The picturesque town of Šilo, located on the northeastern coast of the island of Krk, is once again becoming the epicenter of top-tier musical art. In the atmosphere of warm summer evenings, to the delight of numerous jazz lovers and those who are yet to become them, the now traditional festival “Šilo Meka Jazza” returns. The fourth edition of this esteemed musical event will be held on July 24th and 25th, and the idyllic space of Mala placa will once again be transformed into a magical stage under the starry sky. What makes this festival even more attractive is the fact that entry to all programs is completely free, thus opening up the highest level of culture to the widest audience.

In the past three years, the “Šilo Meka Jazza” festival has established itself as an unmissable cultural event that significantly enriches the tourist and cultural offer not only of Šilo, but also of the entire Municipality of Dobrinj and the island of Krk. It has become synonymous with quality, an intimate atmosphere, and musical excellence, gathering visitors from all over Croatia and abroad. Every year, the program brings carefully selected performers, combining established names of the scene with new, exciting musical projects, and this year's edition continues on that successful path.

The first evening dedicated to a guitar virtuoso: Ivan Pešut Quintet

The festival magic begins on Thursday, July 24th, starting at 9 PM, when the Ivan Pešut Quintet takes the stage. To speak of Ivan Pešut is to speak of one of the most respected and sought-after Croatian musicians of the last two decades. This guitarist, producer, arranger, and author from Rijeka is a versatile artist whose musical signature is woven into countless albums and performances by the most famous names on the Croatian music scene. Although he is known to the general public for his collaborations in the pop and rock music domain, his true passion lies in instrumental and jazz fusion expression, where his virtuosity and creativity come to full expression.

Pešut's career is marked by a series of prestigious awards. He is a multiple winner of the Porin award, including one for the best instrumental album, which confirms his status at the very top of instrumental music. Also, he has been honored four times with the professional Status award from the Croatian Musicians' Union for the best guitarist in the pop, rock, and urban music category and for the best fusion musician. His musical journey began early, and by the age of fifteen, he was working as a professional. He continuously improved his skills at international workshops in the United States of America and Italy, learning from world-renowned guitar giants like Paul Gilbert and Andy Timmons. Pešut sublimates all this experience and knowledge in his authorial work, and his quintet brings the audience in Šilo a sophisticated, yet energetic performance. We can expect an evening filled with complex harmonies, dynamic improvisations, and a soundscape that combines technical superiority with deep emotionality. It will be a musical journey that pushes the boundaries of genres, ideal for opening the festival.

A double musical treat for the festival's closing

The second day of the festival, Friday, July 25th, brings a double program and starts a bit earlier, at 8:30 PM. The audience will have the opportunity to enjoy the performances of two extraordinary ensembles of completely different but complementary sensibilities: the Liburnian Love Runners Band and the Slovenian Just Friends Quartet.

The evening will be opened by the Love Runners Band, a quartet of top musicians from the Liburnia region who are known for creating an infectious atmosphere and great interaction with the audience. Their musical expression is a unique fusion of jazz, blues, soul, and Latin music. Through original interpretations of well-known standards, as well as their own compositions, this band takes listeners on a vibrant journey through world music. Their performances are characterized by fantastic energy, a rhythm that gets you moving, and a musicality that delights. The band consists of proven musicians, and their combination of vocals, guitar, saxophone, and percussion creates a rich and layered sound, perfect for a relaxed summer evening filled with dance rhythms and positive vibrations.

After an energetic introduction, the atmosphere will change with the arrival of guests from Slovenia. The Just Friends Quartet brings a completely different, but equally impressive experience. It is an ensemble that nurtures and reinterprets the sound of the quartet of the legendary American saxophonist Sonny Rollins from the golden age of jazz, the 1950s. Their approach is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition and is characterized by elegance, subtlety, and a special emotion. With their playing, they create the atmosphere of an authentic jazz club, conveying the spirit of one of the most important periods in the history of this music. The quartet, led by a prominent Slovenian saxophonist, does not stop at reinterpretations; they also upgrade their repertoire with original authorial music written in the spirit of traditional jazz. In doing so, they show not only deep respect for the greats but also their own creative strength. Their performance in Šilo will be a real treat for all true connoisseurs and lovers of the classic jazz sound.

Šilo as a stage under the stars

What gives the “Šilo Meka Jazza” festival its special charm is precisely the location. Mala placa in Šilo, with its intimate and relaxed atmosphere, provides the perfect setting for this type of event. The sounds of top-notch jazz, mixed with the murmur of the sea and the summer breeze, create a unique and unforgettable experience. Šilo, once exclusively a fishing village, is today an attractive tourist destination known for its sandy beaches, clear sea, and rich history, and events like this give it an additional dimension of urbanity and cultural prestige. This festival is not just a concert, but a complete experience that combines music, nature, and pleasant socializing. This is an invitation for everyone to come and enjoy the magical jazz atmosphere under the open sky, in the heart of the island of Krk, and to surrender to the musical masteries that will, without a doubt, mark the summer in Šilo.