The northern Greek city of Kozani will host its first EcoZani Festival on October 16-17, bringing musicians from Greece and abroad together for two nights spanning jazz, improvisation and traditional music.
Opening night features Kozani’s veteran Apopsis Trio – Manolis Koutsounanos on drums, Giorgos Tzoukas on piano and Lakis Tzimkas on bass – joined by Eljona-Eleni Sinjari on vocals and ancient lyra.
Friday’s program also includes “The Greek Jazz Book Concert @Kozani,” featuring compositions from the contemporary Greek jazz scene performed by the project’s house band and guest musicians from Macedonia.
Saturday brings Polish ensemble Light Star Guiding, which blends jazz with psychedelic rock, cinematic and ambient influences. The quartet includes British saxophonist Ray Dickaty, known for his work with Spiritualized and the international free-improvisation scene.
The festival closes with the Vangelis Vrachnos Quartet from Thessaloniki, drawing on its recent album “Astrografia.” The group brings together saxophone and politiki lyra, oud, double bass and drums, combining contemporary jazz, improvisation and traditional influences.
Organized as part of the European EcoZani project, the festival also emphasizes sustainability and accessibility under its “3Z” principles: Zero Waste, Zero Emissions and Zero Exclusion.
The EcoZani Festival takes place at the Kozani Municipal and Regional Theater (DIPETHE) Arts Hall. Advance tickets start at €10 and are available through More.com. Information: Tel. 210.771.0979.
