SANI FESTIVAL

Every summer, from July to August, Sani Festival proudly brings together Greek and international artists, strengthening the cultural bond between natives and visitors. Rooted in jazz, the first event took place in 1992 over three days. Since then, the programme has naturally evolved beyond one main genre, hosting a wide variety of musical acts, from the likes of pop and rock to classical and indie, alongside the ever-present jazz masters. As the festival’s repertoire has grown, so too has its reputation and global reach, with ever more popular international acts performing each year.

To welcome in the month of August, Sani Festival is organizing the biggest summer party around; the legendary UB40 will take to Sani hill alongside their singer and frontman, Ali Campbell, for what promises to be a lively night full of music, rhythm, and dance. Blending reggae with pop and rock sounds, UB40 was formed in the early 70s. Synonymous with fun, partying, cheer and reggae, the band have had countless hits worldwide, performed thousands of concerts and for four decades remained the most commercially successful band in the genre, boasting a permanent place at the top of the charts.

The famous jazz saxophonist, Jan Garbarek, returns to Sani Festival this summer after many years away. Ever evolving throughout his illustrious career, the Norwegian virtuoso has always sought new and different sounds. From the musical traditions of his own country to improvisational medieval modes, Middle Eastern rhythm and world jazz, he has searched to find the “common language”, as he describes it, to “suit the tone, texture and feeling of each different music”. Playing the saxophone with sensitivity, the Jan Garbarek Group featuring Trilok Gurtu will thrill Sani Hill this summer with an unforgettable night of jazz and music of the world.

Sani Hill becomes a kaleidoscope of colours as night falls: the brilliant orange of the setting sun, the vivid lights of night-time performances, the moonlight beaming down from a starlit sky. Watch as artists perform at heady heights, against the dramatic backdrop of a ruined Byzantine tower and the Aegean Sea.