The "city of the linden trees" hosted in June the third edition of its jazz festival, to the ecstatic response of all participants as well as jazz aficionados whocame to the open-air stage each evening for a portion of jazz music. The organizers chose the archaeological reserve in the city center as the natural décor of the stage - this was where the Decumanus maximus, one of the main streets of the ancient Roman city of Augusta Traiana, was located. An ambiance where concerts are really unmatched. Among the foundations of ancient stone buildings, jazz fans met with the works of Bulgarian composers. Such was the theme of the festival selected by Ventsislav Blagoev - initiator and artistic director of the event.

The hosts from the Military Big Band in Stara Zagora and the young girls from Pink World quartet, conducted by Captain Tsvetomir Vassilev, performed at the event as they are among the traditional participants in the forum. And also trumpeter Ventsi Blagoev who this year joined briefly different formations, including the MAD Triofrom Mexico.

Also, Bulgarian pianist Lyubomir Denev presented his own music, performingwith a chamber ensemble and as conductor of the Military Band with guest vocalist Milica Gladnishka.

Acoustic Version trio gave a concert dedicated to the 30thanniversary of the group. In several of the plays soloist was saxophone player Vladko Karparov (a Bulgarian musician living in Germany). There was also music for sextet, trio and duo of Mario Stanchev (who has for decades been living in France). Along with him came saxophonist Lionel Martin, with whom they have common projects. That was one of them.

"The festival presented many of our best songwriters and bands”, summarizes drummer and composer Hristo Yotzov. “It is noteworthy that more and more people from Stara Zagora are interested in the event. I guess they'll remember the event with the strong individuals - for example, the attractive French saxophonist Lionel. I think for the first time Mexican jazz musicians played in Bulgaria. I especially liked the young pianist Dimitar Bodurov who experiments with different compositional methods. As for my part, it was in two different formations. The Acoustic Version which we set up together with Antoni Donchev, and Mario Stanchev's new trio which brought me really strong emotions. Besides a great musician and advocate for this style, Vetsislav Blagoev definitely has and organizational talent and succeeds in uniting so many individuals with his ideas. All the time there was a real festival atmosphere - we played together, we talked about various problems, we listened to the music of our colleagues. Those who attended the jam sessions probably have experienced interesting moments."

The audio file contains the following tracks:

In a Good Mood, performed by the Military Big Band from Stara Zagora and Pink World quartet

Bass Swing, composed by Daniel Hidalgo Wong, performed by Ventsislav Blagoev and MAD trio from Mexico

On the Phone, performed by Mario Stanchev - piano, Lionel Martin - saxophone

Almond Leaf, performed by Vassil Spassov Quartet