Super Yachts and Jazz Festivals


49th International Jazz Festival Takes Place in Juan Les Pins


Photograph: Joss Stone by Frances Howorth
Best known in super yachting circles as an excellent anchorage and a superb spot to go ashore, Juan-les-Pins during July is to jazz musicians what the Scala of Milan is to opera singers: an important milestone in their career and a very special performance venue.

During the last week it was my great privilege to be able to photograph the Jazz stars under the stars as they performed for an enthusiastic audience of 3000. How many of the owners of the super yachts at anchor close by during the festival were at the show I can not reveal.

“Jazz in Juan” has been described as a veritable mixing pot of styles and the latest trends. This year was no exception with popular music and off-beat, young artistes mixing with the diehards who play the serious Jazz so beloved by the music aficionados.

Stars of this years event were:

  • Joss Stone
  • Jamie Cullum
  • Keith Jarrett Trio

Others performing this year were:

  • Sidney Bechet Memory All Stars
  • Bob Wilber
  • Dr Michael White Sextet
  • Alice Russell
  • Marva Wright
  • The BMW’S Allen Toussaint
  • Roy Hargrove Big Band RH Factor
  • MC Solaar Teychené
  • Jeff Beck
  • Stanley Clarke
  • Marcus Miller & Victor Wooten
  • Eli «Paperboy» Reed
  • Soirée Gospel
  • Tonya Baker

If however you think that was a star studded line up then just wait until the organisers reveal what they have planned for 2010. Next year the festival reaches the ripe old age of 50 and celebrates its half centenary.