The charming village of Janeiro de Cima, in the municipality of Fundão, once again becomes a meeting point between contemporary artistic creation and the inspiring landscape of the Aldeias do Xisto. From July 6 to 12, XJazz – Schist Villages Jazz Encounters returns to this riverside village on the Zêzere River, with a program that includes an artistic residency led by renowned American trumpeter Peter Evans, concerts by Miguel Calhaz and Francisco Correia, and a gathering of cultural collectives working in rural areas of the Central Region. The initiative is part of the Xclusive Xisto program, running since April, under the motto: “Some experiences are lived only once. Every time.”
Organized by ADXTUR – Aldeias do Xisto Tourism Development Agency and Jazz ao Centro Clube, XJazz reaffirms its role in enhancing the territory through art, inviting artists, musicians, and researchers to share practices, listening, and reflection in a rural setting.
The highlight of the week is the artistic residency with Peter Evans, from July 6 to 9, bringing together five young Portuguese musicians — António Carvalho (drums), Duarte Ventura (vibraphone), Maria João Leite (saxophone), Júlia Miranda (double bass), and João Clemente (guitar). The residency concludes with a public presentation on July 9, at 9:30 PM, at the old church square of Janeiro de Cima, as all the other presentations.
A leading figure in contemporary jazz, Peter Evans returns to Portugal as part of an intense tour that includes collaborations with the Matosinhos Jazz Orchestra, concerts at Culturgest, Jazz no Parque Festival (Serralves), and Festival das Artes / QuebraJazz (Coimbra), where he debuts a new quartet with João Barradas, Aaron Parks, and Stéphane Galland. His presence in Janeiro de Cima, in such an intimate and collaborative context, is of particular significance.
On July 11 at 10:00 PM, visual and sound artist Francisco Correia presents the show "Metaphysics of the Breath", a concert with video projection resulting from research on the cultural landscapes and biodiversity of the Sicó Lands. This environmental and experimental proposal is part of the “The Place Presents the Environment” program, with support from the Directorate-General for the Arts.
On Saturday morning, July 12, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, a session is dedicated to sharing experiences and dialogue between artists, collectives, and associations working in rural areas. Moderated by researcher Cláudia Pato Carvalho (Faculty of Economics and Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra), the session aims to foster collaboration, co-creation, and the identification of shared challenges.
To close the week, also on Saturday, double bassist and singer Miguel Calhaz presents his latest work, ContraCantos, Vol. 2, revisiting protest songs by José Afonso, Fausto, Adriano Correia de Oliveira, and José Mário Branco, with minimalist arrangements for voice and double bass.
Since 2012, XJazz has promoted artistic creation and production in dialogue with the landscape, inviting artists to take part in residencies, concerts, and community gatherings, all inspired by the unique setting of the Aldeias do Xisto. In Janeiro de Cima, art once again becomes a form of listening, meeting, and transformation.
Breathing creation in real time, alongside the avant-garde trumpet of Peter Evans and the soul of Janeiro de Cima, is an experience that only happens once. Every time.
Don't miss the chance to witness and be part of this unique event. Book your stay at bookinxisto.com and take the opportunity to visit the Casa das Tecedeiras, taste the delicious dishes at Fiado Restaurant, and dive into the refreshing waters of the Zêzere River at the Lavandeira River Park or the nearby Janeiro de Baixo River Beach.
