RIGAS RITMI FESTIVAL
Rīga, LV
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Krišjāņa Valdemāra iela 5, Rīga, LV
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Bio: Rigas Ritmi Festival is the most loved improvisation, jazz and world music happening in Latvia. The stages are located at different spots in Riga featuring concerts by both - world-famous and young musical talents. It is already nineteenth year of the festival and on its stages performed more than 550 artists from around the world. Rigas Ritmi so far is attended by more than 170 000 people thus festival has gained the status of a state-importance cultural event. Initially the festival took place once a year during the first week of every July, but in the last eight years it has expanded to additional Winter and Spring concert sessions. Rigas Ritmi Festival is a musical celebration in the very middle of Baltic States with performances of outstanding artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Diane Reeves, “Take 6”, Richard Bona, “BBC Big Band”, Patti Austin, Freddy Cole, “The Yellowjackets”, Victor Wooten, Buika, Jojo Mayer, Medeski Martin & Wood, Robert Glasper, Diane Schuur, Adam Ben Ezra as well as the greatest Latvian musicians and new talent from all around. The idea of an international contemporary jazz and improvisation music festival in Riga in 2001 was initiated by Latvian jazz musician and producer Maris Briezkalns, who currently holds the position of the festival’s artistic director. Among the cornerstones of the festival are master-classes and seminars held by world renowned masters. Every year young people, music teachers, journalists as well as others attend these happenings. One of the festival’s main objectives is to educate, both the audience and young musicians. Besides diverse concerts the festival also features jam sessions and workshops, where world-known musicians share their knowledge and experience to new talent, serving as inspiration and is the turning point for many young musicians in their careers. Welcome to jazzy, groovy Riga!
