The municipally-run Technopolis multi-space, the capital’s old gas-work factory recognisable by its tall, red-lit brick tower, is launching the 19th Jazz Festival from Monday 27 May until Saturday, June 1st. It first began in 2001 by hosting jazz performers from around Europe, but since 2011 the successful event began welcoming musicians from around the world.
The vibe at this annual event, which packs in jazz-lovers from all walks of life and ages, is always buzzy, easy-going, colourful and varied, much like the line-up itself, as people lounge on the grass taking in the sounds and chatting, sipping cold beer sold throughout the space. Not only because it’s free to enter but also because Athens has become a jazzy capital over the last 20 years, the event is also a testament to how popular this music genre has actually become here.
This year’s Athens Technopolis Jazz Festival will present a total of 21 music groups, starting on the first day with a tribute to Greek jazz musicians, while the rest of the week will feature performances from as far and wide as Denmark, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Norway, the United Kingdom and Poland.
There will also be a host of side-events taking place, from street-food stalls and live DJ sets, cocktail stands and interactive games. These will all be part of the Meet Market, another long-time Technopolis institution. Records, retro collectibles, hand-made art, accessories like jewellery and handbags, natural cosmetic products, designer and vintage fashions, home decor items, furnishings, paintings and organic foods are among the great finds visitors will be able to explore through and buy at around 120 stalls.
On Saturday June 1st and Sunday 2nd there will also be games for children organised by the PAIZONTAS team, who will entertain and educate groups of kids via imaginative activities, and a child-psychologist / child educator team that will show kids The Art of the Mask, teaching them how to create a mask while educating them on the history and meaning of this ancient and contemporary theatrical object.
Technopolis is reachable via the Kerameikos metro (5 minutes walk).
A: Pireos 100.