JAZZIAM is an international jazz meeting with accompanying showcase and panel discussion.l, where players in jazz and improvisational music from all over the world gather to create contacts and exchange experiences. Sara Aldén participated from us at Musikcentrum Väst in the event between March 12 and 15, 2025 to support our Swedish musicians and promote international collaborations on behalf of Musikcentrum. An MCV member – Sisters of Invention, who was selected for the showcase during the Swedish focus on Thursday, was present.
JAZZIAM began with an official inauguration of JAZZIAM, followed by showcases where Catalan and Spanish musicians had the opportunity to present their music to international bookers and organizers, including a whole group of Swedish bookers and organizers who were on site with the organizer network Knutpunkt.
Thursday, March 13
The morning began with more showcases by Spanish musicians. During the afternoon, the Swedish showcase was in focus, where two Swedish acts performed their contributions: Sisters of Invention (members of Musikcantrum Väst) and Hannes Bennich (member of Music Center South)
These acts received a very warm and nice reception from both the audience and the bookers present. Sara Aldén, together with Musikcentrums Riks international coordinator Ragnar Berthling, was on site to support the Swedish musicians and convey their music and PR material to international bookers and organizers.
The Swedish focus was initiated by Knutpunkt and through this initiative two Swedish showcase performances were made possible and a platform was created for Swedish players to be visible on the international jazz scene. It also gave our Swedish organizers the opportunity to see which Spanish music acts they might want to have on their stages through a project called Green Pilot Tour – a project that aims to create environmentally friendly tour loops around Europe, something we are of course curious about and want to be inspired by and pass on to our members.
Friday March 14
The showcase program continued with more exciting music acts during the day and in the afternoon a “Meet the Pro” event was also held where Knutpunkt had the opportunity to present its bookers, including Jazz in Malmö, Älmhult Music and Arts and Jazz in Helsingborg. In addition, the participants were able to hear the record labels’ thoughts on what they look for when booking and signing artists. The day ended with more showcases, which contributed to further networking opportunities and new contacts for Swedish musicians and promoters.
Summary and reflection from Sara
JAZZIAM 2025 was a very successful and rewarding experience. The Swedish presence was strong, and through concerted efforts, Swedish musicians were able to gain international exposure and the opportunity to make valuable contacts. Sisters of Invention and Hannes Bennich gave truly fantastic performances that were appreciated by both the audience and industry professionals, and the support from the Swedes on site was strong and warm.
Attending helped strengthen the opportunities and visibility of the Swedish acts. Together with Ragnar Berthling, I served as an important link between the musicians and the international players, creating long-term opportunities for Swedish jazz on the global stage.
The event was an inspiring experience, filled with fantastic music, valuable meetings and new collaborations.
The second image is photographed by Josefin Stacey.
/Sara Aldén, MCV