Also, the American jazz saxophonist and clarinetist John Ruocco will perform at the 32nd Liepāja International Stars Festival.

The saxophonist, clarinetist John Ruocco, who is born in the USA, has been in Europe since 1979. While living in Belgium for almost ten years, he played with numerous Belgian jazz musicians such as, Bert Joris, Charles Loos, Michel Herr, Act Big Band, Chris Joris, Phillipe Aerts, the BRT Big Band, and Bruno Castellucci.

He has also performed and recorded with Joey Baron, Kenny Werner, John Abercrombie, Billy Hart, Riccardo Del Fra, John Taylor, Dino Saluzzi, and Barry Harris to name a few.

Presently living in Holland for over 35 years, he has played and recorded with numerous Dutch musicians. He has also been a member of the Peter Herbolzheimer Big Band for more than twenty years. He was the conductor of the Dutch Jazz Orchestra.

His dedication, his expression and his discipline have been a source of inspiration for a generation of saxophonist. He has recently retired from teaching at the Royal Conservatory in Brussels and is semi-retired from teaching at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague.

TRIO ELPO was created in 2016 (from 2016 until 2022 known as Equanimity Trio) by three friends and musicians - Jānis Rubiks, Edgars Cīrulis and Rūdolfs Dankfelds. Trio performs their own compositions combining influences from jazz, academic and rock music.

Their music is characterized by vast and meditative musical landscapes, strong and dynamic rhythmic structures and spirited, energetic interplay between the musicians. At the heart of this trio is the idea of creating music that brings about a state of flow and connectedness, combining the best of many musical worlds.

Featuring:
John RUOCCO (saxophone, clarinet)
Trio ELPO: Jānis RUBIKS (bass), Edgars CĪRULIS (piano), Rūdolfs DANKFELDS (percussion)