"It's 1996..." is not only the opening line of the German hip-hop classic "Jein" by Fettes Brot. No, it also tells the story of LeipJAZZig e.V.

That year, a concert series was launched with the stated aim of providing a stage for local jazz musicians. So it's no surprise that the current program for the 30th LeipJAZZig Festival reads like a who's who of the Leipzig jazz scene.

Conceptually remarkable is that each evening a small ensemble meets a large one, embodying sometimes a more experimental, sometimes a more traditional understanding of jazz. From the Hammond organ trio to a Coltrane tribute to the mondayboxxx nonet, a wide range of sounds is represented. On top of that, there are several new developments to look forward to: on the first evening, Gellért Szabó's Ideal Orchestra will present its new studio album; on the last evening, the three exceptional musicians Lorenz Heigenhuber, Max Stadtfeld, and Vincent Meissner will meet for the first time in a trio formation. 

The grand finale will be provided, how could it be otherwise, by the LeipJAZZig Orchestra. Conducted and arranged by Stephan König, it will be dedicated to the Hungarian composer Béla Bartók.