GigTips: June 2009

With the Prague summer there usually comes a glut of outdoor concerts and festivals. Dotted around the Czech Republic they seem to cover the entire spectrum of musical tastes, including of course jazz.

The United Islands (19, 20/6) festival is one of Prague’s biggest, taking place in a number of different locations around the city. On the Friday (19/6) you can catch the jazz part of the festival at Jazz Dock where both the Marcel Flemr Band and Ondřej Konrád & Gumbo will be playing. There will also be a jam session afterwards.

On the Saturday (20/6) the jazz moves to Kampa where a whole host of Czech and international outfits will be performing. Kampa is a beautiful place in the summer sunshine and, weather permitting, this should be a perfect place to spend the day. The only problem with being there is that you will not be able to marvel at the guitar genius of Luboš Andršt: he will be appearing with Michal Prokop on the Žofín stage.

If you want even more festival jazz then the Saturday will continue back at Jazz Dock with acts that include the lovely (and vocally excellent) Veronika Diamant.

More details can be found at http://www.unitedislands.cz/.

There do seem to be a lot of interesting things happening at Jazz Dock. Prague Jazz has yet to visit this club but will be doing so this Friday, so do come back next week for more information. On (10/6) acclaimed pianist Najponk will be playing there with his Trio, apparently making a return to active service on the Prague scene.

The fun and frantic Rhythm Desperados will once again be at AghaRTA Jazz Centrum this month (23, 24/6). Mixing hot playing with bouncy fun these guys are well worth seeing.

Finally, if you are going to splash the cash required to go to Reduta (and heaven forbid that you buy a drink there!), then you might as well go and see something special. Emil Viklický will be there (26/6) with Bobby Wellins, Dave Wickens and his regular bassist František Uhlíř. We hardly ever advocate going to Reduta, but for this one night we cannot advocate being anywhere else!

Remember to reserve places in advance if you want to be sure of a good seat, and do please tell the venue that you saw the gig recommended here on Prague Jazz.