19-21 September, Central Park, Cluj-Napoca. The eighth edition of Jazz in the Park Competition is around the corner and it’s going to be a special one. A record 308 bands from 50 countries applied this year, a sign of how the competition keeps growing into one of Europe’s most dynamic jazz platforms, and a true reference point in Eastern Europe.
How the competition works
Open to bands from anywhere in the world, the competition is designed to support young jazz artists. The rule is simple: all members must be 35 or under, with the option for one member to be over 35.
After a two-month application window, our independent jury reviews all entries and selects the finalists. We usually invite 12 bands; this year we chose 14, because the overall level was exceptionally high.
Every finalist receives:
- €1,000 artist fee
- Accommodation and transport covered by us
They’ll then perform live in Cluj-Napoca, competing for:
- First Prize: €5,000 + an invitation to perform at Jazz in the Park 2026 (contract worth €1,500 net, accommodation & transport included) + the closing concert of the 2026 Competition
- Second Prize: €3,000
- Third Prize: €1,000
- Best Romanian Band: €1,000
- Best Composition: €500
- Three Special Mentions for Outstanding Musicians: €500 each
- Audience Award: musical equipment offered by our partners
What the jury looks for
Performances are evaluated against five clear criteria:
- Ensemble cohesion
- Quality of performance
- Connection with the audience
- Originality of compositions
- Ability to adapt to the festival’s format and rules
The 2025 Jury
Teodor Pop – Jury President; Pianist, JazzyBIT (RO)
Pianist and co-founder of JazzyBIT (Timișoara), Teodor discovered the piano at 4, studied classical music intensively, then embraced jazz for its freedom and improvisation. In parallel, he pursued computer engineering, an intersection of music and tech that still shapes his work. With over 300 concerts in 30+ countries on 3 continents, JazzyBIT has become one of Romania’s most visible jazz exports.
Samu Forsblom – Musician; Programme Director, Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture (FI)
With 20+ years in cultural leadership, Samu has served as Programme Director for Oulu2026, Cultural Director of the City of Oulu, event manager and arts entrepreneur. A graduate of Uniarts Helsinki with studies at City, University of London, he is also a jazz trumpeter by training and remains active in music.
Simona Giura – Director, Gărâna Jazz Festival (RO)
With 15+ years in Romania’s cultural scene, Simona joined Gărâna in 2015 as a senior manager and, since 2025, serves as festival director. Gărâna Jazz Festival is a landmark open-air jazz festival in Southeastern Europe and will celebrate its 30th edition in 2026. She also founded the ORA Jazz Festival in Oradea (2018). Beyond festivals, she curates year-round cultural programs in Timișoara and across Romania.
Dan Vamanu – Booker, Stage Manager & Producer, Cirkular Studio (RO)
Known as Vamanu (a.k.a. Radio Joi), he’s 1/4 of Cirkular, a dance-punk label from Cluj-Napoca. With 14+ years booking for festivals and venues and managing stages at events like Untold, Neversea, Electric Castle, TIFF, Smida Jazz Festival and Zilele Nordului, Dan blends sharp logistics with a calm backstage presence. He also designs concert posters and occasionally DJs, always with the same mission: let great music shine.
Your vote matters
Beyond the jury’s decision, the Audience Award is entirely yours. After each concert, scan the QR code displayed on stage and in the printed magazine and rate the band. The highest audience score wins.
See you in the park, 19-21 September. Free entrance.
Details and full schedule: jazzinthepark.ro
