By Katya Schwenk
Rabat – Jazzablanca Festival is seeking applications from Moroccan artists to perform, organizers said Wednesday.
The annual festival showcases jazz and jazz fusion, attracting musicians from around the globe to Morocco. Last year, crowds totaling 75,000 gathered for a week of festivities in Casablanca, attending concerts in the city’s streets, theaters, and at more intimate venues.
Jazzablanca will take place this year July 2-7.
Read also: Postmodern Jukebox, New JBs and Tom Odell Performing in Jazzablanca 2018
The festival spotlights both traditional jazz performance and artists who are modernizing the genre, per their website. They hope to draw attention to innovation in jazz—and to the local jazz scene in Morocco.
This is the fourth year the festival has reserved spots for Moroccan performers. The selected musicians will perform on an official stage at the festival—either the Casa-Anfa racecourse or the BMCI Stage at the United Nations Square.
Last year, Moroccan singer Sonia Noor performed as did the Moroccan trio Barons of Baltimore, who blend poetry with electronic music and jazz.
Read also: ‘Ahwach Jazz’: Artist Revisits Morocco’s Past with Modern Musical Fusion
Organizers have not yet released the program for 2019’s festival, but high-profile stars topped last year’s lineup, including British singer Tom Odell and the eclectic musical collective Postmodern Jukebox.
The 2018 program featured 50 concerts, with sounds ranging from Saharan blues to contemporary Spanish jazz.
Performers have until April 15 to submit their applications. All Moroccan nationals and Moroccan residents are eligible.
Read also: Agadir Vibrates to the Rhythms of Jazz with ‘Anmoggar N Jazz’
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