Savoy JAZZFest, which will be held for the fifth time in 2023, is one of the top jazz events in the capital region.
Samara Joy, who will perform at the Savoy JAZZFest on March 2, was awarded two Grammy Awards in February, in the categories Best New Artist and Best Jazz Vocal Album for her album Linger Awhile. The Grammy nominations were Joy's first. Previous winners of the Best New Artist category have included e.g. Adele (2009), Amy Winehouse (2008) and Alicia Keys (2002).
The 23-year-old Samara Joy's career has progressed like a rocket. After winning the Sarah Vaughn singing competition in 2019 at just 21 years old, the singer has performed with jazz icons such as Christian McBride and amassed millions of Tiktok likes on her vocal videos. Joy has been called the first jazz vocalist star of Generation Z. Joy has also been nominated for Spotify's Guide to the Best New Artists of 2023.
Growing up in the Bronx, Samara Joy grew up surrounded by gospel, as both her grandparents and father were gospel artists. Jazz won over gospel when she heard Sarah Vaughn's version of the classic Lover Man while studying. Love for jazz classics is also part of her 2022 album Linger Awhile, with which she covers well-known tunes such as Misty and Someone To Watch Over Me. Performing at the Savoy Theatre with Joy are Luther Allison, piano, Evan Sherman, drums and Michael Migliore, bass.
A two-part special concert by guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel will take place at the Savoy JAZZFest in March. Other performers ath festival include e.g. bassist Dave Holland, pianist Gerald Clayton and vibraphonist Chien Chien Lu. The program of the festival is curated by the new artistic director Kaisa Mäensivu.
The festival's program mainly presents big names and rising stars of international jazz. The main partner of the event produced by the Savoy Theater is Hotel Haven.
Savoy JAZZFest 2.–5.3.2023
Thu 2.3.2023 Samara Joy
Fri 3.3.2023 Kurt Rosenwinkel & UMO Helsinki: Caipi / & Blake, Mäensivu, Peri
Sat 4.3.2023 Gerald Clayton: White Cities
Dave Holland Trio with Kevin Eubanks and Eric Harland
Sun 5.3.2023 Richie Goods & Chien Chien Lu: Connected
Tickets
Tickets lippu.fi: https://www.lippu.fi/artist/savoyjazzfest/
Tickets for individual concerts: €17-67
Saturday day ticket (incl. both concerts): €75
Festival pass 4 days: €185