At the end of August, specifically from August 28 to 30, the picturesque island of Lopud will once again transform into a vibrant center of jazz music, hosting the third edition of the now renowned Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival. This unique event will provide young musicians from Croatia, neighboring countries, and around the world with an invaluable opportunity to learn and collaborate with some of the most prominent names on the global jazz scene. This year, the honor of leading masterclasses and sharing her rich experience has been given to a true musical icon – drummer, composer, producer, and music educator Terri Lyne Carrington. Her arrival on Lopud promises an unforgettable experience for both participants and the audience.

Musical visionary Terri Lyne Carrington as a beacon for young talents

Terri Lyne Carrington is a name that has resonated throughout the jazz world for over four decades, shaping its contemporary currents with her exceptional musicianship and innovative approach. Her musical journey began incredibly early; by the age of ten, she became the youngest member of the musicians' union in Boston, demonstrating a talent that, at eleven, earned her a scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Her career has been crowned with four Grammy Awards, including a historic moment in 2013 when she became the first woman to win a Grammy in the Best Jazz Instrumental Album category for her work "Money Jungle: Provocative in Blue". This achievement is just one in a series of accolades that confirm her status as a musical giant; she is also the recipient of the prestigious Doris Duke Artist Award and the Jazz Master Award, the highest American honor for jazz artists bestowed by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

Carrington is known for her exceptionally musical and fluid drumming style, her ability to move effortlessly through different musical genres, and to establish a deep and dynamic dialogue with other artists through her music. Her philosophy of music emphasizes the importance of sincere dialogue and open-hearted listening. "Sincere dialogue and open-hearted listening are among the most important aspects of musical performance. They are the thread that connects the artist with humanity in others and opens space for powerful storytelling. I look forward to these important conversations at the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival," Carrington stated, announcing her engagement at the festival. Throughout her rich and diverse career, she has collaborated with a pantheon of jazz legends, including Herbie Hancock, Dizzy Gillespie, Wayne Shorter, Stan Getz, Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves, and Esperanza Spalding, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. Her influence extends beyond the stage; she is the founder of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice, where she actively advocates for gender equality and greater visibility for women in jazz, opening doors for new generations of female musicians. Her dedicated work and contribution to music and education have also been recognized through honorary doctorates awarded to her by Berklee College of Music, Manhattan School of Music, and York University.

An exclusive opportunity for young jazz hopes and future stars

Every year, the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival provides a unique platform where young musicians from Croatia, the region, and the world have the opportunity to learn directly from leading global jazz artists. Through intensive workshops, joint performances, and informal jam sessions, selected young professional musicians are invited to participate in a transformative musical experience. This year, under the mentorship of Terri Lyne Carrington and other distinguished musicians, participants will have the chance to delve deep into the world of jazz, explore new dimensions of their own creativity, and enhance their artistic expression. The festival emphasizes quality and an individual approach, as confirmed by the festival's co-founder and artistic director, Thana Alexa: "This is a unique opportunity for all jazz musicians who want to work in a stimulating environment and develop into the world's best musicians. We select only two to three musicians per instrument, which makes this experience extremely exclusive and intimate, and each participant truly has the chance to be seen." This approach ensures that each participant receives personalized attention and makes the most of the time spent with mentors. All interested young musicians who meet the necessary requirements can apply to participate through online auditions, which will be open from June 2, 2025. Information about the entire festival program, as well as tickets for evening concerts that will surely enrich the cultural life of the island of Lopud, will be announced soon.

Lopud – Island of inspiration, music, and unforgettable encounters

The idyllic island of Lopud, with its lush Mediterranean vegetation, beautiful beaches, and rich historical heritage, provides the perfect backdrop for the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival. The peaceful and inspiring environment of the island further enhances the unique experience of learning and musical encounters. Imagine learning from world jazz masters in an environment that exudes tranquility, where the sound of the sea and the scent of pine trees become part of the musical inspiration. The island of Lopud is not just a passive background; it actively contributes to the festival's atmosphere, creating a sense of community and creative freedom. Festival visitors, in addition to enjoying top-notch music and educational programs, have the opportunity to explore the charms of this Adriatic pearl, find comfortable accommodation on Lopud, and experience authentic Dalmatian culture. Historically, Lopud has always been a place of encounters, exchange of ideas, and artistic creation, and the Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival continues this tradition, placing the island on the map of unmissable destinations for lovers of jazz music and art in general.

Broader vision: The Ponta Lopud creative platform enriches the cultural scene

The Ponta Lopud Jazz Festival is part of a broader initiative, the Ponta Lopud creative platform, which during the summer months of 2025 will present a total of three significant cultural programs, inviting lovers of various art forms to the island. This platform aims to promote art and culture, creating unique events that connect top world artists with the local community and international audiences. The first in a series of events that will mark the summer on Lopud is the Ponta Lopud Film Festival. From June 26 to 28, 2025, this festival will celebrate the seventh art, bringing film screenings, workshops, and meetings with film professionals, further enriching the cultural offerings of the island of Lopud. After the jazz festival in August, which will fill the island with the sounds of improvisation and musical virtuosity, comes the Ponta Lopud Book Bridge. This literary event, scheduled from September 18 to 20, 2025, will transform Lopud into a haven for writers, readers, and publishers, encouraging dialogue about literature and its role in contemporary society. With these three events, the Ponta Lopud creative platform completes a rich summer cultural season, affirming its commitment to creating inspiring and high-quality cultural content on one of the most beautiful Adriatic islands.