JVC NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL, THE HAGUE

The 30th edition of the North Sea Jazz Festival was a great success and the fest, which has had several different homes, was hosted by The Hague for the final time. Sold out well in advance, the festival had an exciting start on the 6 th of July with a commemorative concert by Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette. The Gala concert was staged on the 8 th with a performance by Ibrahim Ferrer.

JVC Staten Hall opened with a dynamic show by vocalist Chaka Khan with the Metropole Orchestra, and from the very first act hall was packed to capacity. A stirring performance by Roy Hargrove's group RH Factor, which mixes electronica, jazz R&B and hip hop, rocked the crowd, as did the youthful pianist Jamie Cullum. These younger musicians alternated sets with veteran performers like Joe Zawinul, Robert Cray, Al Green, Solomon Burke, Maceo Parker, George Duke and Stanley Clarke. Jams by these famous artists were enjoyed in equal parts by the audience and the performers.

There was also an enthusiastic audience reception for the re-organized Steps Ahead including new bassist Richard Bona, and a powerful performance by Candy Dulfer and her special guest Sheila E. In addition, Joss Stone, the new star from UK who is just 18 years old, charmed people with her voice.

Staten Hall was jammed with 30,000 fans over 3 days of this exciting festival and the entire venue, the Netherlands Congress Centre, saw more than 70,000 audience members in total. In all the 30 th North Sea Jazz Festival was a inspiring success and the next edition will be held in Ahoy, Rotterdam, next year.