The AMAJAZZON 2026 Festival, held in Belém, has confirmed the participation of Amaro Freitas, Juliana Linhares, and Thomas Strønen as part of its initial lineup. The event's program celebrates jazz and Brazilian music, highlighting Amaro Freitas, recognized as one of the leading exponents of modern Brazilian instrumental music, and Juliana Linhares, who will perform with an album previously nominated for the Latin Grammy.
In addition to these artists, the festival will feature performances by the Amazônia Jazz Band, which will have a special guest, and a university ensemble composed of musicians from Brazil and Norway. The shows are scheduled for November 21st and 22nd at Theatro da Paz in Belém, and tickets are already available online.
In its third edition, AMAJAZZON aims to bring together talents from the Amazon, various other parts of Brazil, and abroad. The objective is to promote a fusion between jazz and instrumental music from different traditions and sound languages, maintaining the exchange between national and international musicians as a pillar since its conception.
Anabela Cunha, from Connecting Dots, the festival organizer, emphasized that cultural and musical exchange at AMAJAZZON is fundamental to enriching the artistic landscape for both local musicians and foreign visitors, allowing them to exchange knowledge, techniques, and perspectives while sharing stages.
From Pernambucan Music to Norwegian Jazz
Amaro Freitas, a name with great international projection in contemporary Brazilian jazz, has created a unique sound by blending jazz improvisation with rhythms such as frevo, maracatu, and baião. His artistic investigation also has a direct link to the Amazon, the central theme of the album Y'Y (2024), which was conceived from experiences in the region and contact with the Sateré-Mawé indigenous people. This work featured collaborations with international musicians such as Shabaka, Brandee Younger, and Jeff Parker.
Coming from Norway, Thomas Strønen will bring his dedication to sonic experimentation and improvisation to the festival. As a drummer and composer with experience in the current European jazz scene, he explores the multiple facets of percussion, creating dialogues between rhythm, silence, and musical textures.
Juliana Linhares, singer, composer, and actress from Pernambuco, is also confirmed. She will present the show 'Até Cansar o Cansaço' (Until Tiredness Tires), inspired by her second solo album, which received a nomination for the Latin Grammy in the Best Album of Roots Music in Portuguese Language category. This album, featuring contributions from Ney Matogrosso, Anastácia, and Agnes Nunes, translates reflections on modern exhaustion into songs that unite Northeastern tradition, experimentation, and the artist's theatrical strength. On stage, Juliana blends music, theater, and movement, including hits like 'Balanceiro' and 'Bombinha.'
Amazonian representation will be emphasized by the Amazônia Jazz Band, a group from Pará that brings jazz repertoire closer to local musical references and will perform with a special guest. Additionally, the festival will promote a meeting between music students from Brazil and Norway, strengthening the international exchange that defines the identity of AMAJAZZON.
Anabela Cunha reinforced that the festival's expectation is to foster an environment of inspiration and mutual learning, opening new avenues for future collaborations and boosting the global presence of Amazonian music.
Practical Information
AMAJAZZON 2026 Festival
