Vlatos Jazz Season 6
What happened in the world in 2023
In 2023, the world was defined by escalating violence and disasters: The Israel-Hamas war erupted in October (following Hamas attacks killing ~1,200 and taking hostages, leading to massive Israeli response in Gaza with tens of thousands dead and humanitarian catastrophe); Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continued into its second year with heavy casualties and stalled offensives; devastating earthquakes struck Turkey/Syria (Feb, ~62,000 dead), Morocco (Sep, ~3,000 dead), Afghanistan (multiple, thousands dead), and Libya floods (Storm Daniel, ~5,300+ dead); Cyclone Freddy ravaged Malawi/Mozambique; global temperatures shattered records amid “global boiling” warnings; AI breakthroughs (e.g., ChatGPT’s mainstream surge) sparked excitement and fears; major political shifts included U.S. debt ceiling brinkmanship, India’s G20 presidency, and coups in Africa (e.g., Niger, Gabon). It was a turbulent year of polarization, humanitarian strain, and environmental urgency.
Vlatos Jazz 2023 Program (Season 6)
The sixth season of the Vlatos Jazz Festival solidified its status as a cherished summer tradition, presenting intimate, acoustic-only jazz and world music concerts every Sunday evening in the historic 150-year-old stone church (Vlatos Music Hall) in the mountain village of Vlatos, western Crete. Curated by violinist Maria Manousaki, the season ran from early June to mid-September 2023 (opening June 4 with “Swinging Strings” featuring Maria Manousaki on swing classics and Greek tunes, closing around September 17), featuring unplugged performances, candlelit intimacy, mountain breezes, and a limited live audience (~50–100 seats) in a post-pandemic world of renewed cultural gathering.The lineup expanded with a dynamic blend of international virtuosos, Greek/Cretan talents, and fusion explorations—emphasizing acoustic purity, community connection, and soulful innovation. Full concert recordings are archived on the official YouTube channel (@VlatosJazz, “S06 Vlatos Jazz Season 6 (2023)” playlist), capturing standout artists and performances:
- Spiral Trio — energetic opener bonus track.
- The Southern Sound Project — southern grooves.
- Maria Manousaki Band — curator-led sets with her signature Cretan-world fusion.
- Ariacne Trujillo (Cuban pianist/vocalist with Panayiotis Andreou on bass and Sebastian Nickoll on percussion) — powerful music from Cuba (July 19 highlight).
- O Kwarteto — Polish-influenced jazz.
- Felix Schrack Trio — vibrant European energy.
- Tamuz Nissim & George Nazos — emotive collaborations.
- Aliberta — unique sounds.
- John Kohler — international flair.
- Maria Manousaki Quartet — standout sets including “Departed” and other originals (multiple parts archived).
- Limakis & Koliakoudakis — Cretan depth.
- Tetraicho — innovative group.
- Yiannis Oikonomidis — local highlights.
- And others like additional Maria Manousaki Quartet features.
Organized by the Cultural Society “New Horizons” (with Marin Vlatos’s involvement), the season remained volunteer-powered, sustainable, and deeply tied to Cretan heritage—offering joyful, connective live music amid global turbulence. The preserved videos (including high-view clips from Maria Manousaki’s quartet and Ariacne Trujillo) showcase the festival’s maturing artistry and enduring appeal as Crete’s hidden acoustic gem.
Spiral Trio, The Southern Sound Project, Maria Manousaki Band, Ariacne Trujillo, O Kwarteto, Felix Schrack Trio, Tamuz Nissim and George Nazus, Aliberta, John Kohler, Maria Manousaki Quartet, Limakis & Koliakoudakis, Tetraicho
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