This February, the 9th edition of the festival brings together leading Indian and international jazz artists, featuring multi genre collaborations and contemporary sounds across Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Gurugram. Produced by Teamwork Arts, the Circuit brings together some of the world’s most exciting contemporary jazz musicians, offering audiences an immersive live experience that pushes the boundaries of the genre. Headlining the Jazz India Circuit 2026 across all three cities is the internationally acclaimed Benny Greb Brass Band. Fronted by world-renowned drummer Benny Greb, recognized by Batterie magazine as one of the Top 30 Greatest Drummers of the 21st Century, the band is renowned for their complex, rhythmic numbers and improvisatory style. An ECHO Jazz Award recipient with his band Moving Parts, Greb has performed at major festivals and venues worldwide, bringing a powerful international presence to the Circuit.
The tour opens in Bengaluru on 4 February at Fandom at Gilly’s Redefined, featuring Derek & The Cats, alongside the aforementioned Benny Greb Brass Band. Led by Bangalore-based musician Derek Mathias, Derek & The Cats blends jazz, funk, and house into high-energy instrumental dance music.
On 5 February, the Circuit moves to Mumbai at the Royal Opera House, where Jazzafools shall be joining the Benny Greb Brass Band for an evening of groove-led, improvisation-heavy jazz. Jazzafools are known for their dynamic blend of jazz, neo-soul, R&B, and funk, creating a lively dialogue of rhythm, energy, and spontaneity between Indian and international jazz sensibilities.
The Gurugram leg on 7th and 8th February at DLF Horizon Plaza focuses on experimental and cross-cultural jazz, headlined by Acquaphonica by the Federica Colangelo Trio featuring B.C. Manjunath. Conceived as a creative laboratory, Acquaphonica brings together contemporary jazz, 20th-century Western classical music, and South Indian Carnatic rhythms, emphasising form, texture, and improvisational interplay. Pianist and composer Federica Colangelo, active across Europe and India, has released four albums with the ensemble, with their latest LP, Forward, having been released in 2025. She is joined by double bassist Igor Legari, drummer Giovanni Nardiello, and Carnatic percussion maestro B.C. Manjunath. The evening also features a performance by the Benny Greb Brass Band, bringing their signature high-energy sound to Gurugram.
The Circuit concludes in Gurugram on 8 February at DLF Horizon Plaza with a performance by The Blue Shirts, a Delhi-based jazz fusion and blues band, united by a shared love for groove, improvisation, and harmonic storytelling. They are joined by The Interstellar Ensemble, with drummer Joost Lijbaart and guitarist Bram Stadhouder. The Ensemble blends deep tribal grooves, jazz, electronics, and open improvisation, evoking a contemporary, cosmic reinterpretation of the spirit of Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew. Lijbaart and Stadhouders have performed over 300 concerts across five continents, creating a powerful, ritualistic live experience shaped by searing guitar lines and immersive rhythmic dialogue.
Commenting on the 2026 edition, Avik Roy, Festival Producer, Jazz India Circuit, said, “Jazz India Circuit has always been about expanding the idea of what jazz can be in today’s world. The 2026 edition brings together artists who are redefining the genre through fearless experimentation, deep groove, and cross-cultural dialogue. As the Circuit travels across three cities, it offers audiences the chance to experience jazz in its most alive form – improvised, immersive, and meant to be heard live.”
Speaking about the association, Gaurav Singh, Assistant Vice President – Marketing, DLF, said,
“At DLF, we believe music plays a powerful role in bringing communities together. World-class cultural experiences like this are essential to shaping a vibrant urban life, especially in a city like Gurugram, home to a large millennial audience with global sensibilities. The Jazz India Circuit reflects our commitment to curating contemporary, globally relevant arts experiences for Indian audiences. As the Circuit travels across cities, it echoes the evolving cultural pulse of similar communities—curious, collaborative, and open to new ideas.”
Speaking about the association, Amrith Gopinath, CMO, DLF Malls, said, “DLF Malls has always been committed to curating experiences that go beyond retail and reflect the evolving cultural aspirations of our audiences. Hosting the Jazz India Circuit at DLF Horizon Plaza allows us to bring a globally celebrated, contemporary music experience into a dynamic public space, making world-class jazz accessible and immersive. The Circuit’s spirit of collaboration, experimentation, and live expression aligns seamlessly with our vision of creating vibrant cultural destinations that foster community, creativity, and shared experiences.
Continuing its association with the festival, The Glenlivet- the Original Speyside Single Malt, partners with Jazz India Circuit 2026 in a shared celebration of originality and craft-led excellence. Rooted in a legacy of setting higher standards in single malt whisky, The Glenlivet mirrors the spirit of jazz: evolving with time while staying true to its foundations. United by a belief in pushing creative boundaries without losing individuality or authenticity, the partnership champions innovation, collaboration, and contemporary expression shaped by originality.
Joining the festival’s partner ecosystem, Vedica joins as the Hydration Partner for Jazz India Circuit 2026, supporting the festival’s high-energy, multi-city journey by ensuring artists and audiences stay refreshed throughout the tour.
Jazz India Circuit 2026 continues to serve as a vital platform for contemporary jazz in India, fostering meaningful exchange between Indian and international artists while offering audiences access to some of the most compelling live jazz performances today.
