27.04.2012
A Fair of Jazz Opportunities
Jazz fair jazzahead!, which took place in Bremen between 19 and 22 April, gathered jazz enthusiasts and professionals from different countries. This year's sixth edition of the jazz fair hosted a record number of professional participants and exhibitors – their numbers have increased by a third.
For the second consecutive time, SIGIC participated in the fair, with a comprehensive compilation of Slovene jazz released last year. Among the 2000 professionals from 43 countries the colours of Slovene jazz were represented by Barbara Švrljuga and Andrej Hočevar.
SIGIC's centrally located exhibition stand stood out uniquely with its stylized graphic design featuring the jazz compilation. In addition to jazz enthusiasts SIGIC's stand also attracted agents, promoters, concert organizers, representatives of various national jazz organizations, and last but not least musicians. Visitors showed great interest in Slovene jazz, which was thanks to excellent cooperation with Slovene musicians well represented on the shelves of the stand. The wide variety of Slovene jazz was well displayed and thus satisfied every ear.
Furthermore, musicians and agents showed vivid interest in Slovenia's jazz scene and its festivals, in particular the two widely recognized festivals: the Jazz Festival Ljubljana and Jazz Cerkno. Slovenia, with its capital at the crossroads of major European thoroughfares, seems to offer many jazz opportunities.
In friendly conversations with visitors from all over the world, common interests and opportunities for cooperation were explored. Insights into the state of jazz music in Slovenia and in other countries have shown a strong commitment and dedication to developing jazz, which in some countries is the role of specialized national agencies. In the context of Slovene jazz, this role was at least for the duration of the event managed by SIGIC, which made every effort to ensure that Slovene jazz was given centre stage.
In May, the online magazine Odzven will publish a more comprehensive coverage of the event, including visual and video materials on SIGIC's participation in jazzahead!.
