The middle of summer in the picturesque town of Šilo on the island of Krk will once again this year be marked by top-quality jazz. The traditional and eagerly awaited jazz festival “Šilo Meka Jazza” is returning to its recognizable stage and announces its fourth edition, which will be held this week, on Thursday, July 24, and Friday, July 25, 2025. This two-day musical event, which has become synonymous with quality and an exceptional musical experience, will once again transform the intimate and charming ambiance of Mala placa into a jazz oasis under the summer starry sky. Jazz lovers, as well as all those eager for a unique summer atmosphere, will have the opportunity to enjoy performances by eminent musicians, and as in every year so far, entry to all concerts is free, by which the organizers continue their mission of bringing top culture closer to a wider audience.

Through its previous three editions, the festival has built a reputation as an unmissable event, successfully combining a relaxed seaside atmosphere with a high level of musical performance. It has become an indispensable point on the cultural map of the island of Krk, as well as the entire region, attracting visitors from various parts of Croatia and abroad. It is precisely this combination of an idyllic location and musical excellence that makes “Šilo Meka Jazza” a unique experience, enriching the tourist offer not only of Šilo but of the entire Municipality of Dobrinj. Guests who decide to visit the festival often take the opportunity for a longer stay, and if you are also thinking about it, be sure to explore the accommodation options in Šilo to best experience everything this place has to offer.

Musical virtuosos on the first day of the festival

The first evening of the festival, on Thursday, July 24, starting at 9 PM, is reserved for a musical treat that will be prepared for the audience by the Ivan Pešut Quintet. Ivan Pešut, a name that resonates with strength and authority on the Croatian music scene, is one of the most respected and sought-after guitarists, producers, and authors of his generation. His career, which has spanned more than two decades, is marked by collaborations with almost all relevant names on the domestic scene, but his true passion lies in original instrumental work, especially in the domain of jazz fusion. Pešut's music is a sophisticated fusion of different styles, imbued with technical flawlessness, but also deep emotionality.

His work has been repeatedly recognized and awarded by the profession. He is a multiple winner of the most prestigious domestic music award Porin, including the one for the best instrumental music album, which confirms his status as a top artist. He is also the holder of several Status awards from the Croatian Musicians' Union for the best guitarist in the pop-rock and urban music category. His quintet, composed of top-tier musicians, will bring an energetic and dynamic performance to the audience in Šilo, filled with complex harmonies, improvisational bravura, and infectious rhythms. An evening awaits us where virtuosity will meet innovation, and the audience will have the opportunity to experience a modern jazz expression that pushes boundaries and opens new sonic horizons.

Double music program for the festival's closing

The second festival evening, on Friday, July 25, brings a double program and starts a little earlier, at 8:30 PM. The evening will be opened by the Love Runners Band, a Liburnian quartet composed of experienced musicians who conquer audiences wherever they appear with their fantastic energy and unique interpretations. Their musical expression is a skillful interweaving of jazz, blues, soul, and Latin rhythms. Through their original arrangements of famous world standards, as well as original compositions, the Love Runners Band will take listeners on an exciting musical journey. Their performances are known for their passionate delivery and interaction with the audience, creating an atmosphere filled with positive vibrations and dance energy. The combination of different genres in their performance sounds natural and organic, which testifies to their musical maturity and cohesiveness.

After the energetic introduction, the stage is taken over by the Just Friends Quartet, a brilliant ensemble that comes to us from neighboring Slovenia. This quartet cultivates a specific sound and aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the legendary quartets led by saxophonist Sonny Rollins during the fifties of the last century. That golden age of jazz is known for its raw energy, melodic inventiveness, and uncompromising approach to improvisation. The Just Friends Quartet reinterprets that sound with great respect, adding its own, contemporary touch. Their repertoire consists of carefully selected jazz standards from that period, as well as original compositions written in the spirit of that tradition. Their performance exudes elegance, sophistication, and a special emotion, creating an authentic atmosphere of a smoky jazz club from some past, romantic times under the starry sky of Šilo.

Šilo as the perfect backdrop for a jazz rhapsody

Holding the “Šilo Meka Jazza” festival at a location like Mala placa is a key part of its charm and success. This space, located in the heart of the town, provides a unique, intimate atmosphere that allows the audience to fully connect with the musicians and the music. The experience of listening to top-quality jazz outdoors, with the sound of the sea and a gentle summer breeze, is an experience to be remembered. It is this synergy of music and ambiance that makes this festival special and recognizable.

The event has become an important segment of the cultural and tourist offer of the Municipality of Dobrinj, positioning Šilo as a destination that offers its guests more than just sun and sea. It enriches the summer evenings with content of high cultural value and attracts a specific audience – lovers of music and art who appreciate quality and authenticity. The festival not only brings together locals and tourists who find themselves on the island, but it is also a motivation for many visitors who specifically plan their vacation according to the date of the event. If you want to be part of this magical atmosphere, it is the ideal time to find the perfect accommodation in Šilo and ensure an unforgettable musical weekend. The continuous growth and development of the festival confirm that there is a strong interest in such events and that investment in culture always finds its way to its audience.