Branford Marsalis and Brad Mehldau for Antibes’ Jazz À Juan Festival

There are a number of eye-catching headline concerts announced for the 62nd Jazz à Juan that runs from 10 to 21 July in Juan-les-Pins, Antibes, France. Numerous big names jazz and world artists appearing include the Brad Mehldau Trio, Branford Marsalis Quartet, Youn Sun Nah, Melody Gardot, Lizz Wright and crossover classical pianist Ludovico Einaudi, and a concert with French Comorian singer Imany, Angélique Kidjo and Fatoumata Diawara. Others who will be performing on the historic Pinède Gould stage will be recent double Grammy winner Samara Joy, fellow Grammy winner Jacob Collier, festival favourites Nile Rodgers and Chic, leading European Afro-jazz fusion band Sixun making their first stage appearance for 13 years, and guitar star Joe Bonamassa.

Two of the main concerts are free, one being the part church service-part Gospel concert that traditionally ends the festival and the other being the 14 July French National Day concert, which is traditionally topped off with fireworks. Also free are the Jammin' Juan Summer Sessions taking place before the night's main concert and featuring a carefully selected line-up of emerging European jazz groups, several of which will have earned their place by impressing at the previous November's Jammin' Juan Jazz market place. The festival programme also includes Marching Bands in the streets, a late night Festival jazz club and, new this year a nightly After Party on the beach and morning jazz down the road at Antibes' media centre, plus a jazz themed exhibition and guided jazz walks.

For full details visit www.jazzajuan.com