Out of 75 applying bands, the jury selected these eight bands to perform live in Brno on June 23
Bands

Deaf Platypus began their journey in 2021 at the Jaroslav Ježek Conservatory, under the guidance of saxophonist and educator Jakub Doležal. What started as a jazz-fusion cover band quickly evolved into a unique ensemble with its own voice. Platypus melodies are characterized by its whimsical and innocent tone, often laced with subtle complexities. They are not afraid to experiment, incorporating odd meters, rich harmonic textures, and arrangements that flirt with neoclassical influences. At the heart of their sound lies jazz improvisation, which serves as both a foundation and a launchpad for exploration.
Mikuláš Homolka – trumpet
Vanda Dršatová – flute
David Le Cam – saxophon
Václav ‚Hugo‘ Pitule – drums
Ivča Kejzlarová – bass
Amélie Teršlová – keyboard
Contact david.le.cam.dlc@gmail.com

Josef Hanulík – guitar
Josef Hanulík is a guitarist, singer, and composer known for blending jazz, American folk, and bluegrass with his own unique style. His performances feature original compositions as well as reinterpretations of traditional songs, presented in intimate solo arrangements. Currently studying jazz performance at the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts (JAMU) in Brno, Czech Republic, Josef is focused on honing his craft and is ready to share his music both locally and internationally.
Contact josefhan12@gmail.com

Allison Wheeler – vocals, keyboard
Nela Dusová – tenor saxophon
Martin Hrubec – guitar
Luan Gonzalves – double bass
Petr Nohavica – drums
The Glance project, led by composer and musician Petr Nohavica, first gained attention with its self-titled album, which featured a stellar lineup of Czech jazz musicians, including guitarist David Dorůžka, pianist Jiří Levíček, saxophonist Cyrille Oswald, and double bassist Jaromír Honzák, alongside vocalist Allison Wheeler. Released under the Bivak Records label, the album earned a spot in the wider nomination for the Anděl Award in the jazz category in 2024. After a brief hiatus, The Glance project returns with a fresh lineup, while maintaining the core of the band: leader Petr Nohavica and vocalist Allison Wheeler. Joining them are young but highly respected musicians: guitarist Martin Hrubec, saxophonist Nela Dusová, and double bassist Luan Goncalves. Together, this new iteration of The Glance project continues to push the boundaries of jazz with their innovative sound and dynamic shows.
Contact nohavica.petr@gmail.com

An instrumental Czech-Polish quartet that seamlessly blends contemporary jazz with elements of popular and electronic music. Their modern jazz compositions tell compelling stories through memorable melodies and unexpected arrangements. Free improvisation surfaces throughout, weaving in and out of cinematic soundscapes. A sharp, restless groove may suddenly give way to a tender ballad. The ensemble’s organic sound – centered around a guitar quartet and trumpet – is enriched by electronic textures and spontaneous interaction.
Formed in 2019 as a Czech guitar quartet with saxophone, the group has evolved over five years of collaboration. Following the release of their second album, they underwent a significant transformation, now featuring Polish trumpeter and electronic improviser Fabian Klimanek.
The group debuted with a five-track video EP titled Live Sessions, each piece accompanied by live performance footage. In 2022, they released their debut album Open to Closeness (Bivak Records), which features the acclaimed New York-based keyboardist Jason Lindner.
Radim Přidal – guitar
Fabian Klimanek – trumpet, fx
Vlastimil Skoda – bass guitar
Petr Nohavica – drums
Contact: pridalr@seznam.cz
Contact
Jitka Miková
Coordinator
mikova@jazzfestbrno.cz
+420 737 033 341
Organisers
Partners
Co-organized by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute as part of the international cultural program of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2025.
With the financial support of the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, the Statutory City of Brno, and the State Fund of Culture of the Czech Republic