalding (USA)

November 12th – Cabarete Beach – 8 pm

• Quinteto de Patricia Zarate (Chile)

• “Special Quartet” featuring Geri Allen, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ingrid Jensen and Linda Oh (USA)

The timings for the Youth Concert Series is not confirmed yet, but we will keep you updated!

Located less than a minutes walk from our condos, this is an event chock full of music, color and culture that the whole family can enjoy!