Mayor Christian Estrosi, festival director Dimitri Triadafillidis, artistic director Sebastien Vidal and festival parrain Richard Galliano gathered today at the Nice Opera to announce the line up for this year’s Nice Jazz Festival. First, Mayor Estrosi reminded the group that his decision to move the festival from its traditional home in Cimiez has been a success. Last year showed a 17% increase in the number of visitors. He also promised that the setting would be much improved this year as landscaping has been completed on the new Jardins Albert Premier.

The festival will kick off on July 8 with Richard Galliano and the Nice Jazz Orchestra. Also on the bill will be Cecile McLorin Salvant, Kris Bowers, Keziah Jones, Ben L’Oncle Soul and Patrice.

The headline July 9 will be the Christian McBride Trio. Also appearing will be Snarky Puppy, Vincent Peirani & Emile Parisien, Metronomy, Ibrahim Maalouf and Electro Deluxe.

Jazz legend Kenny Garrett is the star on July 10. That evening will also rock to The Daptones, Deep Purple, Har Mar Superstar, Eli Degibri Quartet and Nikki Yanofsky.

July 11 will see the return of Dr John & The Nite Trippers plus Butler, Bernstein & the Hot 9, Tony Paeleman Quartet, the Gipsy Kings, Cody Chesnutt and Robin McKelle & the Flytones.

The festival will close on July 12 with Ed Motta & Nice Jazz Orchestra Horns, Joshua Redman Quartet, the winner of Tremplin Off, Cassius, De La Soul Live Band and The Galactic.

Tickets are sold at the preferential rate of €31 only until May 8. Better hurry! See more at the Nice Jazz Festival 2014 site.