August 31 to September 2, 2023

2023 Jazz Festival

The inaugural Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival energized Lopud Island with a vibrant program curated by Artistic Director Thana Alexa, featuring Joe Lovano as the Master in Residence, who led masterclasses for 13 exceptional emerging jazz musicians. Standout concerts included the David Sánchez Group, the Obradović-Tixier Duo, and Antonio Sánchez & Bad Hombre, followed by jam sessions where fellows, visiting musicians, and audience members came together on stage to create music.

“I had the distinguished honor to be Jazz Master in Residence in 2023 for the 1st annual Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival.. Sharing the Blessings of Music in an idyllic setting such as this is a dream. The Love and Passion of all the folks I encountered was incredible beyond words.. I was truly enlightened by the experience and look forward to a return visit to the Festival again and again.” – 

Joe Lovano (Grammy winning saxophonist from USA) Jazz Festival 2023

“I have never been to a festival quite like the PLJF. The beautiful setting, lovely camaraderie and ambiance, transcendent masterclasses, incredible gastronomy and the high level of the visiting artists makes this a one of a kind festival that no one should miss or take for granted.” 

Antonio Sánchez (4x Grammy winning drummer from Mexico)

“An extraordinary, rarely seen musical and human experience.” 

Lada Obradović (Award winning Croatian drummer) Jazz Festival 2023

Masterclasses

Each morning began with open discussions in masterclasses led by our Master and Mentors in Residence, followed by open jams and specialized playing sessions for the fellows. These hands-on workshops helped young professionals refine their skills and exchange creative ideas with renowned musicians, bringing diverse global perspectives and experiences.

Concerts

Evening concerts were held on all three days of the festival, featuring some of the biggest names in jazz. The performances took place in the garden of the Grand Hotel—a protected cultural monument —set underneath the island’s most beautiful palm trees.

31/08/2023

Concert: David Sánchez Group featuring Luis Perdomo, Ricky Rodríguez, and special guest Antonio Sánchez

Jam Session: Electronic sounds and improvisation led by Thana Alexa, BIGYUKI and Lex Sadler

Concert: Obradović-Tixier Duo

Jam Session: Participants and musicians from the audience

Concert: Antonio Sánchez & Bad Hombre featuring Thana Alexa, BIGYUKI, and Lex Sadler

Jam Session: Participants and musicians from the audience

A highlight of the festival were the nightly jam sessions in which the music venue was swiftly transformed from concert seating into an intimate jazz club setting. Visiting artists, jazz fellows, and audience members were invited to join on the stage together – some having never met before – in spontaneous improvisation and musical conversations.

Side Programs

Coastal Explorations
Boat tours with expert guides were organized to showcase the stunning beauty of Lopud Island, the historic city of Dubrovnik, and the picturesque surrounding areas. Guests and fellows enjoyed immersive experiences, exploring the region’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes.
Gourmet Experiences
Festival attendees delighted in gourmet experiences, savoring the flavors of local cuisine and the island’s unique culinary offerings. The program highlighted traditional dishes, fresh ingredients, and the charm of Lopud's dining scene.
Meet Your Colleagues
On Šunj Beach, an event called Meet Your Colleagues was organized, bringing together all the young people involved in the festival's organization, including masterclass participants. This gathering provided an opportunity for networking and socializing in a relaxed setting.

Planting Legacy

Continuing the tradition of the Ponta Lopud Film Festival, the first festival olive tree was planted in Đorđić-Mayneri Park by master Joe Lovano, guests of honor, and fellows. This act symbolizes a lasting connection to Lopud Island.

Masters & Mentors

Joe Lovano

Master in Residence - Saxophonist, Composer, Producer

An American saxophonist, composer, and producer, Joe Lovano is a Grammy winner with 14 nominations. He has received numerous awards as a tenor saxophonist, including Musician of th

Thana Alexa

Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival - Vocalist, Composer, and Producer

Vocalist, composer, and producer Thana Alexa is the artistic director of the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival. An artist of incredible creative energy and social engagement, she is the fi

Antonio Sánchez

Drummer and Composer

A four-time Grammy winner, Antonio Sánchez is one of the most sought-after drummers in the international jazz scene. As a band leader and solo artist, he has released around ten a

BIGYUKI

Pianist and Keyboardist

Known for his distinct sound, BIGYUKI is a pianist and keyboardist who has garnered attention through collaborations with numerous artists. An innovative composer, he blends elemen

Lex Sadler

Bassist and Producer

Lex Sadler is a bassist, keyboardist, jazz programmer, and producer. His expression on the contemporary music scene is characterized by an eclectic mix of electronics, hip-hop, sam

David Sánchez

Saxophonist

A Grammy-winning saxophonist, David Sánchez is internationally recognized as one of the finest saxophonists of his generation. His artistry and unparalleled sound, combined with a

Ricardo Rodríguez

Bassist

Graduated in classical bass guitar from the Music Conservatory in Puerto Rico, Ricky Rodríguez is a versatile musician who combines his Latin roots with classical training to crea

Luis Perdomo

Pianist

A Grammy-winning pianist, composer, and arranger, Luis Perdomo is one of the most active musicians in New York City. He has recorded or performed with some of the world’s gre

Lada Obradović

Drummer and Composer

An award-winning drummer and composer, Lada Obradović is a member of the Obradović-Tixier Duo and appeared in the Netflix series The Eddy. She leads the international non-profit

David Tixier

Pianist and Composer

Pianist, arranger, and composer David Tixier holds a master’s degree in jazz pedagogy. He leads his own projects, including Piano Solo, David Tixier Trio, and the award-winni

Joe Lovano

Master in Residence - Saxophonist, Composer, Producer

An American saxophonist, composer, and producer, Joe Lovano is a Grammy winner with 14 nominations. He has received numerous awards as a tenor saxophonist, including Musician of th

Thana Alexa

Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival - Vocalist, Composer, and Producer

Vocalist, composer, and producer Thana Alexa is the artistic director of the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival. An artist of incredible creative energy and social engagement, she is the fi

Antonio Sánchez

Drummer and Composer

A four-time Grammy winner, Antonio Sánchez is one of the most sought-after drummers in the international jazz scene. As a band leader and solo artist, he has released around ten a

BIGYUKI

Pianist and Keyboardist

Known for his distinct sound, BIGYUKI is a pianist and keyboardist who has garnered attention through collaborations with numerous artists. An innovative composer, he blends elemen

Lex Sadler

Bassist and Producer

Lex Sadler is a bassist, keyboardist, jazz programmer, and producer. His expression on the contemporary music scene is characterized by an eclectic mix of electronics, hip-hop, sam

David Sánchez

Saxophonist

A Grammy-winning saxophonist, David Sánchez is internationally recognized as one of the finest saxophonists of his generation. His artistry and unparalleled sound, combined with a

Ricardo Rodríguez

Bassist

Graduated in classical bass guitar from the Music Conservatory in Puerto Rico, Ricky Rodríguez is a versatile musician who combines his Latin roots with classical training to crea

Luis Perdomo

Pianist

A Grammy-winning pianist, composer, and arranger, Luis Perdomo is one of the most active musicians in New York City. He has recorded or performed with some of the world’s gre

Lada Obradović

Drummer and Composer

An award-winning drummer and composer, Lada Obradović is a member of the Obradović-Tixier Duo and appeared in the Netflix series The Eddy. She leads the international non-profit

David Tixier

Pianist and Composer

Pianist, arranger, and composer David Tixier holds a master’s degree in jazz pedagogy. He leads his own projects, including Piano Solo, David Tixier Trio, and the award-winni

Fellows

Ajda Stina Turek

Ajda Stina Turek, a Slovenian jazz vocalist and Berklee College graduate, won the “Outstanding Jazz Vocalist” award in 2017. She released her debut EP, Sonder, performed at Bir

Aldo Foško

Aldo Foško, a Pula-born clarinetist, specializes in bass clarinet and graduated in musicology from Zagreb Academy and Heidelberg University. He studied under Klaus Gesing in Tries

Angelica Zacchigna

Angelica Zacchigna, a Croatian jazz vocalist and G. Tartini Conservatory graduate, won the Pazin Festival in 2011 and represented Croatia at Miss World 2016. She toured with Urban

Borna Pehar

Borna Pehar is a Croatian pianist and composer from Zadar who transitioned from classical to jazz piano studies, earning his bachelor’s at Kärntner Landeskonservatorium and

Jan Stefanovski

Jan Stefanovski, born in Skopje, North Macedonia, in 2000, is a dynamic drummer who began performing alongside his father, Vlatko Stefanovski, at the age of 19. With over 100 conce

Jošt Lampret

Slovenian double bassist Jošt Lampret is a versatile musician, balancing classical and jazz influences. A graduate of the Ljubljana Academy of Music, he has collaborated with prom

Lana Janjanin

Lana Janjanin, a Zagreb-born pianist, singer-songwriter, and composer, combines classical training with a passion for jazz and soul. A graduate of the University for Music and Perf

Lidija Strika

Croatian bassist and bandleader Lidija Strika blends jazz, soul, and psychedelic rock in her music. A graduate of the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, she formed her quartet durin

Milena Jančurić

Milena Jančurić, a flutist and Berklee College of Music alumna, bridges classical and improvised music in her performances. Collaborating with artists like Danilo Pérez, she rel

Mirsad Dalipi

Kosovo-born drummer Mirsad Dalipi is a co-founder of Gipsy Groove, a band promoting tolerance through jazz and funk fusion. Now based in Zagreb, Mirsad has performed extensively ac

Rastko Obradović

Serbian saxophonist Rastko Obradović, a graduate of Oslo’s jazz program, has performed with acclaimed artists like Bojan Z and Dhafer Youssef. A recipient of Serbia’s 2018 GOD

Stevan Milijanović

Stevan Milijanović, a Serbian saxophonist and composer born in Čačak in 1996, is known for his work with the EJO ensemble. Their album Ptica received critical acclaim, and Steva

Žiga Smrdel

Žiga Smrdel is a Slovenian drummer, composer, and bandleader who has collaborated with renowned artists like Jure Pukl and Igor Matkovič. A member of WCKD Nation and Mind Tree Tr

Haddis Alemayehu

Haddis Alemayehu is a MasinQo player revitalizing this ancient Ethiopian instrument. Self-taught since 2008, he co-founded Moseb Band, launched “One String One World,” and form