We want the celebration to be nationwide so that audiences all over Denmark can experience the historical significance of jazz and its current high quality. Therefore, we are currently seeking musicians, associations, and concert organizers to create exciting events under our Danish Jazz 100 Years umbrella in 2026.

Can you organize an event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of jazz in Denmark?

Do you have an idea for an event, or are you already working on something that conveys and celebrates the past, present, or future of Danish jazz? And can it take place in 2026? If so, please send us an initial description of your event or project.

You will have the opportunity to put your own stamp on the presentation of Danish jazz history while benefiting from the synergy of the overall program. Your idea does not need to be fully developed yet.

Please submit your idea to us by December 20, 2024. Submit your idea here.

What Events Are We Looking For?

We are seeking concerts, exhibitions, seminars, and other events that showcase jazz in Denmark, to take place from January 1 to December 31, 2026. The event should be rooted in 100 years of jazz history in Denmark. It can focus on specific historical milestones (e.g., a particular musician, venue, musical movement, or other), but it can also address the past, present, and future of jazz on a broader scale.

What Can JazzDanmark Offer?

For organizers included in the 100 Years umbrella program, we offer:

• Promotion and Branding under the Danish Jazz 100 Years umbrella.
• Press Support: JazzDanmark will handle press work for the project, leveraging our strong connections with P8 Jazz, All That, and many other music and cultural media outlets, as well as daily newspapers.
• Danish Jazz 100 Years Program: We will create a program that provides an overview of all events, both in print and online.
• Event Promotion: We will promote events through our own channels.
• Consultation on Event Format and Content
• Funding and Fundraising Support: JazzDanmark will organize fundraising seminars for interested participants in the project well in advance of the umbrella event.
• Networking Opportunities with other participants.
• Information Meetings: JazzDanmark will arrange informational meetings and facilitate collective brainstorming sessions with participants across the country.

Danish Jazz 100 Years

Jazz made its debut in Denmark during the 1920s, leading JazzDanmark to launch Danish Jazz 100 Years. The project aims to put the preservation of Danish jazz history on the cultural political agenda while promoting and celebrating its rich heritage.

From 2024 to 2026, Danish Jazz 100 Years will result in various initiatives, including publications, podcasts, events, and, of course, an invitation for all jazz professionals in the country to contribute to the celebration. We need all jazz actors across the nation to ensure the breadth and quality of the celebration—both geographically and in terms of vision in programming and execution.

What Else Is Happening in the Project?

Danish Jazz 100 Years will unfold over the next few years, with plenty to look forward to!

2024

• Mapping of Danish jazz collections is underway.

2025

• Spring: A guide and mapping of Danish jazz collections will be published.
• September: We will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first jazz concert with foreign musicians in Denmark (Sam Wooding’s orchestra at the Cirkusbygningen in Copenhagen).
• December: We will kick off the “Danish Jazz 100 Years” umbrella event at the DMA Jazz 2025.

2026

• Experience a newly developed “Danish Jazz 100 Years” exhibition at Ragnarock.
• A podcast release focusing on Danish jazz history.
• The “Danish Jazz 100 Years” publication will be launched.
• The “Danish Jazz 100 Years” umbrella event will roll out with events across the country—come and join us!