Jarné Jazzáky 2026: Michael Mayo

The Spring Jazz Festival is back, and on May 6, it will bring the virtuoso singer Michael Mayo to Bratislava.

Due to an increase in capacity, the concert has been moved to the Design Factory Jarovce.

Michael Mayo is only the third singer in history to be accepted into the renowned Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance—now renamed the Herbie Hancock Jazz Institute—in the program’s 20-year history. He has performed alongside talents such as Jacob Collier and Scary Pockets and has also had the opportunity to accompany his mentor Herbie Hancock on tour. Mayo’s debut album Bones oscillated between neo-soul, jazz, R&B, and hip-hop, and was enthusiastically received by both listeners and critics. His second album, Fly, released in October 2024, is a mix of well-known jazz classics and bold, adventurous originals. On this album, supported by a stellar band (Shai Maestro, Linda May Han Oh, Nate Smith), Michael Mayo showcases his remarkable versatility and exceptional talent. He confirms that he has one of the best and most versatile voices of his generation. The album Fly was nominated for a Grammy in the “Best Jazz Vocal Album” category, and the song Four from the album was nominated in the “Best Jazz Performance” category. At Design Factory, she will showcase her vibrant voice alongside a three-piece band full of fantastic American musicians.

The opening act will be the acoustic duo Friends of Asia, consisting of singer Asia Andersen and guitarist Stanislav Počaj. As part of the Spring Jazz Festival, they will perform with a special guest, the acclaimed pianist Gabriel Jonáš. The project offers an intimate concert format at the intersection of jazz, world music, and original songs, based on the sensitive interplay of voice and fingerstyle guitar.

The duo’s music is built on space, dynamics, and natural connection with the audience. Their concerts are a “listening experience”—a quiet, focused musical encounter that works equally well in jazz clubs, chamber halls, and festival lineups.

They will perform in Bratislava for the first time on May 6 as part of Jarné Jazzáky at Design Factory Jarovce. Jarné Jazzáky will also feature the incredible bassist Mohini Dey on Saturday, May 9, and the energetic band Waan on May 19 at Metropol.

Early Bird tickets are on sale until April 13 at 12:00 PM.

For more information, visit the festival website and the artist’s website.