Alternatilla Jazz Band

The Alternatilla Jazz Band is not a fixed ensemble in the classical sense, but the centrepiece of the Alternatilla Jazz Festival – one of the most culturally ambitious jazz festivals in the Balearic Islands, held in Mallorca since 2005. The concept is as unique as it is consistent: for each festival edition, a brand-new formation of internationally acclaimed musicians who have never played together before is assembled – a so-called "Ménage à Jazz". The backgrounds, styles and biographies of the participants vary from edition to edition, with Cuba, Catalonia, Italy, France, the Netherlands and Norway among the countries represented. The tenth anniversary edition (#10) brought together luminaries such as Dado Moroni, Perico Sambeat, Ariel Brínguez, Jean-Paul Estiévenart, Jesse van Ruller and Joan Casares on the stage of the Teatre Principal de Palma. A special edition – the Alternatilla All-Woman Jazz Band (2021) – was dedicated to showcasing female jazz musicians, featuring a multinational lineup from the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal and Spain. The festival spans two weeks and takes place in up to ten municipalities across Mallorca as well as on Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Quality over commerce is its stated motto – and that is evident in every lineup.