World-renowned jazz stars and participants of this year’s Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival from Croatia, the region, and around the globe have arrived on Lopud, setting the stage for the second major summer event organized this year by the Creative Platform Ponta Lopud. On their first day on the island, internationally acclaimed jazz musicians immersed themselves in Lopud’s authentic cultural heritage, rich history, and enchanting landscapes that create its one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
Terri Lyne Carrington and Thana Alexa
“This year, I am especially fulfilled by the fact that we have so many amazing musicians and creatives joining us from all over the world, and now we are all together on this beautiful island. We have gathered extraordinary mentors and exceptionally talented young musicians, and the combination of their experiences and ideas creates a unique energy. For me, the most beautiful thing is that together we are building a community in which music truly becomes a language of connection and freedom,” emphasized Thana Alexa, the festival’s artistic director and co-founder.
Yesterday evening was marked by the traditional olive tree planting in Đorđić-Mayneri Park – a symbolic gesture that, since the festival’s first edition, has brought together artists, guests, and friends in celebration of unity and a lasting bond with the island’s spirit. The evening was further enriched by a performance from the Dubrovnik vocal group Klapa Kaše, who offered this year’s participants and guests a heartfelt musical welcome.
Antonio Sanchez, Thana Alexa i Terri Lyne Carrington
Today, the festival’s first official day presents a rich and dynamic program of education and music. At its center is a masterclass and discussion led by multiple Grammy Award-winner, acclaimed drummer, and educator Terri Lyne Carrington. Joining her in the conversation are distinguished artists headlining this year’s concerts – Sofia Rei, Ben Wendel, and Michael Mayo – with festival artistic director Thana Alexa moderating. The masterclass will open discussions on the state and challenges of the contemporary jazz industry, artistic freedom, creative expression, and the development of the genre. Esteemed jazz journalists Sarah Geledi and Simon Rentner will also join, contributing questions and insights to deepen the conversation and broaden the picture of today’s jazz industry.
Klapa Kaše
In the evening, the garden of Hotel Grand will resound with the music of Grammy-nominated vocalist Sofia Rei. The concert begins at 8:30 p.m., featuring works from her album Umbral, performed alongside guitarist JC Maillard and percussionist Tupac Mantilla. The evening will continue with a jam session, where festival artistic director Thana Alexa will lead participants and guests in collective improvisation.
Klapa Kaše
On the second night of the festival, August 29th, the audience will enjoy a concert by Ben Wendel’s quartet, featuring Shai Maestro, Joe Sanders, and Antonio Sánchez, followed by another jam session with young festival participants. On the third and final day, August 30th, Michael Mayo will perform with Andrew Freedman, Nick Campbell, and Robin Baytas, with the festival concluding in a final jam session and afterparty with DJ Toma Ricov.
Tickets for the evening concerts are available through the Entrio system. Free transportation aboard the Argosy boat is provided for visitors from Dubrovnik, departing daily at 7:00 p.m. from the Lapad coastline, near the bus stop in front of the Faculty of Economics. Return service departs from in front of Hotel Lafodia at midnight.
The creative platform Ponta Lopud encompasses three cultural programs in the summer of 2025, welcoming all lovers of art—particularly film, music, and literature. The Ponta Lopud Film Festival is the first of these three events, celebrating cinema from 26 to 28 June. The second event, the popular Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival, will attract music enthusiasts from 28 to 30 August, while the Ponta Lopud Book Bridge will turn the island into a literary haven from 18 to 20 September, rounding off the season of summer cultural events.
