The ever-popular Les Jeudis du Jazz concert series, organised by the Mairie de Cannes and part of the Théâtre de la Licorne season, runs through April 2026.
The current series of Les Jeudis du Jazz has been running since early October and has proven to be hugely successful, with concerts selling out well in advance of each of the performances.
The event offers the public the perfect chance to discover – or rediscover – some of today’s most engaging contemporary jazz artists. With seven shows proposed for 2026, early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
PROGRAMME OF CONCERTS FOR 2026
29th January – Lea Maria Fries / Cleo
Swiss singer Lea Maria Fries steps into the spotlight with Cleo, her first album released under her own name. She composed most of the music and wrote the lyrics herself, crafting a deeply personal work. With this release, Fries fully embraces her identity as both a woman and an artist – emerging as the heroine of her own story.
Video via Lea Maria Fries on YouTube
Vocals – Lea Maria Fries
Piano – Gauthier Toux
Bass – Julien Herné
Drums – Antoine Paganotti
5th February – Rémi Panossian / RP3 88888888
Known for his expressive, percussive style, Rémi Panossian has carved out a distinctive place on the international jazz scene, blending lyricism with irresistible groove. Whether performing solo or as part of the trio, he captivates audiences with intensity and a fearless sense of improvisation. Expect a fiery performance when this exceptional trio takes over the stage at the Théâtre Alexandre III.
Piano – Rémi Panossian
Bass – Maxime Delporte
Drums – Frédéric Petitprez
19th February – Mathias Lévy
Accompanied by outstanding musicians, Mathias Lévy delivers a free-spirited and poetic performance that bridges classical music, jazz, and world influences. His violin speaks with rare expressiveness—a seamless fusion of tradition and innovation. Let yourself be carried away by Lévy’s virtuosity and emotion for an evening where jazz is reimagined with brilliance and grace.
Video via Mathias Lévy channel on YouTube
Violin – Mathias Lévy
Cello – Sébastien Giniaux
Double Bass – Jean-Philippe Viret
Accordion – Laurent Derache
Vocals – Lou Tavano
5th March – David Enhco and Marc Perrenoud / Chet
French trumpeter David Enhco and Swiss pianist Marc Perrenoud revisit the life and music of Chet Baker, the legendary American jazz trumpeter whose brilliance was matched by his tragedy. Performing as a duo, they take bold artistic risks, embracing fragility and vulnerability to create music steeped in emotion. Through their dedication, they rekindle the intimate, sensual spirit that defined Chet Baker’s timeless art.
Trumpet – David Enhco.
Piano – Marc Perrenoud
19th March – Sarah Lenka / Isha
Sarah Lenka shines a light on the stories and songs of forgotten women, offering a deeply moving tribute to their resilience and strength. Blending elements of folk, blues, and jazz, she crafts melodies that are both delicate and compelling, elevated by subtle arrangements and a performance of striking intensity. This is an emotional, heartfelt journey—one that promises a truly unforgettable concert experience.
Video via Sarah Lenka channel on YouTube
Vocals – Sarah Lenka
Mandolin, acoustic guitar – Taofik Farah
Acoustic guitar – Laurent Guillet
Drums – Yoann Serra
Background vocals, percussions – Kahina Ouali
9th April – Paul Lay / Odyssée
A big coup for Les Jeudis du Jazz in securing virtuoso pianist Paul Lay for an exceptional concert showcasing his album Odyssée. A bold and sensitive artist, Lay masterfully bridges classical and contemporary influences, crafting a jazz language that is distinctly his own. With Odyssée, he explores richly layered soundscapes that move between lyricism and captivating rhythm – music that is at once intimate, expansive, and profoundly expressive.
Piano – Paul Lay
Double bass – Samuel F’hima
Drums – Donald Kontomanou
23rd April – Cédric Hanriot / Time is Color Vol II
Pianist and composer Cédric Hanriot will present his dynamic album Time is Color Vol. 2. Here, he explores a vivid and contrasting sound palette that fuses jazz, electronic textures, and classical influences. Balancing percussive energy with airy harmonies, Hanriot crafts a vibrant, free-spirited, and thoroughly modern musical world.
Video via cedric hanriot music on YouTube
Piano, keyboards – Cédric Hanriot
Bass – Bertrand Beruard
Vocals – Nunny
Drums – Antonin Violot
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
The 2026 programme for Les Jeudis du Jazz runs from 29th January until 23rd April. Concerts take place at Théâtre Alexandre III in Cannes.
Concerts start at 19h30 sharp each night and are open to all (from the age of 13 upwards)
Tickets cost €10 and must be reserved online. Reduced rates are available. Early booking is strongly advised.
Further information is available from the Direction de la Culture – Mairie de Cannes by calling 04 97 06 44 90 or emailing dac@ville-cannes.fr
CONTACT DETAILS
Théâtre Alexandre III
19 boulevard Alexandre III
06400 Cannes
Tel: 04 97 06 44 90
Lead image by RIVIERA BUZZ; all other images and videos as credited
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