The jazz&blues soul of Sardinia
Dreamlike landscapes transform into perfect acoustic halls for two musical genres that embody the island's spirit.
Granite coves sculpted by time, venues nestled among pure white limestone or red porphyry cliffs, enchanting village squares, archaeological sites, and even sea caves. From June to October, breathtaking natural backdrops become lively stages, resonating with melodies from renowned international artists. Harmonies and rhythms blend effortlessly with the environment, creating a symbiosis with Sardinia's unique lifestyle. For almost four decades, Sardinia has become an increasingly preferred destination for jazz, largely thanks to an artist who has unveiled a new musical soul for his homeland. Paolo Fresu was born in the small town of Berchidda, where he founded and nurtured Time in Jazz, now celebrating its 38th edition. Among the unmissable events, on Saturday, August 9th, in L'Agnata, the Sardinian retreat of Fabrizio De André, Paola Turci pays tribute to the unforgettable Genoese singer-songwriter.
The 2025 lineup, from August 8th to 16th, includes Berchidda and approximately fifteen other municipalities and locations in the island’s north. The scenery ranges from the rocky landscapes and Mediterranean shrublands of Gallura, through vineyards of Vermentino and forests of Monte Limbara, to the charming squares of small towns in Monte Acuto and Logudoro. Speaking of music and culture, the ancient charm of Nuraghe Palmavera hosts various performances during the eighth edition of JazzAlguer, scheduled from April to October at some of Alghero's most iconic locations, from its historic center near the seafront to picturesque wineries.
Since 1988, Cala Gonone Jazz has been a classic event combining enchanting melodies with natural beauty. The concerts of the 38th edition take place over ten days, from July 19th to 29th, in Cala Gonone, a coastal hamlet of Dorgali. Performances alternate between two venues: the traditional Aquarium and the iconic Bue Marino Caves, famous for their acoustics and setting, reachable by mini-cruise from the village’s harbor. The inaugural evening performance on Friday, July 19th, is held in the spectacular auditorium of the caves. Four additional days of music follow, totaling ten performances. The grand finale on Tuesday, July 29th, features a morning performance at Bue Marino and, under the starlit sky of Palmasera promenade, two evening concerts and a closing DJ set.
From July 31st to August 14th, the XVI edition of Nora Jazz takes place in Pula, in its customary all-female format, Women In Jazz. The musicians perform in the poetic setting of the Roman theater within the archaeological site of Nora. Castelsardo, a prestigious member of the club "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy," hosts part of the traveling festival "Musica sulle Bocche" from August 8th to 31st, artistically directed by Enzo Favata. Here, music and landscape profoundly merge to offer a deeper listening experience. Entirely urban yet equally captivating is the context in which Cagliari hosts the prestigious international festival Jazz in Sardegna - European Jazz Expo in October.
It’s not just jazz—Sardinia also has a deep passion for the blues. From July 23rd to 26th, the 35th edition of the Narcao Blues Festival will showcase masters of African-American musical culture (blues, gospel, R&B, funk, and soul). It’s an unmissable event for enthusiasts. Similar vibes characterize a historic Ogliastra festival founded in 1992, Rocce Rosse Blues, running from July 12th to August 13th in Lanusei. In addition to numerous national and international blues artists, the festival has cultivated a singer-songwriter spirit over the years, represented this year by Vinicio Capossela, Lucio Corsi, and Cristiano De André.
