From the early days of the festival and up until today, the festival has grown to become a solid and large event. Maijazz has become one of the foremost annual cultural events in the Stavanger region. Like most cultural projects, Maijazz also experienced a challenging startup, and it was not a given that they would succeed. However, today one can safely say that the festival is a result of a strong team effort between skilled artists, volunteers, supporting politicians, loyal sponsors and last but not least, a growing and competent audience. Everyone has in their own way contributed to developing the festival to one of the country's leading jazz festivals. Maijazz is interested in playing a role in the exciting development of the Stavanger region.
City oozing of life during the festival
Maijazz will contribute to the joy of music, insight and reflection among its audience. However, also to good entertainment, experiences and injecting life in the city centre of Stavanger. Maijazz has contributed positively to the region in bringing artists such as Jan Garbarek, Pat Metheney Group, Herbie Hancock, E.S.T, Joe Zawinul and Youssou N’dour just to mention some of the famous artists that have visited Stavanger and Maijazz.
Constantly developing
Maijazz aspires to be a driving force in the cultural development of this region. In course of the last years, the established cooperation with the University of Stavanger has truly accelerated. Bjergsted Jazz Ensemble is a cornerstone of the festival. The series «Tett på en Helt» (the "Blå Trå" series at Stavanger Jazzforum) has become one of the most popular series among the students at the Institute of Music & Dance/UiS. The cooperation with Stavanger Katedralskole/Musikk Dans & Drama, Vågen highschool in Sandnes, St. Svithun highschool and Kulturskolen in Bjergsted, is about the development of musicians, the development of musical life in the region, and last but not least it is about the evolution of the audience.
