The International Jazz Festival VILNIUS MAMA JAZZ was launched in 2002.
Due to its readiness to feature all styles and trends of jazz music with the emphasis on quality, individuality, and relevance of the music, the festival is a singular celebration.
The VILNIUS MAMA JAZZ Festival has over the years become one of the largest events in the capital. The festival programme features the music of world famous performers, Lithuanian jazz maestros, and joint international projects.
Among those who have appeared on the festival bill are jazz celebrities such as Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Bill Frisell, Marcus Miller, Christian McBride, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Medeski Martin & Wood, Dave Douglas, Wayne Shorter, Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, Chris Potter, Bill Evans, The Bad Plus, Victor Bailey, Peter Brotzmann, Joe McPhee, Chris Minh Doky, John Scofield, Bobby Previte, Billy Cobham (USA), Erik Truffaz (France), Miroslav Vitous (Czech Republic), Jean Luc Ponty, Louis Sclavis (France), Vienna Art Orchestra (Austria), Satoko Fujii (Japan), Copenhagen Art Ensemble (Denmark), Dennis Rollins (Great Britain), Rosario Giuliani, Flavio Boltro (Italy) and Beady Belle (Norway).
Organisers of the festival have their fingers on the pulse of the world jazz scene and offer audiences in Vilnius a wide range of music from the jazz palettes of Europe, the Americas, Asia, and other continents for their entertainment and enjoyment.
The festival nurtures and supports Lithuanian jazz culture and traditions, promotes the creative work of professional Lithuanian jazz musicians, and publicises information about the most interesting ideas and most successful projects in Lithuania.
The particularly high level of professionalism of the festival participants and a flexible ticketing system have determined that the festival is not only popular with listeners from Vilnius, but appeals to those all over Lithuania.
The festival takes place in 3 different venues in Vilnius: the Congress Hall, the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre, and the Russian Drama Theatre. After the concerts, there are usually jam sessions in the live music club Tamsta and the hotel Holiday Inn Vilnius with the participation of musicians from Lithuania and elsewhere.
The continuity and success of VILNIUS MAMA JAZZ is only possible because of its strong cultural ties with art institutions and agencies abroad, the wishes of our audiences, and the generosity of our sponsors.
