| Nišville Jazz Festival | |
|---|---|
 Official logo | |
| Genre | Jazz,Soul,World music,Blues,Funk |
| Dates | August |
| Locations | Niš Fortress,Niš,Serbia |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Founders | Ivan Blagojević |
| Website | www |
Nišville Jazz Festival is an internationaljazz festival held annually inNiš,Serbia. Founded in 1995, it has grown into one of the most prominent jazz festivals in Southeast Europe.[1]
Jazz festival traditions in Niš date back to the early 1980s. The modern Nišville was established in 1995 by cultural managerIvan Blagojević. The first editions were held at the Army Club in Niš, and since 2006 the festival has taken place at the open-air stages of the Niš Fortress.[2]
Nišville’s concept combines mainstream and traditional jazz with Balkan and world music influences. In addition to main stage concerts, the festival includes free outdoor programs, jam sessions, film screenings, workshops, and art exhibitions. Since 2006, performances have been held on multiple stages in and around the Fortress, with attendance reaching several thousand visitors per night.
Over the years, Nišville has hosted many internationally recognized performers, includingSolomon Burke,Joss Stone,Billy Cobham,Incognito,Candy Dulfer,Jean-Luc Ponty,Stanley Jordan,Ron Carter,Benny Golson,Randy Brecker,Roy Hargrove,Nouvelle Vague,De-Phazz,The Brand New Heavies,Osibisa,Duško Gojković, andŠaban Bajramović.[3]
| Year | Headliners / Notable performers | Estimated attendance |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Local Serbian jazz ensembles (first edition) | 1,000 |
| 2006 | Candy Dulfer,Incognito | 10,000 |
| 2010 | Roy Hargrove,Randy Brecker | 20,000 |
| 2014 | Joss Stone,Billy Cobham | 25,000 |
| 2016 | Solomon Burke,Nouvelle Vague | 30,000 |
| 2019 | Jean-Luc Ponty,Ron Carter | 40,000 |
| 2023 | Stanley Jordan,De-Phazz | 40,000+ |
The festival has been declared an event of national importance by the Serbian Ministry of Culture.The Guardian listed it among the top ten jazz festivals in the world.[4] Nišville also awards an annual Lifetime Achievement Award to prominent jazz musicians from Serbia.
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| Historic festivals (1950s-1970) | |
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