Jazz-lovers from all over the world are getting ready to ring in the new year with one of Italy's most celebrated musical events- the Umbria Jazz Festival. The 18th winter edition of the festival is set to kickoff December 29th, with performances running through January 2nd. The festivities will be held in the old Etruscan town of Orvieto.
The 2010 winter jazz festival will center around two main events: a special outdoor concert after midnight on New Years Eve, followed by a New Years Day gospel performance for peace in front of Orvieto's famous cathedral. The rest of the five-day program will be marked with performances set throughout the historic town center.
Orvieto, an Umbrian town renowned for its medieval architecture and local wine, provides a beautiful setting for the international musicians. This years performers include: a piano duo with Stefano Bollani and Chick Corea, Brass Bang, Danilo Rea, Roberto Gatto, Ray Anderson with a super band, and many more.
If you want to ring in 2011 with great music, food and wine, tickets are available on the Umbria Jazz website. There are also several free performances scheduled for all five days in Orvieto's Palazzo dei Sette.
