Kazan is to host the First International Festival «Congress of Dixielands and Ethno-jazz Ensembles from BRICS Countries in Russia»

This musical festival will take place on 28-30 August 2024 in Kazan. It will bring together Russian and foreign dixielands and ethno-jazz bands from the BRICS countries as well as musicians from other nations. The festival will precede the October BRICS Summit and will demonstrate the role of jazz in uniting people around the world, the hospitality and cordiality of the Russians and the residents of multicultural Tatarstan that will host the BRICS Summit. Slogans «Jazz unites us!» and «Jazz – for the world! Peace – for jazz!» define the inspiring peacemaking essence of the Festival.

The project was included by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia in the Calendar of Events of the Chairship of the Russian Federation in BRICS in 2024 and supported by the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov. The President of the Festival is the legendary jazz musician, People's Artist of Russia Alexey Kozlov; the art director is the outstanding musician, head of the «Big Jazz Orchestra» Peter Vostokov. The Festival partners are BRICS TV, «Liniya Kulturi» Foundation, Gazprom-Media subsidiary «Insight People» and other organizations. It is expected that the Festival will become a traditional celebration of jazz and will be held every year by the countries chairing BRICS.

Various daytime and evening jazz events will take place in the streets, parks and other venues of the city, including a Dixieland parade and a Gala-Concert with a performance by the BRICS Consolidated International Orchestra. Every day there will be dance flash mobs (ragtime, swing, salsa, samba, etc.) involving dance studios and spectators. Active participation of young people is expected in all festival events.

On August 28 in the evening, a Jazz Reception will be held for the BRICS countries diplomatic corps, musicians participating in the Festival, the musical community of the city and the media. After the welcome speeches and presentation of the project, musicians and guests will have an opportunity to socialize and take part in a jam session.

On August 29, for residents and guests of Tatarstan there will be a parade of dixielands (with the participation of retro cars, costumed carnival procession), performance of more than 20 musical ensembles at various venues of the city. In the evening, a big concert of three sections will be held near the Kamala Theater.

On August 30, ensemble performances will continue in various locations, including on yachts («Jazz Regatta») and open tourist bus «Jazz Omnibus», in many other places (guests of the Festival will be provided with a special map «Kazan - Metropolis of Jazz»). Festival musicians will take part in the Republic Day Gala Concert.

On every day of the Festival you will be able to enjoy:

• Cinema Jazz — featuring of jazz films in cinemas and at summer venues.
• «Jazz broadcasting» on FM radio stations.
• «Street musicians» contest, which will bring together professional musicians and gifted musical youth.

The Roscongress Foundation manages the events of Russia’s BRICS Chairship.