Jazztage Dresden reduces the program for cost reasons

The Jazztage Dresden have considerably reduced their program for cost reasons. Instead of 100 concerts as in the last edition, there will only be 20 events this year, the organizer announced in Dresden on Wednesday. "Under the current conditions and the extremely low funding, the small Jazztage team with four and a half positions can no longer realize this festival, which is important far beyond national borders, as usual," emphasized director Kilian Forster. In 2024, the signs are now pointing to a radical downsizing of the festival and the main focus is on maintaining the institution and the small festival team. According to Forster, the attendance figures for the 2023 Jazz Days only just fell short of the pre-coronavirus pandemic figures. With an occupancy rate of over 90 percent, the festival is even among the best compared to similar events. Despite these figures, a current 40 percent increase in costs cannot be absorbed. Jazztage Dresden now wants to base most of its program on the tours of artists and spread it out over the year. A benefit concert to support the festival is to take place on April 23 at the Dresden Kulturpalast. If the plans work out, the aim is to return to the old festival size in 2025 - the 25th anniversary of the festival.