The Czech Republic has been long-known for its music, and jazz is no exception. Many festivals are held during the year, not only in Prague, but throughout the counrty, to highlight the influence of the best established and upcoming jazz musicans and institutions in Central Europe. Here is a sample of the upcoming festivals in 2009. Many of the websites have not been updated yet to reflect the new schedules, and many of the sites are in Czech, but it will allow you to at least mark your calendars! As we get closer to the events, we will highlight their programs and artist lineups.

JAZZFESTBRNO – April 21-27, 2010

CLICK HERE for more information.

COLOURS OF OSTRAVA – July 15-18, 2010

The Colours of Ostrava is the biggest international music festival in the Czech Republic and one of the biggest music events in Central Europe. In 2003, Colours of Ostrava became the first and so far the only Czech festival to receive membership in the EUROPEAN FORUM OF WORLDWIDE MUSIC FESTIVALS. EFWMF www.efwmf.org is an NGO of the 44 most important independent European festivals, which are devoted to supporting world, ethnic, traditional and original cultures of different nations of the world and to interconnecting with each other in form of cultural exchanges. The Colours of Ostrava festival was also awarded the ALMA (Akropolis Live Music Awards) award for the best music event of 2004, 2005 and 2006 in the category of concert/festival of the year. Colours of Ostrava — www.colours.cz — informace@colours.cz

BOHEMIA JAZZ FEST – July 13-14, 2010 (Prague)

Bohemia Jazz Fest was established by its president Rudy Linka in 2005 as a unique project, which offers the high-quality jazz on beautiful Czech squares for free. An international jazz festival set in the main squares of Prague, Domažlice, Prachatice, České Budějovice and Pilsen. CLICK HERE for more information

JAZZ GOES TO TOWN – Oct 11-16, 2010

16th annual international jazz festival Jazz Goes to Town will be held for six days and takes over the town of Hradec Králové. In just a decade and a half, Jazz Goes to Town has become one of the most prestigious international Czech jazz festivals. CLICK HERE for more information.

CZECHOSLOVAK JAZZ FESTIVAL – October 21-23, 2010

Another international jazz festival with a longstanding tradition is held in the Moravian town of Přerov. CLICK HERE for more information.

JAZZFEST KARLOVY VARY – October, 2010

Karlovy Vary as an internationally known spa town has some typical features we would hardly find in other locations of the region or our country. One of these features is a jazz tradition not even interrupted during the totalitarian times. The first jazz festival in former Czechoslovakia in 1961 was held right in Karlovy Vary. (Program and website not final.)

INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL PRAGUE – November, 2010

The International Jazz Festival Prague celebrated its 30th consecutive year in 2006. During its long existence, it hosted such jazz legends as Ray Charles, B. B. King, Jean-Luc Ponty and many others. (Program and website not final.)