River of Music in Bydgoszcz

July 5 – AudioFeels (Vocal Play)
 

The festival’s opening will feature seven charismatic vocalists from Poznań, known as the “Polish Pentatonix.” Finalists of the “Mam Talent” show and winners of prestigious international awards in New York and Leipzig will prove that the human voice can replace an entire instrumental section. Their performance will feature modern arrangements of hits by Bruno Mars and Metallica, as well as classics from the Polish music scene, such as Andrzej Zaucha and Zdzisława Sośnicka.

July 12 – Krystyna Stańko Quintet: “In the Sun of Bossa Nova”
 

An evening of complete relaxation and warm sounds from the repertoire of the genre’s icon, Antonio Carlos Jobim. The outstanding vocalist Krystyna Stańko, together with her quintet, will present material from her highly acclaimed albums “Novos Anos” and “Aquarius.” Music critics from polskieradio.pl describe these interpretations as “a warm spring breeze that lets you drift away from your troubles.”

July 19 – The Beatles in a Jazz Style
 

An extraordinary encounter between rock ’n’ roll classics and jazz improvisation. A trio of outstanding jazz musicians, accompanied by a vocalist, will tackle the greatest hits of the legendary Fab Four from Liverpool. This project has long enjoyed tremendous acclaim from a discerning audience, guaranteeing entertainment of the highest artistic caliber.

July 26 – Dizzy Boyz Brass Band
 

An energetic finale to July set to the rhythm of brass instruments. The 9-member ensemble, founded by Jakub Domański, draws on the tradition of New Orleans brass bands. The group, which has performed at Europe’s biggest festivals (including the Enter Enea Festival and Made in Chicago), will get the audience dancing with their covers of hits by Pharrell Williams, Bruno Mars, and Justin Timberlake.

August 2 – “JoseSong: Tribute to Anna Jantar”
 

A sentimental journey through the canon of Polish songs. The stage will feature talented vocalists (Gabriela Kurzac, Aleksandra Pieczkowska, Julia Borowik) and instrumentalists (Maciej Bąk, Michał Chojnacki, Marek Krause) affiliated with the Academy of Music in Bydgoszcz. This project, organized under the auspices of the JoseSong Passion Development Foundation, serves as a bridge between generations—young artists breathe new life into the songs of Anna Jantar and Jarosław Kukulski.

August 9 – Natalia Szczypuła: “Divas”
 

A concert by the finalist of the 11th season of “The Voice of Poland,” winner of the Ladies’ Jazz Festival in Gdynia, and “Vocalist of the Year 2021” according to the Muzykoholicy.pl website. The artist, who regularly performs alongside stars such as Kuba Badach and Beata Kozidrak, will present her “Divas” program. We’ll hear hits by global icons (Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Adele) and Polish singers (Kayah, Justyna Steczkowska), interspersed with Natalia’s original songs.

August 16 – Nocna Zmiana Bluesa
 

An undisputed icon of the Polish music scene will take the stage. Sławek Wierzcholski’s band has released over 28 albums and has opened concerts for legends such as B.B. King and the Blues Brothers. The band’s leader is a harmonica virtuoso and author of harmonica instruction manuals—he is the only musician in history to have played the bugle call from the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica in Kraków on the harmonica. The audience can expect a fusion of blues, folk, and jazz.

August 23 – Adam Lemańczyk’s Band and vocalists from Bydgoszcz
 

A concert promoting a new generation of creative, independent artists associated with the region. These outstanding artists, who graced the closing ceremony of Poland’s EU presidency last June, return with a completely new, entirely original repertoire. Performing on stage will be: Judyta Wenda, Emilia Hamerlik, Agnieszka Twardowska, Neema Rae, Adela Konop, Anna Hnatowicz, Kuba Andrzejewski, and Filip Czarnecki.

August 30 – Cochise (Series Finale)
 

A powerful rock show to wrap up the summer. The star of the evening will be the band Cochise, featuring well-known actor Paweł Małaszyński as lead singer and songwriter. The band plays a blend of rock, grunge, and metal, and is known for performing at festivals such as Przystanek Woodstock and the Impact Festival. We’ll hear energetic songs with beautiful English lyrics about complex human emotions and the search for freedom.