"It's a must-see in the summer program": interview with the founder of Festi-Jazz in Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne

The Saint-Cézaire Jazz Festival association, founded in 2008, aims to promote jazz music and organize the Festi-Jazz. Frédéric Rouquier, president and founder of the association, reveals the main points of the 2025 edition, which will take place from July 28 to August 2.

How would you describe Festi-Jazz?

It's a week of jazz in Saint-Cézaire, with a master class offered by professors and public events. The master class includes instrument lessons as well as group practice workshops. It's a gathering for musicians who want to improve their technique and play together in front of an audience.

What courses are offered?

The masterclass offers instrumental workshops on guitar, piano, saxophone, vocals, double bass, and drums. There is also combo rehearsal work for concert preparation, and more specific classes dedicated to harmony and rhythm.

What are the highlights of this new season?

Street jazz will take place on Monday the 28th and Tuesday the 29th, among the village's café terraces. The masters' concert will take place on Wednesday the 30th in a unique atmosphere. It will feature performances by Philippe Cocogne, Julien Osty, Chloé Cailleton, and Kareem Kandi, among others.

And the Jazz Aperitif?

It's a unique, friendly experience, enjoyed over a glass of friendship. On August 1st, it will be the trainees' turn to perform in public to present their work from the week, in the pedestrian square. The festival will conclude the following day with a two-part concert featuring the masters and trainees.

What are the prospects for the future?

Festi-Jazz has existed for seventeen years. It has grown and has room for further development. It is now a staple of the village's summer programming. Without the municipality, which supports us in this adventure, none of this would be possible. We are still looking for volunteers for the festival week: setting up the venues, helping with concert setups, setting up advertising, and driving cars to welcome trainees. As such, volunteers are considered members of the association. We hope for the same success as last year for this new edition, which promises wonderful moments of music and sharing.

Learn more about Festi-jazz, in Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, from July 28 to August 2.

Info: festi-jazz.org