As part of the Villanos del Jazz programme, throughout the year, Sala Villanos (although there are concerts in other venues) hosts performances by the biggest names on the national and international jazz scene with a view to popularising this genre among all audiences. The next performances will be by artists such as Madeleine Peyroux, Brad Mehldau and Cécile McLorin Salvant, among others.
The name of the festival is inspired by Madrid’s nickname of “La Villa” and the meaning of villano as a peasant or lower class resident of a village, as opposed to someone from the noble or upper classes. The aim is to bring music to everyone and do away with the label of music for the elite few. The programme includes performances by established musicians and up-and-coming artists. The aim is for the Villanos del Jazz festival to run on a regular basis.
Jazz fusion, flamenco jazz, Cuban jazz, but also bossa nova, folk, samba, tango or mestizaje are just a few of the genres that feature in this programme.
Programme for 2025
In January 2025, you will have the chance to enjoy a performance by the CMQ Big Band, an ensemble of 17 Cuban and Spanish musicians paying tribute to the music of Beny Moré, featuring special guest Lázaro Armenteros. During the month of February, the festival will be putting on performances by American jazz singer and guitarist Madeleine Peyroux and Brad Mehldau, one of the most lyrical and intimate voices of contemporary jazz piano. And on 2 February, Sala Villanos will be hosting El Foro Blues Festival with performances by three of the biggest blues bands in the city: the Madrid Blues All Stars, Lucky Makers and Mario Siles & Agus Uribe Dúo.
In March it will be the turn of singer-songwriter and visual artist Cécile McLorin Salvant, who will be performing at Teatros del Canal; and Senegalese singer Faada Freddy, presenting his new album entitled Golden Cages at Sala Villanos.
In April, the festival will feature French soul singer and songwriter Ben l'Oncle Soul; artist Tommy Guerrero, an accomplished bass player and guitarist with influences as diverse as John Coltrane and Joy Division; and American guitarist Julian Lage who will be presenting Speak To Me, his new album full of incredible, vivid textures.
Villanos del Jazz
Taking place from September to December, the Villanos del Jazz programme features a wide range of concerts (some of which are a preamble to JAZZMADRID. International Jazz Festival, held at several venues in Madrid with the Sala Villanos (formerly Sala Caracol) as the main stage, along with other venues such as Teatros del Canal, La Riviera, Teatro Pavón and the National Music Auditorium.
An eclectic, plural and inclusive programme that embraces a number of different musical styles with jazz as the common denominator. Renowned artists with a strong established reputation will join emerging artists who stand out for their own merits.
The line-up at the 2024 edition included American jazz guitarist Pat Metheny; Cameroonian jazz and jazz fusion singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Richard Bona; British blues rock guitarist, singer and composer Jack Broadbent; British jazz musician, composer and band leader Shabaka Hutchings; Grammy award winning American jazz singer-songwriter Judelle Hill and American soul singer Robin McKelle, to name just a few.
See full programme
