Jarné Jazzáky 2026: Waan

The Spring Jazz Festival is back, and on May 16, it will bring the energetic Dutch group Waan to Bratislava’s newly opened Metropolka club.

In their work, Waan blurs the lines between electronic and acoustic music, the energy of the dance floor, and jazz improvisation. In the studio, Waan works closely with producer Oscar de Jong of the legendary Kraak & Smaak. Both their debut Echo Echo and this year’s fresh album We want WAAN were released by the prestigious Berlin nu-jazz label Sonar Kollektiv. On the new album, the quartet further expands their sonic universe, which is bold, restless, and brimming with curiosity.

They will perform at the new Metropol club in Bratislava as part of the tour for their second album, which was released in late January 2026. Waan is a group led by saxophonist Bart Wirtz and keyboardist Emiel van Rijthoven. Together with bassist Matteo Mazzú and drummer Mark Schilders, they create a raw, adventurous sound—blending groove-based electronics, atmospheric melodies, and improvisational freedom.

They will be performing in Bratislava for the first time—on May 16 as part of the Spring Jazz Days at the new Metropol club. The Spring Jazz Festival will also bring star bassist Mohini Dey to Metropol on May 9, and the spring edition of the Bratislava Jazz Days will kick off on May 6 with a concert by singer Michael May at the E11VEN concert hall.

Early Bird tickets are on sale until April 16 at 12:00 p.m.

For more information, visit the festival website.