Since its inception in 2014, which turned the German jazz scene on its head, XJAZZ! Festival has been known for causing a stir. Born from an independent and grass-roots desire to break with conventions, the festival offers a platform for both established and lesser-known artists to express themselves without restraints, merging styles and stretching out the definition of “jazz” to a much broader and more exciting landscape than what is traditionally allowed – from modern classical to electronica and everything in between. Winning Festival of the Year in 2022 at the German Jazz Awards, XJAZZ! continues to uphold and exceed expectations as a premier event in the jazz scene, not only in Germany but across Europe.

For one week a year, Berlin’s Kreuzberg neighbourhood is taken by storm, becoming the world stage for everything new and avant-garde, and a playground for a diverse, urban audience. Spread out through venues big and small, XJAZZ! offers locals and newcomers a unique opportunity to explore music as well as the city in a new way. “The idea was to develop a jazz festival format which represents a clear antithesis to the established German jazz culture,” states founder and artistic director, Sebastian Studnitzky. The rebellious manifesto has persisted resolutely throughout the years, as XJAZZ! has grown into the most famous jazz festival in Germany attracting crowds of around 20,000 from around the world to Berlin.

With over 60 acts, the XJAZZ! 2024 line-up unites a diverse mix of established and emerging talent and marks a proper celebration of 10 years since the festival’s founding. From international icons such as NNAVY, SHABAKA and Joe-Armon Jones to local favourites like Leona Berlin, douniah and Omer Klein, there’s something for everyone. This year’s festival especially showcases a strong presence from the US, with performances by legendary artists like Bill Frisell, Anthoney Hervey, Lonnie Holley, aden, Sasha Berliner, Keiyaa, Annahstasia and Ethnic Heritage Ensemble bringing all the excitement of that scene to this side of the Atlantic. Beyond the renowned acts, the festival guarantees plenty of opportunities for guests to discover new and emerging artists.

Finally, alongside the remarkable line-up, XJAZZ! is also proud to present a series of workshops and panels covering a range of topics including jazz, cultural heritage, and the origins of music. These sessions offer a unique opportunity for guests to deepen their understanding of the genre and engage in meaningful discussions with industry experts. “Music has the incredible power to connect people, which is what drives us as festival organisers. It also requires us to listen well, a skill that we believe is more important than ever in today's world,” says creative director and producer Sebastian Hecht.