Playa del Carmen Jazz Fest Wows 500+ Attendees

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — The second edition of the Playa del Carmen Jazz Fest concluded successfully, marked by a full house at the Teatro de la Ciudad and an atmosphere of enthusiasm that lasted throughout the weekend. The independent festival drew over 500 attendees to its opening night, solidifying the city's status as a meeting point for jazz and community culture in the Mexican Caribbean.

The event opened on Friday with a performance by the Explayarte Big Band, a group composed of young musicians and professionals from Playa del Carmen under the direction of Catalan double bass player and pedagogue Joan Chamorro. The performance was part of an artistic residency supported by the Ibermúsicas program. Their interpretation set the tone for a festival that focused on local talent and musical education as a central axis of cultural development.

The Big Band Jazz of Cancún, directed by David González, followed with a performance that surprised the audience with its power and technical skill. The closing act of the first evening was led by Èlia Bastida and Joan Chamorro, who delivered a recital of great sensitivity and virtuosity that received a standing ovation from attendees.

Over the weekend, the festival presented a diverse lineup featuring the Explayarte Jazz Band, directed by Bernardo Ron and Obed Orozco, alongside national-caliber groups such as the Obed Orozco Trio and the Diego Maroto Quartet, accompanied by Luri Molina, Francisco Lelo de Larrea, and Juan Ale Sáenz.

Sunday's program was highlighted by a performance from Argentine singer Karen Souza, one of the most recognized voices in Latin American jazz, alongside the Zoar Miranda Quartet. They closed the concert cycle with an intimate and elegant atmosphere that left a deep impression on the audience.

The festival's director, Luis Ernesto López, and the general producer, Liliana Alarcón, emphasized that the Playa del Carmen Jazz Fest is an independent project that has managed to sustain itself thanks to support from local businesses committed to culture and the community. These supporters include Wyndham Garden Playa del Carmen, Casa Sofía Playacar, Flex Renting, KIA Playacar, GAP Gestión de Artistas y Producción, Smart Line Media, Ammare Hotel Boutique, Beauty Lounge, and Doctor Cat.

"The Playa del Carmen Jazz Fest is a celebration made from and for the community; it can only be sustained thanks to the commitment of those who believe that culture should be within everyone's reach," the organizers stated during the inaugural event.

With this second edition, the festival reaffirms its purpose as a space for cultural, pedagogical, and artistic encounters, where music acts as a bridge between generations and territories. The public's response, the quality of the invited artists, and the commitment of the community confirm that Playa del Carmen possesses a vibrant and growing music scene.