concept & vision

concept & vision

A festival for greater visibility, diversity, and gender equality in jazz.

Why this festival?

Since 2020, rejazz-festival has been sending a clear message from Berlin’s music scene: jazz needs more visibility for female bandleaders. This festival highlights musical projects led or co-led by women – spotlighting their originality, leadership, and artistic voice.

When we say “female musicians,” we mean all those who identify as women – including cis, trans, intersex, and non-binary people who are perceived as female.

rejazz-festival sees itself as a platform, a catalyst, and a growing network that promotes both artistic and social change.

What makes rejazz-festival unique:

• Greater visibility for female bandleaders in jazz

• A platform for female-led & co-led jazz projects

• International guests meet the Berlin jazz scene

• Inspiration for the next generation of jazz musicians

• Creative diversity, safe spaces, and exchange on equal footing

Visibility of women and female bandleaders in jazz

rejazz-festival showcases female-led and co-led jazz bands, actively challenging traditional gender roles in the music industry. It offers a stage to female bandleaders who direct their own original projects – with artistic independence and strong creative vision.

Rather than focusing on all-women ensembles, the spotlight is on musical projects where female musicians lead creatively and confidently – taking up space on a stage that has long been male-dominated.

Rethinking jazz: Role models and new perspectives

rejazz-festival features outstanding and inspiring female bandleaders not only to celebrate their work but also to spark new perspectives on the future of jazz.

Its message is clear: Music knows no gender. What counts is what resonates on stage – artistic quality, expression, and intention.

Visible role models help strengthen the presence of women in jazz and inspire new generations of artists to embrace diversity as a natural part of creative expression.

Gender equality and diversity in jazz

Despite growing awareness, female jazz musicians remain underrepresented in festival line-ups and club programming. rejazz-festival takes a clear stance on equal opportunities, musical diversity, and the importance of safe and empowering spaces.

The festival contributes to a more open and equitable jazz culture – pushing for long-term change in the music industry.

A space for discovery and connection

The curated program features six outstanding acts each year – blending international voices, fresh musical languages, and intergenerational collaboration.

rejazz-festival is now a recognized fixture in Berlin’s jazz scene and a vibrant place for musical discovery, exchange, and growth.

Founded by Dutch singer and composer Jacobien Vlasman, the festival makes a strong cultural statement: for visibility, diversity, and freedom in jazz – with female bandleaders front and center.