The long-awaited Jazzkaar Free Concert Day is back. On Sunday, April 26 from 11:00 to 19:00, young talents, beloved artists, and unique ensembles will take the stage, presenting fresh programs. Throughout the day, visitors can move from concert to concert, browse the record market, discover music in unexpected places, and wander at their own pace.
“On this day, Jazzkaar’s concert venues are open to all music lovers and Sunday strollers alike. The program features Estonian-language songs, funk and fusion, French classics, as well as new original works. The evening will conclude with the cinematic, airy, and pleasantly jazz-infused Antonio Tensuro Band,” says Jazzkaar’s program manager and producer Birgit Krullo.
The day begins at Fotografiska with a concert by the Laulustuudio Laulumarjad children’s choir and Mari Jürjens, featuring Jürjens’ beautiful Estonian-language songs performed by the artist herself alongside young soloists, duos, and ensembles. These are sincere and heartfelt songs about life, emotions, and dreams, resonating with listeners of all ages.
At the F-hoone Black Hall, the MUBA stage will be set up for the day, showcasing future stars currently studying at the Tallinn School of Music and Ballet, performing with their first bands. This is a rare opportunity to hear young talents at the very beginning of their musical journeys. The detailed MUBA stage schedule can be found on Jazzkaar’s website and on-site during the event.
On the terrace of Põhja Konn, MUBA Bigband Goes Lettuce will bring out the sun with funk and fusion vibes. This energetic 25-member ensemble pays tribute to the U.S. funk instrumental collective Lettuce, founded in 1992. In addition to the big band’s young musicians, surprise soloists will also take the stage. Arrangements and conducting are by Karl Madis Pennar.
Rebecca Kontus will bring a touch of Paris to Fotografiska with her Édith Piaf portrait concert. The program “Hymne à l’amour” features timeless Piaf classics such as “La vie en rose” and “Non, je ne regrette rien,” transporting listeners to distant decades of melancholy, passion, and elegance. She is joined by Tiit Kalluste on accordion and Taavo Remmel on double bass.
In the afternoon, at the Stella Soomlais studio shop, Alika will be heard in a completely different light. One of Estonia’s most distinctive young artists will present her powerful and expressive voice in an intimate duo format with guitarist Markus Nurmsaar. The program features Alika’s original music, blending sensitive pop, whispering melodies, and personal stories.
At Von Krahl Bar, the Créa Pop-Up Choir invites everyone to sing along—no prior singing experience required. Participants will engage in simple vocal, rhythm, and improvisation exercises and learn a song together. A spontaneous choir will emerge, focusing on listening, mutual support, and creating a shared sound. The session is led by Maria Väli and Susanna Aleksandra Veldi, with Karl Madis Pennar on guitar.
Also performing at Fotografiska is Sten-Olle & nii edasi, a group that is at once cool, intriguing, and moving. On his way to hip-hop stages, Sten-Olle makes a brief stop at Jazzkaar to share his atmospheric soundscapes and warm stage presence. The lineup includes Sten-Olle Moldau, Tõnu Tubli, Martin-Eero Kõresaar, Jaan-Eerik Aardam, Simone Minn, and Markus Bachmann.
The Free Concert Day concludes at Fotografiska with the Antonio Tensuro Band and their program “Into the Evening with Noise and Rumble!” Exactly 38 minutes of music that is jazzy, cinematic, and infused with a retro Eastern flair. Drummer Kristjan Tenso’s new instrumental project explores phases of human transformation and the conflicting emotions that accompany them. Performing are Artur Leppik, Siim Sõmer, Oliver Kaljula, Kaur Einasto, Mattias Tirmaste, and Kristjan Tenso.
In addition to concerts, visitors can explore the record market at the Jazzkaar info point, join a Telliskivi Creative City tour, and visit Pamela Audiobar’s listening club “Jazzkaar Record Shelf.”
FREE CONCERT DAY PROGRAM
Sun, April 26, 11:00–19:00, Telliskivi Creative City
11:00–17:00 Jazzkaar Info Point
Record Market
11:00 Fotografiska Tallinn
Laulustuudio Laulumarjad children’s choir & Mari Jürjens
11:30–16:30 F-hoone Black Hall
MUBA Stage (see detailed program on the festival website)
12:00 Põhja Konn Terrace
MUBA Bigband Goes Lettuce
13:00 Fotografiska Tallinn
Rebecca Kontus, Taavo Remmel & Tiit Kalluste – “Hymne à l’amour”
14:00 Stella Soomlais Studio Shop
ALIKA
14:00 Telliskivi Creative City
Telliskivi Creative City tour (meeting point in front of F-hoone)
14:00–17:00 Pamela Audiobar
Listening club “Jazzkaar Record Shelf”
15:00 Von Krahl Bar
Créa Pop-Up Choir
16:00 Fotografiska Tallinn
Sten-Olle & nii edasi
19:00 Fotografiska Tallinn
“Into the Evening with Noise and Rumble!” – Antonio Tensuro Band
The Free Concert Day is made possible thanks to great partners: Telliskivi Creative City, Fotografiska Tallinn, F-hoone, Põhja Konn, Stella Soomlais, Pamela Audiobar, and Von Krahl.
The 37th Tallinn International Festival Jazzkaar takes place from April 25 to May 2 across Estonia. Traditionally centered in the inspiring Telliskivi Creative City, the festival also brings concerts to audiences in Tartu, Pärnu, Viljandi, Haapsalu, Otepää, and Rakvere. Young jazz enthusiasts aged 7–20 can attend with a 50% discount. See the full program and artists on the festival website. Stay updated via the website, Facebook, and Instagram. Tickets are available through Piletikeskus.
The festival’s main sponsors are JURA, Jazz Pesulad, and Delfi Kultuur. Annual supporters include United Motors, Nordic Hotel Forum, and Tallink. The Jordan Rakei concert is supported by Viru Keskus, and the Kennedy Administration concert is presented by Seesam Insurance. The festival center is supported by Telliskivi Creative City, Prike, and Fotografiska Tallinn. Additional supporters include Reval Café, Aren, Aktaprint, RGB Baltic, the Estonian Authors’ Society, Piletikeskus, the Ministry of Culture, the Estonian Cultural Endowment, UNESCO City of Music Tallinn, and the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency. Artists from abroad are supported by the Austrian Embassy, the Embassy of Brazil, and the French Institute in Estonia.