As the “3 Days of Jazz” festival invites audiences on a musical journey rich in diversity and contrast. With concerts at unique locations such as the Kunsthaus Nexus, Saalfelden’s parish church, the Mining and Gothic Museum in Leogang, and the AsitzBräu in the heart of the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn ski area, the festival showcases top-class artists from Austria and beyond.
Cinematic prelude with "Shake Stew – Jazz for All" (in German language)
As a prelude to the festival itself, the ORF film “Shake Stew – Jazz for All” will air on Thursday, following the celebrated Austrian band Shake Stew, which was founded in 2016 at the Jazzfestival Saalfelden, during performances in Austria and abroad. Known for their striking black-and-gold outfits, Shake Stew has become a flagship of young Austrian jazz. This documentary captures the band's creative and dynamic spirit, offering an engaging start to the festival.
Diverse highlights at various venues
The festival opens on Friday, 24 January, with a concert at Saalfelden's parish church, where the trio Velvet Revolution - featuring Daniel Erdmann on tenor saxophone, Théo Ceccaldi on violin, and Jim Hart on vibraphone—celebrates its tenth anniversary with a chamber jazz experience of the highest calibre.
After a short “change of scene,” the action moves to Kunsthaus Nexus, where the Vienna-based ensemble AHL6, led by drummer Lukas Aichinger, delivers a wild blend of surf rock, jazz, and sound painting. They are followed by Gard Nilssen Acoustic Unity, presenting an equally unique sound with powerful sonic waves, featuring an expanded lineup that includes saxophonists Signe Emmeluth, Kjetil Møster and Eirik Hegdal.
A musical journey of discovery
On Saturday, the Kunsthaus Nexus continues as the focal point, starting with the trio Enemy - featuring Kit Downes (piano), Petter Eldh (bass), and James Maddren (drums)—familiar faces in Saalfelden. Known for their intense interplay and complex rhythms, their music is a compelling fusion of extremes.
Trumpeter Laura Jurd, a highly decorated British musician, presents her quartet “Never Again”, which combines 1970s influences from Miles Davis with British alternative rock. South Korean drummer Sun Mi Hong and her international quintet offer a different twist, playing on the boundary between intricate composition and free improvisation.
For dance enthusiasts, the AsitzBräu will offer a Saturday afternoon treat of Rock’n’Roll with plenty of entertainment, as The Hot Rods bring an energetic performance to a rustic alpine setting - entry is free.
Final concerts at the Mining and Gothic Museum
On Sunday, the festival moves from Kunsthaus Nexus to the Mining and Gothic Museum in Leogang. Here, attendees will be treated to a musical rendezvous with trumpeter Laura Jurd and bassist Petter Eldh. Closing the festival will be the duo Asja Valcic (cello) and Raphael Preuschl (bass ukulele), performing their warm, earthy programme “Velvet”, which will bring a “velvety” close to Sunday’s events.
A must for jazz enthusiasts and culture lovers
The 2025 edition of “3 Days of Jazz” in Saalfelden Leogang promises unforgettable concerts, inspiring artists and unique sound experiences in extraordinary settings. Now in its eighth year, the festival has firmly established itself as a highlight of the Austrian cultural calendar.
