Many years of joint work in Monchengladbach link the ten musicians from 8WD (Eight Wheel Drive), known as the “local heroes” back home.

Akaga is one of the most popular Bulgarian bands formed by students of the National Academy of Music in 1992.

Folk singer Albena Veskova is a graduate of the National School of Folk Arts in Shiroka Luka and the Academy for Music, Dance and Visual Art in Plovdiv.

"ARB" is a circle of musicians united by their interest in traditional jazz – ragtime, Dixieland, blues.

ANKARA COMBO was founded by Kemal Gunuc, the conductor of the Ankara Municipality City Band, to perform jazz standards and mix Turkish ethnic melodies and rhythm into a jazz format.

Almost all major manifestations of Bulgarian jazz in the last 20 years are linked with the name of Antoni Donchev.

The musicians from the Antonio Flinta Quartet play their own original compositions, which show equally well their remarkable instrumental technique, knowledge of jazz history and modern perception of talented performers.

The band was formed in the beginning of 2008.

Arabel and Eko crossed paths in various projects over the last 10 years. They practiced something they call “collaborative songwriting”.

www.boogiewoogie.net

Since the age of 19, pianist Axel Zwingenberger has been travelling the world as a genuine ambassador of Boogie Woogie. Born in 1955 in Hamburg, Germany

The BALKAN HORSES Band was created as an experiment by Krassi Zhelyazkov who in 2000 decided to gather emblematic composers and musicians from seven Balkan countries and to join their skills in a unique formation.

www.bennygolson.com

Multitalented and internationally famous jazz legend, - a composer, arranger, lyricist, producer - and tenor saxophonist of world note, Benny Golson was born in Philadelphia, PA on January 25, 1929.

www.biancamorales.com

Bianca Morales performs jazz standards and original compositions, written in the spirit of great jazz vocalists and composers and casting nostalgic look on the music of the 1950's and 1960's.

"Kelag" is one of the biggest energy companies in Austria. "The Kelag Big Band", which represents the energy giant, is comprised of some of the best professionals in Austrian jazz.

This year, Big Band Plovdiv marks 10 years since its inception. During its existence, he participated in jazz festivals in Bansko (2001, 2002 and 2005), Bankja (2002), Julay Jazz Smolyan (2008), Ruse (2008).

Big Band Saransk was formed especially for participation in the international jazz festival Veyse Jazz in 2005.

The main activity of the Big Band of Bulgarian National Radio is to realise recordings for the radio’s music fund.

Boriana Dimitrova was born and raised in Sofia. She began her piano tuition at the age of four, followed by oboe and saxophone lessons. In 1988 she graduated with distinction from the Pancho Vladigerov
State Music Academy. In 2004 she founded the Boriana Dimitrova Trio, with which she had successful performances in Germany.

The BRAZILACOUSTIC band came into being after the successful performances of the same-named electronic trio, in which Dimiter Semov and Pavleta Semova were together with pianist Zhivko Petrov.

The trio was formed in 1998 by Omri Ziegele.
Born in 1959, he studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston with Bob Mover.

www.camelliatodorova.com

Camellia Todorova has a special place not only in the programme of the Bansko Jazz Festival, but in the heart of the audience as well. Her concerts invariably turn into an event.