Pesto Music Festival

Genoa is preparing to host a new and prestigious music festival: the Pesto Music Festival is here, an event dedicated to great live music that will bring some of the leading figures from the international and Italian jazz scenes to the city. The festival is a project strongly championed by the Fondazione Carige, under the artistic direction of Zenart Management, sponsored by the Liguria Region and in collaboration with the Teatro Carlo Felice.

The festival takes place between March and June and is held at the Teatro della Gioventù and the Teatro Carlo Felice, two venues that symbolise Genoa’s cultural life. The Pesto Music Festival was created with the aim of offering the public musical experiences of the highest calibre, fostering encounters between different artistic languages, generations and sensibilities, in an atmosphere of sharing and listening.

The programme features four major events.

STEVE GADD TRIO

The trio comprising Michael Blicher, Dan Hemmer and Steve Gadd is a true celebration of groove and musical chemistry. Saxophone, keyboards and drums intertwine to create a sound that blends jazz, soul and funk.

16 March 2026 – 8.30 pm
Teatro della Gioventù

PETER ERSKINE QUARTET

Alongside Erskine, Alan Pasqua on piano, Darek Oles on double bass and Bob Mintzer on saxophone blend jazz, soul and funk with ease and great energy.

29 April 2026 – 8.30 pm
Teatro della Gioventù

SCOFIELD CLAYTON DUO

The collaboration between John Scofield and Gerald Clayton gives rise to a musical dialogue of great finesse and creativity. Two generations of jazz musicians come together and complement one another.

7 May 2026 – 8.30 pm
Teatro della Gioventù

BOLLANI MORONI REA

Three pianists, three formidable personalities, a unique and unforgettable musical experience. Stefano Bollani, Danilo Rea and Dado Moroni share the stage, blending improvisation with artistic chemistry.

7 June 2026 – 8.30 pm
Teatro Carlo Felice