Congo Square, a non-profit music society dedicated to the promotion and exposition of jazz, blues and associated music is bringing to Kolkata a musical manna of sorts, as they have for many, many preceding years. JazzFest, in itself grown into a significant titular event in the global jazz circle is bringing artists of international renown to the east Indian city on November 29, 30^th and December 1^st. In collaboration with numerous art counsels, consulates, art agencies and jazz organisations operating across the world, Congo Square creates an intimate yet expansive setting in which music lovers are able to interact with authentic,  soul-striking music in the midst of kindred souls and tonal and technical virtuosos.

Congo Square’s promise of quality is unprecedented. Having played host to illustrious names such as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Kenny Garret, Lisa Henry, Rene Rama Quartet & Oriental Wind, Shakti, Clark Terry, Globe Unity Orchestra, Charles Mingus Dynasty, Louiz Banks, Embryo Larry Corryel, Karin Krog, George Brooks,  Selva Ganesh,  RonuMazumdar, Eric Truffauz, Saskia Laroo, Scott Kinsey, Seamus Blake, Jonas Hellborg, Shawn Lane, Mandu Sarará, Eric Löhre, Warren Walker, Izaline Calister, Frøy Aagre, Dafnis Prieto, Bu JazzO and  Prasanna among others, they are seasoned players in the exquisite event-planning game. As expected, they have accumulated consistent critical acclaim from prestigious sources including esteemed journalistic dailies such as The Telegraph and The Times of India. Thanks to them, this city has seen unforgettable moments like Watermelon Man Herbie Hancock and saxophone god Wayne Shorter, dominate the stage and all the listeners’ minds.

But what’s most striking is the lineup for . Day 1 sees  Carlos Bica and AZUL Trio (Germany) and Milan Svoboda Quartet (Czech Republic). Day 2 features Aakash Mittal Quintet (India/Australia/USA) and Prasanna and the Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music Faculty Band (India/USA/Mexico) and finally, Day 3 brings Yuri Honing Wired Paradise (Netherlands) and George Brooks Summit (USA/Germany).

Dazzled yet? If so, you can get tickets priced at Rs. 300 (Daily) and Rs. 750 (Season) here. So, prepare yourself for some of the most memorable evenings in this lifetime.  As Henri Matisse put it, “Jazz is meaning and rhythm.”