The Jerusalem Jazz Festival opened Tuesday but, as the coronavirus pandemic has stopped most flights and barred large indoor gatherings, its organizers had to do what jazz musicians do best – improvise.
"A lot of things are different this year," said Avishai Cohen, the co-founder and artistic director of the event now in its sixth year.
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"First of all, there are no players coming from abroad," the tattooed and bearded trumpeter told Agence France-Presse.
Cohen, therefore, put together a program of 20 performances showcasing local jazz talent but also other styles, including 2018 Eurovision winner Netta Barzilai.
With large indoor gatherings banned because of COVID-19, Cohen moved the event outside the halls of the Israel Museum and into its sculpture garden, where seats were spaced to adhere to social distancing rules.
He also pushed forward the date to take advantage of Jerusalem's lush evening weather before the winter chills of December, when the event is usually held.
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"It's different from usual, but the place is magical," said Orly and Moshe Romianek, jazz fans who traveled from the north of the country to attend.
The opening concert was full with a crowd of 500 people.
This article was originally published by i24NEWS.
