The “Schlesi”, the gateway to Kreuzberg, is always good for a jam. Those who pitch their musical tent here in a sunny moment are rewarded by an instant audience gathered around them within seconds. Which makes this area an excellent geographical entrée into the XJAZZ-Festival, taking place from May 5th to 8th. Starting in the afternoon, visitors can dive into the contemporary continuation of Jazz. Because XJAZZ is just more than Jazz. It’s Jazz magnified by x. It’s Jazz in x different shapes and sizes.  It’s a hybrid of various influences, a crossover from related types of music. The festival presents over 80 concerts in 11 clubs (and one church) and a musical range from traditional Jazz to Funk, Soul and Hip Hop to singer/songwriter melodies and new classical music. Of course, we are aware that this leaves visitors exquisitely spoilt for choice. So we went and hand-picked a few acts from this kaleidoscopic bouquet and are giving away 1×2 tickets for them. Those of you looking for music that “sounds like a hug, a kiss feels” will find it at the cinematically inspired session of German-American-Persian Malakoff Kowalski  on Friday at 6 p.m. in the Lido. Friends of contrasts will love the combination of intimate lyrics and driving beats of Me & my Drummer (Friday, 9 p.m., Emmauskirche). Hip Hop Aficionados should head for the Prince Charles at 11 p.m. on Thursday. The trio Green House Expansion is playing the logical connection of Jazz and Hip Hop, lyrically led by the first Hip Hop artist ever allowed to perform in the legendary Blue Notes Jazz Club: MC Stimulus. If you feel like dancing, we’ll send you to the Bi Nuu at 11 p.m. on Thursday to experience the international ensemble Ilhan Ersahin’s Istanbul Sessions – instrumental music made for hoofin’ it. Or, our final offer: The temporary, dynamic and musical collaboration of greats such as Casper Clausen, Martyn Heyne or Greg Haines. »The Group« will be filling the Lido with their spherical sounds at 12.30 a.m. on Friday. If you want to go to one of these concerts, send an email headlining ‚AND ALL THAT JAZZ‘ to hurra@muxmaeuschenwild.de. Everyone else will find some other amazing acts in the elaborate programm on offer at XJAZZ (Sophie Hunger! Miss Kenichi!! Nightmares on Wax!!!). Because Jazz ain’t just Jazz ain’t just Jazz.
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XJAZZ Berlin | 5th to 8th Mai in 11 clubs und 1 church | www.xjazz.netFacebook | Events

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