In 2026, Jazz Danmark will celebrate 100 years of jazz in Denmark with a nationwide umbrella event. The goal is to showcase both the rich history and the contemporary quality of jazz across the entire country.

We are currently seeking musicians, associations, and concert organizers who wish to create exciting events under our Danish Jazz 100 Years umbrella in 2026.

We sent out the first invitation round in October last year and received an overwhelmingly positive response. The umbrella program already includes everything from festival line-ups highlighting the 100th anniversary, lectures, historical tribute concerts, newly composed works, orchestra re-formations, and much more. Should your project be included? Please register at the link provided no later than April 29.

Celebrate the 100th birthday of jazz in Denmark by registering your event

By participating, you’ll have the opportunity to leave your personal mark on the presentation of Danish jazz history while benefiting from the synergy of a comprehensive national program. Read on to learn more about what Jazz Denmark and the project can offer to support your event. Note that your idea does not need to be fully developed at this stage.

Which events can be part of the overall program?

• Types of Events: Concerts, exhibitions, seminars, and other events that highlight jazz in Denmark, taking place from January 1 to December 31, 2026.
• Focus: Your event can center on specific historical milestones (e.g., a particular musician, venue, musical movement, etc.) or spotlight the current state and future direction of jazz.
• Thematic Tracks: Your event should relate to one or more of the following themes:
  • Events that present the history of jazz in Denmark.
  • Events that illustrate the current position of jazz in Denmark with historical context.
  • Events that chart the course for the future of jazz in Denmark, building on its historical roots.

When you register, please briefly explain how your event aligns with one or more of these themes.

What Jazz Danmark can offer

If your event is included in the 100 Years umbrella program, we can provide:

• Promotion and Branding: Enjoy exposure and branding under the Danish Jazz 100 Years umbrella.
• Press Work: Jazz Danmark will handle press activities for the overall project. We have strong connections with outlets such as P8 Jazz, All That, numerous national music and cultural media, as well as major newspapers.
• Program Overview: We will produce a Danish Jazz 100 Years program that outlines all events, available in both print and online formats.
• Promotion: Your event will be promoted through our own channels.
• Consultation: Get support on the format and content of your event if needed.
• Financing and Fundraising: Receive guidance on financing and fundraising, including a fundraising seminar organized well in advance of the umbrella event.

Submit your event here.

Danish Jazz 100 Years

Jazz made its debut in Denmark during the 1920s, which is why Jazz Danmark is now launching Danish Jazz 100 Years. The project aims to place the preservation of Danish jazz history on the cultural policy agenda, as well as to share and celebrate its rich heritage.

Between 2024 and 2026, Danish Jazz 100 Years will lead to a series of initiatives, including publications, podcasts, events, and an invitation to all of the nation’s jazz stakeholders to contribute to the celebration. We need all jazz practitioners across the country to ensure that the celebration is both diverse and of high quality – covering a broad geographic area and incorporating visionary planning and execution.

What else is happening in the project?

Danish Jazz 100 Years will be rolled out over the next few years, and there’s plenty to look forward to!

• 2024-2025: The mapping of Danish jazz collections is in full swing.
• May 2025: Danish Jazz 100 Years Seminar at Dokk1 in Aarhus.
• December 2025: We launch the “Danish Jazz 100 Years” umbrella event at DMA Jazz 2025.
• Spring 2026: The comprehensive guide to Danish jazz collections will be released.
• 2026: A new podcast will be released as a follow-up to “Dangerous Tones – The History of Danish Jazz.”
• 2026: “Danish Jazz 100 Years” events will roll out nationwide – come and join us!

The project has received a grant from the Augustinus Foundation.