Bud Powell Jazz Orchestra diretta da Simone Stefanizzi

A conference to present the third edition of the "Castro Jazz Festival," scheduled in the beautiful Adriatic town from August 24 to 30, with its rich calendar of musical events capable of transforming Castro, in one week, into a true jazz capital, thanks to the caliber of the guests and the evenings distributed between the Aragonese Castle and other significant places in the city. All events will have free entry, thanks also to the contribution of the Municipality of Castro and the Presidency of the Regional Council of Puglia.

A showcase consisting of high-level musical appointments, but also important formative moments: a Summer School for musicians from all over Italy is also planned, with internationally renowned teachers as in previous years. The event is scheduled for Monday, July 14 at 7:30 PM at the Archeo-Industrial Museum of Terra d'Otranto in Maglie (via Giacomo Matteotti, 70), where the Festival will be presented after the greetings of the authorities present: Alberto Capraro, deputy mayor of the Municipality of Castro, Loredana Capone, president of the Regional Council of Puglia, Marco Cariddi, president of the cultural jazz association “Bud Powell” of Maglie, Francesco Negro, artistic director of the Castro Jazz Festival, Dionisia Cassiano, referent of the Kids School of Jazz, Luigi Puzzovio, president of the "Tito Schipa" Music Conservatory of Lecce.

At 9 PM, there will be the debut performance of a new musical formation adding lustre to the already rich jazz history of Salento: the "Bud Powell Jazz Orchestra," directed by Simone Stefanizzi.

The "Jazz Bud Powell” cultural association of Maglie, active for 16 years now, has established itself as one of the most dynamic and appreciated entities in the Salento musical landscape. Founded with the objective of promoting and spreading the culture of jazz throughout the region, with a long history of events, concerts, and prestigious collaborations, the Association has built a solid identity and has contributed to valorizing the territory, bringing jazz closer to wider audiences.

The new step in the life of the association today is the presentation of the new "Bud Powell Jazz Orchestra," an ensemble of 18 musicians who, under the direction of the talented trumpeter Simone Stefanizzi, are ready to offer a high-level musical experience, featuring original compositions by Stefanizzi and jazz tradition pieces enriched by new creative arrangements.

A musical journey that combines innovation and respect for the historical roots of one of the most loved international genres: for this reason, over the years, the Association has always encouraged the creation of orchestras, aware of the importance of these ensembles in strengthening the collective and creative dimension of jazz. The “Bud Powell Jazz Orchestra” has indeed been previously directed by prominent names such as saxophonist Emanuele Coluccia, who curated its artistic direction, and the Italian-Belgian composer and guitarist Gabriele di Franco, who authored the “Dedalo” project, an album that received great critical acclaim and featured saxophonist Marcello Allulli as a special guest.

Thanks to these experiences, the Association has solidified an artistic path that has intertwined the jazz tradition with more modern sounds, bringing Salento music to increasingly prestigious levels. Today, under the direction of Simone Stefanizzi, the “Bud Powell Jazz Orchestra” is ready to embark on a new adventure, continuing to explore the potential of jazz through new projects and collaborations that strengthen the bond between jazz and the Salento region.
Web: www.magliejazz.it