Writing as a jazz and blues singer of many years, it’s heartwarming to see and be part of the lively festive jazz and blues scene islandwide this year.

Here are some of the highlights, and remember you can get daily updates about jazz and blues events in Cyprus by joining the Facebook group Support Jazz and Blues in Cyprus.

Alexia

The vibrantly warm voice of the star Alexia Vassiliou can be enjoyed on December 22nd at Trakosol Cultural Centre in the Limassol Marina. “A Jazzy Christmas” concert starts at 20:30 and Alexia will sing a selection of Christmas songs from the 30’s - 70’s eras, infused with elements of Jazz. In her program Alexia will also include in other songs she loves, which are loved and heard throughout the year no matter the season. Alexia will be accompanied by two of the most talented and sought after Cypriot Jazz musicians, Andreas Panteli on keyboards and Ermis Michael on electric guitar.

Reserve your tickets here: Box Office: 25 878744 - Ticket hour Cyprus: 7777 7040

Sarah Fenwick

Sarah Fenwick

On December 23rd, I’ll be singing at Library Bar in Limassol with the resident quartet made up of fantastic double bass player Ireneaos Koulouras, drummer Stelios Xydias, guitarist Ermis Michail, and trumpeter Elias Ioannou, reservations on 25 361 362.

As part of the Sarah Fenwick, Marinos Neofytou duet, I’ll be playing with this brilliant guitarist at Coya Restaurant/Bar in Limassol for Christmas Day lunch and New Year’s Day lunch, reservations on 70004010 or 99217035.

On Wednesday 23rd December, the wonderful blues band Juba Blues Band performs at Elixir Cocktail Bar in Limassol. With the superb saxophone player George Krasides, George Koulas on drums, Philip A. Pearson on guitar, and Andreas Rodosthenous on bass, it’s bound to be great. Reservations on 96449660.

Every Saturday including December 26th, catch the truly soulful, jazzy talent George Kalopedis singing with pianist George Morfitis and saxophonist George Krasides at Bouat. Reservations on 99652205. George Kalopedis is also playing in Nicosia with the Fabulous Dillingers on Tuesday 29th December at the new Academy 32, and at Elixir in Limassol on the 30th December.

Jazz soul singer George Kalopedis.

The excellent jazz band Mood Indigo performs on Christmas Eve, December 24th, in Nicosia at Vino Cultura, starring the beautiful jazz singer Irene Athanasiou and double bass player Greg Makamian along with their band members saxophonist Charis Ioannou, pianist Dimitris Miaris, and drummer Marios Spyrou.

Mood Indigo

Also on Christmas Eve in Limassol, Jazz Boulevard performs at Anjeloose Bar, with singer Gianna Koutsou, Konstantinos Efraimides on clarinet, Emiliana Aristidou -Bass, and Stella Kouloukousa - Drums. There will be a jam session after the third set. Reserve: 97865898.

On December 28th, jazz singer Alice Ayvazian performs at Vini Plateia with quintessential jazz pianist Dimitris Miaris. The event starts at 9pm, reservations on 99408009.

Alice Ayvazian