From July 15 to 18, Saulkrasti will host the 28th “Saulkrasti Jazz 2026” festival, which this summer will focus on rhythm and the art of drumming. The festival will feature an extensive concert program, the Baltic Drummers’ League, and traditional jazz masterclasses for young musicians. The festival’s most prominent international guests will be virtuoso drummer Nicolas Viccaro with his project “Nicolas Viccaro Xperience” (France) and the U.S. – UK joint jazz ensemble “Interplay” featuring the charismatic vocalist Cheryl “Pesii” Riley.
This year, two big bands from Latvia will take the stage with special programs—the “Ventspils Big Band,” which, together with pianist and composer Anna Wibe, will perform her new album “Spectrum.” This will be the only opportunity this year to hear Anna Wibe’s album performed in its entirety live. Meanwhile, the “Latvian Radio Big Band” has prepared a special concert—an energetic tribute to the legendary jazz drummer Buddy Rich. In honor of this program, the “Latvian Radio Big Band” will feature no fewer than three drummers on stage—Artis Orubs, Andris Buiķis, and Kristaps Jānis Sokolovs.
Among the international jazz guests performing at this year’s festival is Nicolas Viccaro, one of Europe’s most sought-after and dynamic jazz drummers, with his project “Nicolas Viccaro Xperience” (France). In his music, Viccaro moves between modern jazz, rock, and world music, and throughout his career he has performed alongside world-class artists such as Hans Zimmer, Bill Evans, Étienne Mbappé, John McLaughlin, Richard Bona, and Mike Stern.
The U.S.-U.K. jazz collective “Interplay” will perform jazz music infused with soul and R&B vibes. The group will feature the particularly dazzling vocals of Cheryl “Pepsii” Riley, while the backbone of the ensemble will be the outstanding drummer Nathaniel Townsley.
