From 14 January, the Jazz Dock in Prague will host the “Jazz from Four Continents” festival, featuring a high-calibre line-up of international jazz stars who promise a truly diverse musical experience.
This year’s “Jazz from Four Continents” (Jazz čtyř kontinentů) kicks off on Tuesday, 14 January, at the Jazz Dock. Audiences can expect performances by renowned artists not only from the international jazz scene. Highlights include celebrated singer Stacey Kent, pianist Sullivan Fortner, trumpeter Marquis Hill, and singer-composer Garth. As one of the most diverse festivals of its kind, tickets for individual evenings often sell out quickly, so early booking is advised.
Festival Opening on 14 January: Hetty Kate Trio
Hetty Kate is a vocalist known for her brilliant delivery and charismatic interpretations. Born in England, raised in Australia, and now residing in Paris, she is regarded as one of Australia’s finest mainstream jazz singers. Her performances showcase warmth, natural musicality, and a deep love of jazz standards.
Kate’s singing is marked by clarity and lightness, evoking the elegance of female jazz vocalists from the 1940s and 50s. While staying true to the original melodies, she imbues each performance with her unique style. Over the past decade, Hetty Kate has graced prestigious jazz festivals in Europe, the USA, Asia, and Australia, with standout performances at the New York Winter Jazz Festival, Sapporo International Jazz Festival, Ascona Jazz Festival, and Malta International Jazz Festival.
Notably, she toured as a vocalist for celebrated Australian multi-instrumentalist James Morrison and performed alongside the Czech National Symphony Orchestra at the Prague Proms in 2016.
Admission:
Seated: 600 CZK
Standing: 300 CZK
Here is a selection of other artists at this year’s festival:
- Sullivan Fortner Trio | 19 February, 20:00
New Orleans pianist Sullivan Fortner has earned recognition as a leading musician and producer. He gained fame for his work on the Grammy-winning album The Window with Cecile McLorin Salvant. As a soloist, his critically acclaimed albums Moments Preserved (Decca, 2018) and Aria (Impulse!, 2015) showcase his extraordinary talent. Fortner, who resides in New York, has received numerous accolades, including multiple wins in the DownBeat Critics Poll categories for “Rising Star Piano” and “Rising Star Jazz Artist.”
- Marquis Hill – Composers Collective | 14 March, 20:00
Trumpeter Marquis Hill pushes the boundaries of genre, blending traditional and contemporary jazz with hip-hop, R&B, Chicago house, and neo-soul. Known for his innovative approach, Hill’s Modern Flows Vol. II combines jazz improvisation with hip-hop rhythms and socially conscious lyrics, solidifying his place as one of today’s most forward-thinking musicians.
- Stacey Kent | 22 March, 19:00
American jazz vocalist Stacey Kent captivates audiences worldwide with her soulful interpretations. With over two million albums sold, half a billion streams, and a Grammy nomination, she is one of her generation’s most significant jazz singers. Her repertoire spans original compositions, collaborations with her husband and producer Jim Tomlinson, and projects with Nobel Prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro. She has also worked with Brazilian legends Marcos Valle and Roberto Menescal.
- Garth. | 26 March, 20:00
Brooklyn-born artist Garth has performed on major stages across North America and Europe, including Carnegie Hall, the Apollo Theatre, and Lincoln Center. His latest album, Coronation, is a nostalgic tribute to the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, blending R&B, pop, and soul to create a vibrant and captivating musical experience.
For further details and additional artists, visit the festival’s website at www.jazzdock.cz.