Nicosia Jazz Festival

Cyprus News - 22.6. 09

Jazz lovers should head off to Nicosia on two evenings this week - Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd June - when the streets of the traditional suburb of Aglandijia will be brought to life with the sweet sounds of live jazz.

The Aglandjia jazz festival has only been a regular event for a couple of years and, according to the Cyprus Mail, has proved to be a considerable success, attracting music lovers from all walks of life. The live music festival takes place in the streets of an otherwise quiet residential area in Nicosia.

Old Aglandjia is one of the areas in the capital that retains traditional charm with little cobbled streets and tiny houses which give way to Old Aglandjia Square. The festival offers live music for free with the aim of getting ordinary people together to enjoy music in a wonderful atmosphere. It also attracts serious jazz fans; the kind who are prepared to go out of their way to enjoy these kind of events.

So, if you want to try something a little different, why not make your way to Aglandijia on Monday or Tuesday evening this week and enjoy great music in a wonderful setting?

On Monday night, you can hear The Outer Soul Ensemble and Elizabeth Simonian Quintet and on Tuesday it’s the turn of the World Music Quartet and Andreas Georgiou Ethnic Jazz Trio.

There are also some talented local bands playing at the festival, mixing styles and giving audiences the chance to get to know the jazz talent from across the island. First to perform on Monday evening is the Outer Soul Ensemble, a seven-piece groove band that incorporates jazz, funk and afro soul. Well-known names include Charis Ioannou, Lefteris Moumtzis and Ioannis Vafeas.

Then it’s the turn of the Elizabeth Simonian Quintet - an intimate but dynamic group that mixes calm and intensity in their performances. Elizabeth is well known for her great voice and while many will have seen her sing at the Paradise Jazz Festival, others will know of her from various other performances across the island. Then there’s the World Music Quartet performing on Tuesday with original composition and traditional melodies. The newly formed band from Limassol also consists of well known names including Savvas Houvartas and Alkis Agathokleous. Last up on Tuesday is the Andreas Georgiou Ethnic Jazz Trio, mixing European musical styles with ethnic characteristics of the Mediterranean, India and Africa.

In true Cypriot style, drinks and souvlaki will be available for everyone on both nights. Enjoy!
Aglandjia Jazz Festival 2009.

22nd and 23rd June, Old Aglandjia Square, Nicosia. 9pm.

Entrance Free, more information on (00357) 22-462058