Jazz, nature and a cause under the stars of the Devetashko Plateau

For the 12th
consecutive year, the picturesque Devetashko Plateau has become an open-air
stage for fans of improvised music. The “Jazz Under the Stars”
festival began on Friday (June 26). As tradition dictates, the opening was
entrusted to the women from the community cultural center in the village of
Gorsko Slivovo, who performed folk songs from their repertoire interpreted in a
jazz style. The unique musical
experience under the stars was further enriched by the Portela & Terziev
Quintet. At its core are the young musicians Petar Terziev (vocals) and
Alejandro Portela (bass clarinet), who met while studying at the conservatory
in Barcelona and now bring their talent to the stage on the plateau.

Saturday’s program
promises more memorable moments. It begins at 7:30 p.m., and admission to all
events is free. Organizers encourage visitors to attend with their children and
even their pets. Trumpeter Ventsi Blagoev will lead special “Jazz for Children”
workshops aimed at introducing young audiences to the magic of improvisation.

A piano-and-bouzouki duo will also take the
stage. This unconventional format was created by
award-winning Swedish pianist Joel Lyssarides and Greek bouzouki virtuoso
Georgios Prokopiou. For the first time beneath the open Bulgarian sky,
audiences will hear compositions from their 2024 album Arcs, where
contemporary jazz meets Greek music and modal sounds to create a unique
crossover project, according to the festival organizers.

According to festival director Iva
Taralezhkova, the event has already grown “beyond” its original vision and has evolved
into a festival with a cause — one that brings the community together and draws musicians from Bulgaria and abroad. Playing in a natural
setting gives artists more room for inspiration. Visitors wishing to stay for the whole weekend can
choose from a growing number of local guesthouses, as well as designated areas
for tents and campervans.

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov