Vienna Jazz Fest kicks off today

Vienna’s Jazz Fest starts today with Bobby McFerrin, best known for his song “Don’t worry, be happy”.

The three week festival will take place at various locations and feature artists such as Paolo Conte at the Stadthalle on June, 24 and Bryan Ferry in the Staatsoper from July.

Soul legends Charles Bradley and Bobby Womack as well as Rebekka Bakken and Randy Crawford are also part of the programme.

Marlon Roudette will be performing for a slightly younger public. China Moses and Chris Dave & The Drumhedz, “the most dangerous drummer in the world”, will also be showcasing their talent.

The event is not just an opportunity to celebrate great voices, but also great instruments that have shaped the music scene of the 20th century: blues guitarist Bonnie Raitt will also be performing at the national opera (Staatsoper) at the same time as Mike Stern at Porgy & Bess. George Benson will be performing at the opera after Bonnie Raitt on July, 6.

Guitar legend Shuggie Otis and Robben Ford will be playing blues on July 8 and 9 whilst Harri Stojka is likely to break speed records with his Gypsy-Jazz.

Many more international stars from Brazil, Indonesia, China, Italy, India, the Balkans, Africa and the Nile region will also be attempting to transmit their passion for music, spirituality and rhythm.

Organisers said they aim to show that jazz can be a really fun type music with which one can have a lot of fun.

The “worse show master of all times” and special guest Helge Schneider will also be performing his top songs “Katzenklo” and “Käsebrot” at the Stadthalle on June, 27.