In September, Nairobi will welcome Lorenzo Simoni, a young Italian saxophonist and composer and one of the most interesting voices of the new Italian jazz scene.
Born in Barga in 1998, Simoni has developed a musical journey that combines classical training with a passion for jazz and improvisation. He graduated with honours and special mention in classical saxophone from the “Pietro Mascagni” Conservatory in Livorno and continued his studies at the Siena Jazz National Academy. Throughout his career, he has received several important awards, including the Premio Internazionale Massimo Urbani 2023, the Premio Marco Tamburini and Tomorrow’s Jazz 2022. He has performed at major festivals and jazz clubs in Italy and abroad, developing an artistic path characterised by a dialogue between tradition, experimentation and improvisation.
His presence in Nairobi will provide an opportunity to create new connections between the Italian and Kenyan jazz scenes through two different events, united by music as a space for dialogue and exchange.
Jazz Jam Session at Geco Café
The first event, on Tuesday, 22 September from 7:30 PM, will be open to the public and will see Lorenzo Simoni take the stage at Geco Café together with trumpeter Mackinlay Mutsembi and his band.
The jam session will offer a spontaneous meeting between musicians, bringing Italian jazz together with the energy and creativity of Nairobi’s vibrant music scene. An opportunity to listen, improvise and share the universal language of music.
Tuesday, 22 September | from 7:30 PM
Geco Café, Nairobi
Free and open to all.
GIN ITALY – Distilled Notes from Italy
Lorenzo Simoni’s presence in Nairobi will continue with GIN ITALY – Distilled Notes from Italy, a special evening dedicated to Italian gin, music and different expressions of Italian style and creativity.
With Lorenzo Simoni on saxophone, music will become an integral part of the evening, engaging in dialogue with a selection of Italian gins and with Kenyan musicians. Jazz will thus become one of the languages through which Italy and Kenya can meet, creating a bridge between cultures, sensibilities and musical traditions.
The evening will also mark the launch of the Concours d’Elegance, the prestigious historic car event of East Africa and another expression of Italian culture, design, style and passion for the automotive world.
The event will also feature a presentation of 33 Gins, 33 Spins, an English-language book dedicated to the world of gin and written by Italian authors. Through readings and stories, the audience will be taken on a journey through the history of the spirit, its botanicals and the relationship between gin, territories and production culture.
GIN ITALY – Distilled Notes from Italy will bring together music, culture, taste and creativity in an experience that presents Italy through one of its most contemporary and dynamic expressions, while further strengthening the cultural dialogue between Italy and Kenya.
Two events, two different settings, one common thread: jazz as a language of encounter between Italy and Kenya.