North Sea Jazz Festival, Rotterdam

North Sea Jazz Festival, Rotterdam – The Complete Guide

The fascinating city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands is getting ready to host the 47th edition of North Sea Jazz Festival!

If you are someone who loves to enjoy listening to jazz, hip-hop, blues, soul and other genres of music then this Jazz festival is the place to be. This exciting annual event usually boasts an incredible lineup that will be performing on 16 multiple stages. Planning to go to Rotterdam in the Netherlands and take part in the North Sea Jazz Festival? Then grab a apply for a Netherlands Schengen Visa today. Read this guide to know everything about the wonderful festival to plan your Dutch trip today!

North Sea Jazz Festival History You Should Know

The North Sea Jazz Festival is one of the most popular festivals of the Netherlands. The festival attracts more than 70,000 music lovers and travellers each year!

The first edition of this amazing jazz festival was held in the year 1976 in The Hague. At that time, there were about 9,000 spectators and 300 artists spread across 6 locations for the event.

However, over the years, this festival has grown into an amazing jazz extravaganza loved by everyone!

In the year 2006, the festival moved from the Hague to Rotterdam where it now features 16 stages and more than 1300 performers.

The event grew larger and more popular over time, drawing performers and music fans from all around the world.

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Must-See Performances at the North Sea Jazz Festival

Here are some incredible artists who will be performing at the jazz festival in Rotterdam. Make sure to get your tickets to see the performances of these amazing people:

1). Chucho Valdés

Chucho Valdés is a legendary Cuban pianist and bandleader who will be performing at the jazz festival.

The iconic artist will also be celebrating the 50th anniversary of his band Irakere. On this occasion, he will be giving a special performance titled “Chucho Valdés: Irakere 50”.

Mr. Valdés, formed the Irakere band in 1973 brining a unique genre of music that blends jazz, afro-cuban rhythms and classical influences.

This unique concept band’s music was loved by everyone. It helped the band become of the most influential Latin jazz groups of all time.

Chucho Valdés also went on to win Grammy awards a whopping 4 times. So, get ready to listen to some of his classics like the “Misa Negra”, “Bacalao con Pan” and “Chékere-Son”.

2). Raye

Raye is a famous singer and songwriter from Britain. Made history at the 2024 BRIT Awards by winning a record-breaking 6 awards!

She won the prestigious “Album of the Year” for her debut album “My 21st Century Blues”.

She also won other amazing awards like “Song of the Year” for the song “Escapism” which featured 070 shake. The rest of the awards include the Songwriter of the Year, Best R&B Act, Best New Artist and Artist of the Year!

So, prepare yourself to listen to some award-winning songs and performances at the jazz festival!

3). Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram

Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram is a young blues guitarist and singer from Clarksdale, Mississippi, America. Despite his youth, he quickly rose to popularity due to his amazing skills.

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His first notable achievement was the #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart and Heatseeker album chart. This was due to his debut album “Kingfish” produced by Grammy winner Tom Hambridge.

Apart from this, his other incredible achievements are nomination for “Best Traditional Blues Album” at the 62nd Grammy Awards. However, this was chosen by AllMusic as the “Favorite Blues Album” and “Best Blues Album of 2019” by MOJO magazine, UK.

He has also collaborated with popular blues artists like Keb Mo, Buddy Guy and Eric Gales. He also shared the stage with amazing acts like Samantha Fish and Tedeschi Trunks.

With such an amazing lineup of achievements and wonderful music, you are bound to experience a riveting performance during the famous jazz festival in Rotterdam.

4). Sting

Sting is an English musician, singer, songwriter, activist and actor. He was the main songwriter, frontman for the rock band “The Police”. Later on, when the band broke, he got into performing solo and has a successful career since then.

Sting is an ingenious artist who skillfully incorporates elements of rock, reggae, jazz, new-age, classical, and other genres into his music. With 17 Grammy Awards and over 100 million records sold worldwide, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 as a member of The Police

Achievements: The Jazz festival has been named the “World’s Best Jazz Festival” by JazzTime magazine. It also received the prestigious “Fidof Dipolma” award from the International Organization of Festival Organizers.

North Sea Jazz Festival 2024 Lineup

North Sea Jazz Festival 2024 Lineup

1). Day 1 – 12th July, Friday

The lineup for the first day of the popular Jazz music events Rotterdam includes some incredible artists.

Get ready to be amazed by performances from artists like Avishain Cohen “Banda Iroko”. He will present his new project that is based on the album “Iroko”.

You can also check out artists like D.K Harrel, an award winning blues artist. Then there is Emily King, Lehmanss Brothers, Myra Melford – Fire & Water Quintet and many more!

2). Day 2 – 13th July, Saturday

The 2nd day promises to be yet another wonderful time with top performances from artists like Christone “Kingfish” Ingram.

You can also check out artists such as Corine Bailey Rae, Fire! Orchestra and Harold Lopez-Nussa.

Apart from this, you can enjoy performances of Ibrahim Maalouf and the trumpets of Michel-Ange, Joss Stone, Marisa Monte, Something Else! ft. Vincent Herring.

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3). Day 3 – 14th July

The last day of the jazz festival will host some amazing artists starting with the likes of Sting, Benjamin Clementine and Black Pumas.

Additionally, you can enjoy performances from Candy Dulfer with Jonathan Butler (special guest), Jimetta Rose & The Voices of Creation.

Impressed by such an amazing lineup of artists at the Best jazz festivals in Europe?

Then you need to surely visit and take part in this incredible event. Simply apply for Netherlands visa today to enjoy this wonderful music event in the Netherlands!

How to Get Tickets for North Sea Jazz Festival

You can easily get your tickets for the jazz festival from their official website

The organizers of the jazz festival are offering both day-wise tickets, combined tickets and weekend tickets as well. Here is everything you need to know about the tickets for North Sea Jazz Festival:

1. Tickets for 12th, 13th and 14th July

These are the following tickets that you can get for the Jazz festival for 12, 13 & 14 July:

  • Day ticket for Friday – €135
  • Group ticket – €995 (for groups of 10 people and excludes service fee)
  • Junior ticket – €35 (this can only be bought with a regular ticket)
  • Day ticket with CJP discount – €115
  • Parkhevel lunch package – €235
  • Luxury ticket – €295
  • Parkheuvel dinner package – €280
  • Birdland VIP ticket – €480

2. Weekend Combi Tickets

If you are planning to attend the entire jazz festival, then you can choose the following weekend combi tickets:

  • 3 Day Jazz Festival Ticket – €340
  • Birdland VIP ticket – €1,309

Interesting Fact: The North Sea Jazz Festival is the largest indoor jazz festival in the world!

Things to Do in Rotterdam during Jazz Festival

Things to Do in Rotterdam during Jazz Festival

1). Check out the City Centre of Rotterdam

Rotterdam has a beautiful city centre that is a lively place to explore. You should visit this place to see some amazing attractions like the Markthal food market and Cube houses. Additionally, there is the iconic Erasmus bridge of Rotterdam where you can get some great pictures clicked. The city centre also offers a variety of food & drinks options, thanks to a variety of restaurants, bars and entertainment options!

2). Visit the Kunsthal Exhibition Hall

The Kunsthal is a wonderful exhibition hall that hosts a wide range of temporary art exhibits and installations regularly. When you visit there, get ready to be amazed by the architectural features of the building – outside and inside as well.

3). Explore the Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum is a popular place that is home to a comprehensive collection of Netherlands’ maritime history. Get ready to see a whopping 850,000+ artefacts and models. The museum is one of top attractions of the Netherlands that allows you to learn about its rich seafaring heritage.

Conclusion

North Sea Jazz Festival is an exciting event that you shouldn’t miss out on. Simply book a Netherlands visa appointment from UK so that you can go on an incredible trip to Rotterdam to see the jazz festival with your friends or family.

FAQs

What is the North Sea Jazz Festival?

The North Sea Jazz Festival is an annual jazz event held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, featuring over 1,000 musicians performing across 150 shows. It is the largest indoor music festival in the world, attracting over 60,000 visitors annually

Where is the North Sea Jazz Festival located?

The festival is located at the Ahoy venue in Rotterdam, Netherlands

How do I get around Rotterdam during the festival?

Rotterdam Ahoy is easily accessible by metro and various bus lines. The RET operates larger metros and a longer timetable during the festival, ensuring late-night travel options.

What should I pack for the North Sea Jazz Festival?

Pack accordingly for the weather, which can be rainy. Bring comfortable shoes, a rain jacket, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget your ticket and any required identification.

What is the minimum age requirement for attending the festival?

There is no minimum age requirement. Special Junior Tickets are available for children up to the age of 15, allowing them to attend the festival accompanied by an adult

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