Umbria Jazz held in Perugia is more of an annual happening than what you would call an out-and-out festival.
This being Italy, there’s no camping out in muddy fields or any risk of contracting e-coli; you may occasionally be hit by freak storms but the climate is generally quite reliable and much better suited to being exposed to the elements.
There are big daily concerts every evening at the Arena at Santa Giuliana. This year’s attractions include Keith Jarrett, Jan Garbarek, Marco Biondi and Gilberto Gil with the price of the best seats ranging from €45 to a whopping €120 (for Jarrett). John Legend dispensed with seating altogether and made everyone pay €40 for the privilege of watching him while standing (dancing?).
Being on a budget of €0, I ignored all of these star names, preferring the cheaper and to my mind more enjoyable experience of soaking up the lively street atmosphere downtown. Continue reading
