The third edition of the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival came to a close on Saturday with a concert by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Michael Mayo. For three days, internationally acclaimed jazz artists and rising stars of the global scene gathered on the island of Lopud, creating a unique artistic atmosphere enriched by outstanding music and intergenerational dialogue. Once again, the festival proved that jazz transcends genre boundaries, cementing its reputation as a vibrant and inspiring platform for top-level performances and creative artistic exchange.
The first masterclass of the festival’s final day was led by this year’s festival master, Terri Lyne Carrington, joined by drummer Antonio Sánchez and percussionist Tupac Mantilla. They spoke about the power of music as a means of storytelling and connection to the rhythm of humanity, highlighting the importance of honest dialogue and attentive listening as key elements of any musical performance, while also offering musicians practical tools to shape their personal voice and communicate their stories through music.
“As a drummer, I often focus on the smallest details – like tapping your foot – something many top musicians rarely show. I’ve noticed that many musicians, and people in general, tend to rely heavily on the rhythm section – and for good reason, because rhythm is truly the foundation of music. Once you develop a strong sense of rhythm, you can play almost anything, because rhythm is what drives the entire performance and holds everything together,” said Sánchez.
First masterclass
The second masterclass featured an open discussion with JC Maillard, Antonio Sánchez, Ben Wendel, Sofia Rei and the festival’s artistic director, Thana Alexa. The conversation centered on the challenges faced by independent artists in the age of social media, artificial intelligence, and influencer culture, and how these forces shape the perception of success and creative fulfillment.
Masterclass
The festival finale was marked by a performance from internationally acclaimed vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Michael Mayo, whose fusion of jazz, soul, and R&B captivated the audience in the historic setting of Lopud’s Rector’s Palace. Accompanied by pianist Andrew Freedman, bassist Nick Campbell, and drummer Robin Baytas, Mayo delivered a masterful performance filled with emotionally rich vocal improvisations, presenting music from his albums Fly (2024) and Bones (2021). Once again, he confirmed his standing as one of the most innovative voices of his generation. “We shared many joyful moments of interaction with the audience, and there were even a few unexpected musical surprises – at one point the power went out, but the band kept playing as if nothing had happened. When the power came back on, the whole venue erupted in excitement. It was truly an unforgettable night. I think the bad weather, which forced us to change locations, actually turned out to be a blessing – it made the music feel even more meaningful. All in all, it was a beautiful and special experience,” Mayo reflected after the concert.
Michael Mayo and the band
Over the course of the festival, participants had the opportunity to attend inspiring masterclasses and evening jam sessions, where young musicians from Croatia and abroad deepened their knowledge, developed their creativity, and expanded their professional networks. The festival brought together diverse musical styles and performance approaches, emphasizing the importance of community and authentic expression in today’s global music landscape.
Jam session
Jam session
Among the festival highlights was the performance by two-time Grammy nominee Sofia Rei, who opened the event with her ensemble by performing songs from the award-winning album Umbral (2021), blending the folkloric traditions of her native Buenos Aires with contemporary musical styles. On the second day of the festival, the audience enjoyed a concert by Grammy-nominated saxophonist Ben Wendel, who performed original compositions and jazz standards from his albums All One (2023) and Understory: Live From The Village Vanguard (2024), backed by his band.
“I sincerely thank all our partners, sponsors, donors, media, friends, and the dear members of the Ponta Lopud Club for their tireless support. Special thanks go to the production team and volunteers, whose energy, dedication, and heart make this festival possible. Despite unpredictable weather challenges, their joint efforts created an unforgettable atmosphere filled with genuine artistic connection. Above all, the greatest thanks go to the musicians, who poured their souls into every concert, masterclass, and jam session. Their passion and creativity are the heartbeat of the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival,” concluded festival co-founder and artistic director Thana Alexa.
Closing party
Rector’s Palace
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.
