The World Jazz Festival returns to India for its sixth edition this April. Organized by Banyan Tree Events in collaboration with the World Jazz Network and the Netherlands-based Amersfoort Jazz Festival, the event runs from April 17 to April 25. The tour covers five cities, starting in New Delhi and moving through Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.
A Global Lineup on Indian Stages
The 2026 roster brings international jazz traditions directly to your local venues. The Michael Varekamp Quintet features saxophonist Alexander Beets, focusing on the sounds of Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis. The Wiboud Burkens Trio highlights the classic Hammond organ swing style. Australian singer-songwriter Georgie Aué leads a quintet that incorporates Brazilian influences. South African artists Titi Luzipho and Muneeb Hermans present their ‘Sunset in Africa’ project, performing tributes to Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba.
Alexander Beets, who also directs the World Jazz Network, curated this year’s lineup to feature musicians from Australia, South Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The festival program pairs these international acts with Indian musicians, emphasizing improvisational exchanges between the visiting performers and local artists.
Touring Logistics and Industry Context
For independent musicians and producers observing the live event space, this tour offers a practical look at routing and programming. Bringing an international lineup across five Indian cities requires established local partnerships and reliable venue infrastructure. When you release your tracks through distribution services like Ziddi, building a solid listener base in specific cities is your first step toward justifying your own multi-city live runs. The World Jazz Festival uses venues like the Bharat Mandapam in Delhi and the Chowdiah Memorial Hall in Bengaluru, locations well-suited for seated, acoustic-heavy performances.
The tour schedule starts April 17 in New Delhi, followed by the Pune International Centre on April 18. The Mumbai leg takes place at St. Andrew’s Auditorium on April 19. The performers then head south for a show at Bengaluru’s Chowdiah Memorial Hall on April 24, ending at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad on April 25.
Watching these international acts manage their sets, handle live sound, and engage with new audiences gives you direct reference points for your own stagecraft. Analyzing successful touring models provides the structural data you need to plan your next move in the live music sector.
