What you must not miss during Breda Jazz Festival 2025

Opening Breda Jazz Festival 2025

BOSCO. We can now call them our house band, as bandleader Daan Bongers composed 'The Breda Overture', inspired by Breda and the Breda Jazz Festival. Come and enjoy their performance during the festival opening and then attend the Breda Jazz Festival itself.

• Grote Markt, Thursday 29 May, 13:00
  
  

Sound of Europe presents: Global Jazz Rhythm Ensemble (INT)

The Global Jazz Rhythm Ensemble is the result of collaboration between students from the Fontys Academy of Fine Arts, who combine their passion for music and art in dynamic and expressive performances. The band blends diverse musical backgrounds and styles, ranging from jazz and world music to more contemporary influences. A great collaboration with Stichting Sound of Europe, which creates platforms for innovative and boundary-pushing crossover music from Europe. To be visited at Brandpunt.

• Brandpunt, Thursday 29 May, 16:00

Tribute to Billie Holiday ft. Nicolle Rochelle & Festival Surprise Band

American singer Nicolle Rochelle can perform Billie’s music like no other. Nicolle is a powerful entertainer whose vocal talents are well matched by her impressive stage presence. If you can’t make it to De Avenue on Thursday, no worries; Nicolle will be performing throughout the festival and she will sing during the Gospel concert on Sunday at the Grote Kerk.   Order your tickets here.

• De Avenue, Thursday 29 May, 20:30
  
  

Ray Gelato & his Giants (UK)

Ray Gelato, the 'Godfather of Swing', has been bringing his unique blend of swing, jazz, and R&B to audiences worldwide since 1988. Ray performs both with his band and as a solo artist. 

• Spanjaardsgat, Thursday 29 May, 17:00
• Grote Markt, Friday 30 May, 19:30

Pluutjesparade with The Juggets and afterwards free Children's concert with MayDay Jazzband

This year we also have the Pluutjesparade. First, decorate your little ghost together at Nieuwe Veste, then walk through the city with the band to show your ghost, and afterwards, at 14:00, enjoy singing along with May Day Jazzband during the free children's concert at De Avenue.

• Nieuwe Veste, Friday 30 May, 11:00 AM
  
  

Dixie Company (PL)

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Breda’s liberation. To emphasize this, we have brought this Polish band to Breda.

• Grote Markt, Friday 30 March, 1:30 PM
• Haven, Friday 30 March, 4:30 PM

Andrew Oliver and the Fried Seven play Jelly Roll Morton (INT)

The Fried Seven, an international group of young musicians from Amsterdam, share their passion for Early Jazz by playing those characteristic tunes from the '20s and '30s. They've appeared at the Breda Jazz Festival several times; always a celebration. Order your tickets here. 

• De Avenue, Friday 30 March, 8:30 PM

Tribute to Ray Charles ft. Uros Peric (INT)

Sheila Raye Charles, the daughter of the famous Ray Charles, describes Uro Peric as the true embodiment of Ray himself. For the audience, Peric's performances bring the real sparkle and glamour of the golden age of blues, jazz, and soul to life.  Order your tickets here.

• The Avenue, Saturday 31 May, 8:00 PM

Mama Shakers (FR)

Hold on tight, here comes Mama Shakers from France, the swinging whirlwind that will blow your socks off! Our programmer is proud to have secured them!

• Kasteelplein Noord, Saturday 31 May, 4:15 PM
• Spanjaardsgat, Sunday 1 June, 3:30 PM

Gospel concert ft. Nicolle Rochelle & Festival Surprise Band & Elijah Gospel Choir (INT)

The gospel concert has been a fixed part of the programme since the very first Breda Jazz Festival. As mentioned before: Nicolle Rochelle will also shine here. She is once again accompanied by the Festival Surprise Band. The Elijah Gospel Choir is also back on the line-up. Guaranteed to give you goosebumps, that we can promise. Purchase your tickets here.

Grote Kerk Breda, Sunday 1 June, 10.30 am

Chicago Stompers (IT)

The Chicago Stompers are Italy’s youngest 'hot jazz' band, playing the repertoire of American and European bands from circa 1924-1933. Classic jazz enthusiasts must go and see this! They will be performing on Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June 2025.

• Spanjaardsgat, Saturday 31 May, 1.00 pm
• Grote Markt, Saturday 31 May, 10.30 pm
• Kerkplein, Sunday 1 June, 1.00 pm

Ruben Hein (NL)

Pianist, singer and passionate birdwatcher, Ruben Hein is highly praised for his characteristic, warm voice, eccentric piano playing and soulful pop songs. He will be performing at the festival on Sunday 1 June 2025. A great way to immerse yourself once more in the atmosphere of Breda Jazz Festival.

• Grote Markt, Sunday 1 June, 3.30 pm

Final Concert (INT)

See everyone one last time, enjoy one more time, and of course we sing together We'll Meet Again. The final concert in De Avenue marks the end of this edition. Tissues will be available in the venue!

• De Avenue, Sunday 1 June, 6.00 pm