Following a brilliant start to the festival, the second day of the third edition of the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival offered participants and visitors a rich program of top-tier jazz performances and masterclasses held at the historically significant Rector’s Palace.
The morning masterclass was led by this year’s jazz master-in-residence, Terri Lyne Carrington – a four-time Grammy winner and the founder of New Standards: 101 Lead Sheets by Women Composers. She spoke about the importance of creating a safe and supportive artistic community and shared the story behind the inspiration for her collection, which was conceived in response to a student performance in which The Real Book, known as the “Bible of jazz jams,” featured only one composition by a woman. “I created a space where young women could learn without the fear of excessive criticism they might encounter in other environments. What surprised me was that young men also wanted to be in that space to learn about excellence. I realized I was teaching the way I had been taught – fostering an atmosphere where any question can be asked. All of that is embedded in the music itself,” Carrington emphasized. During the session, participants had the opportunity to explore and perform material from the companion album to the collection, followed by a jam session.
Later, Sofia Rei, Michael Mayo, Ben Wendel, and the festival’s artistic director Thana Alexa held a second masterclass, during which they offered hands-on demonstrations and advice to young musicians, showcasing how effects pedals can be used as tools for developing sonic ideas, improvising freely, and encouraging creative expression.
The musical highlight of the evening was a concert by saxophonist Ben Wendel, joined by pianist Shai Maestro, bassist Joe Sanders, and drummer Antonio Sánchez. Together, they performed original compositions and beloved jazz standards from Wendel’s extensive discography, including pieces from his Grammy-nominated 2023 album All One. „This experience truly is unique, full of positive energy, friendship, and a sense of togetherness. Over several days filled with music, we all had the chance to genuinely connect, learn a lot about each other, and truly enjoy ourselves. It is a great pleasure and honor for me to have been part of this festival, and I especially thank Thana Alexa for the invitation and the trust bestowed upon me,” Wendel shared his impressions. His dynamic and innovative sound drew the audience into a captivating musical atmosphere, followed by a late-night jam session led by Thana Alexa, offering a space for spontaneity and improvisation among festival participants.
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 6:00 p.m. from the Lapad coastline, near the bus stop in front of the Faculty of Economics. Return service departs from the main port at 12:15 a.m. on 29/8, and from the pier in front of Hotel Lafodia on 30/8.
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.
