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.

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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