“A beautiful, magnificent human adventure”: the passion for jazz has lasted for 37 years in Conilhac-Corbières

Since 1987, Conilhac-Corbières has vibrated to the sound of the musical world of jazz. 37 years… A longevity which owes nothing to chance but owes everything to a group of around thirty volunteers who are as invested as they are motivated. “It is above all a beautiful, magnificent human adventure,” René Grauby, the president of the organizing association, and Marie, his daughter-in-law, treasurer, constantly say proudly.

The festival therefore returns here every year to illuminate with its melodies an otherwise gloomy month of November which, as a result, takes on beautiful colors here. It is proud to welcome world-renowned artists – from Didier Lockwood to Guy Lafitte and Richard Galliano to name a few – while giving local talents a chance. A happy cohabitation desired by these volunteers who, year after year, have been able to innovate, open up to new horizons and professionalize themselves while maintaining what makes them strong: a high-level program thanks to loyal partners, a good-natured atmosphere and a warm and attentive welcome from the artists hosted here at “Temps d’aimer”, the town’s hotel-restaurant.

From five big bands from Aude to world stars

Who still remembers that it was in 1987 that it all began when the Department chose this small town of 1,000 souls to promote the five big bands from Aude. Five Fridays and the sixth, it was a professional big band from Toulouse! The following year, the municipality began organizing its own concerts, always in November. This is how Jazz Fridays were born. In 1996, an association of associations created “Jazz sur Conilhac en terre d’Aude”! At the same time, we opened a second place, the Jazz Cellar, dedicated to local musicians who liven up the post-concert in partnership with the Corbières region, an unusual scene where memorable jams take place between amateur and professional artists. For twelve years, the cellar has come back to life, once a month, outside of the festival from January to June, and highlights, at each meeting, a local winemaker.

Jazz resonates in schools and colleges

Jazz sur Conilhac in the lands of Aude is also an operation to seduce young audiences with, for years in partnership with the intercommunity, an action with schools in the area which benefits some 1,200 children each year. , which are offered their own festival. For three years, it has now been “Jazz at the college” where groups go to meet 700 students from public establishments in Lézignanais! An investment by volunteers rewarded in recent days by the approval which allows the association to appear in the Adage catalog of National Education. Quite a recognition.

37 years already… The small festival has become so big that it is of interest to production houses who offer posters to volunteers. They chose accessible jazz; beautiful music for all audiences that can be enjoyed from November 2 until the 29th, over five Saturdays (with three concerts: opening act, headliner and jazz cellar) and two Sundays. Some names to remember for this edition: Richard Galliano trio; Sarah McKenzie 5tet; Stefano di Battista 5tet; The committee; Swing ambassadors & Susanna Sheiman… to name but a few.