Andorra Debuts Jazz Association with Free Concert for International Jazz Day

Escaldes-Engordany hosted a free concert on Wednesday evening at the Prat del Roure vestibule to observe International Jazz Day, marking the official debut of the Associació Amics del Jazz d’Andorra while launching promotions for the 42nd Andorra International Jazz Festival.

The event on 29 April—aligning with the UNESCO-designated observance on the 30th—began with a performance by the Escaldes-Engordany Jazz Band at 7.45pm, followed by pianist Kic Barroc at 8pm. Barroc showcased tracks from *Entor*, his second solo album released in February, which fuses introspective jazz with funk and bossa nova elements. No reservations were needed for the open-to-all gathering.

Organised by the Escaldes-Engordany council, the occasion also introduced the new association, formed by jazz enthusiasts after informal gatherings in January. The group finalised its statutes and notary act in March and now awaits final registration to convene its constituent assembly, with plans to launch fully ahead of the 2-9 July festival featuring top international jazz figures.

Leadership includes president Marc Pantebre, vice-president Josep Maria Ubach, secretary Ester Peralba, treasurer Josep Sarlé, and vocal members Enric Bartumeu and Fernando Blanco. Pantebre described the association as a way to channel shared passion, promote the genre, boost its visibility, and build a community for fans and newcomers alike. He emphasised jazz's broader value as culture, creativity, self-expression, and a path to introspection and personal growth.

Ubach stressed uniting long-time aficionados while introducing the genre's rich history to others, calling it a release for long-suppressed enthusiasm. Peralba outlined aims to support local musicians and nurture a lively scene.

Initial activities will focus on intimate formats: discoforums for album listening and discussion, dinners paired with live music, introductory workshops and seminars, school outreach, and eventually small concerts. The group is forging links with similar organisations in Catalonia and southern France—already contacting nearly a dozen—to foster collaboration. Leaders positioned the effort as complementary to events like the Escaldes-Engordany Jazz Festival, not competitive, and expressed readiness to aid its continuity.

Several council members attended, earning thanks for their support in establishing the entity. Membership is open at amicsdeljazz.ad for an annual 40-euro fee, with updates via website, social media, and a WhatsApp group for members.