The North Sea Jazz Festival was founded in 1976 by Paul Acket, a Dutch businessman and jazz lover. Originally held in The Hague, it moved to Rotterdam in 2006. In 2010, the organizers decided that one festival was not enough and founded a sister festival in Curaçao. The mix of quality music and tropical atmosphere proved successful, and the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival became an annual event. It has been held in late August or early September every year since its inception.
The main venue of the festival is the World Trade Center at Piscadera Bay located in the southern part of Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao. There are three stages, one indoor stage inside the building of the World Trade Center and two outdoor stages outside the Center. Outdoor stages have no sitting and bringing your own chairs is not allowed.
For three days every year, Curaçao is transformed into a world jazz capital, attracting artists and jazz lovers from around the world. The festival line-up includes emerging performers who have yet to get their big break alongside world-class jazz and blues legends. Notable artists who have performed at the Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival include Prince, Rod Stewart, Al Jarreau, Juan Luis Guerra, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, Alicia Keys, John Legend, India Arie, Juanes, Chaka Khan, Ruben Blades, etc.
Of course, the festival offers many performances by local musicians. Curaçao is a multinational country where Caribbean, Dutch, Latin American and other cultures have co-existed for many years, which is reflected in local music. That’s why jazz played by local musicians is a unique experience you shouldn’t miss.
Photo: curacaonorthseajazz.com
