Elbjazz Festival Returns to Hamburg with Renewed Focus
Hamburg, July 11, 2026 – The Elbjazz Festival has made its anticipated return to Hamburg after a one-year break, promising an enhanced focus on its jazz roots and a stronger connection to the local music scene. The festival, which kicked off on Friday and continues through Saturday, features a mix of global superstars and emerging local talent across four stages at the Blohm&Voss shipyard.
Tom Jones Makes Hamburg Comeback After 17 Years
Among the headliners is the legendary Tom Jones, who, at 86 years old, is making his Hamburg comeback after a 17-year absence. Jones’s current performances lean heavily towards blues and jazz, aligning with the festival’s musical direction. He is scheduled to perform on Saturday at 10:30 PM.
NDR Bigband to Reinterpret Miles Davis
A highlight of this year’s festival is the NDR Bigband’s performance, which will breathe new life into Miles Davis’s “Filles de Kilimanjaro” with an interpretation by John Beasley. This special event, titled “Miles Davis at 100 – Filles de Kilimanjaro Reimagined,” underscores the festival’s commitment to showcasing high-caliber jazz performances.
New ‘Hamburg-Stage’ for Local Artists
A significant addition to the 2026 edition is the introduction of the “Hamburg-Stage,” exclusively dedicated to showcasing bands from Hamburg on both Friday and Saturday. Ina Lieckfeldt, who has been planning the festival since September, emphasized the unprecedented local focus this year. “The festival’s opening will be handled by the Big Band of the Hochschule für Musik und Theater,” Lieckfeldt stated.
Practical Experience for Young Musicians
The Big Band of the Hochschule für Musik und Theater, composed of young students, has been diligently rehearsing for their performances. For these emerging musicians, performing at Elbjazz is a unique and invaluable experience. Melanie Streitmatter, a double bassist, noted, “This is definitely a very special event for us. We are all very much looking forward to it.” Guitarist Anton Deysz added, “It’s not normal, of course, because it’s a big home game for us. We’ve been at Elbjazz for years, both as musicians and as listeners. Of course, it’s a great opportunity to play there.”
Wolf Kerschek, head of the jazz department, highlighted the importance of such opportunities for musical education: “We need this. This is the reality: presenting yourself in front of many people and being yourself at the crucial moment. This is a wonderful cooperation we’ve had since the beginning of Elbjazz. It’s very important to us.” The musicians performing at Elbjazz also receive a fee for their appearances.
International Stars and Expected Attendance
In addition to Tom Jones, the festival expects to draw over 20,000 attendees, who will also enjoy performances by other internationally renowned artists such as Jamie Cullum, Joss Stone, and Chilly Gonzales. The festival aims to present a blend of established world stars and those who are on their way to becoming one.
Festival Management and Logistics
The construction of the four stages at the Blohm&Voss site began a week prior to the festival, involving extensive hammering, screwing, and cable laying. Ina Lieckfeldt has been overseeing the entire planning process since September, ensuring a smooth execution of the event.
Future of Hamburg’s Music Festivals
The Elbjazz Festival’s return is set against a backdrop of broader discussions about the future of music festivals in Hamburg. Organizers are exploring strategies such as shorter durations, seating options, and a focus on niche genres to counter the trend of festival cancellations. The NDR Kultur newsletter continues to inform enthusiasts about events and cultural offerings.
Source: NDR.de
