Prague International Jazz Festival is one of the most prestigious musical meets in the world. Held in the autumn of every year at the Reduta and the Rock Cafe, the festival has a history that dates back to the communist regime in Czechoslovakia, which placed clear bans on free forms of expression. With bans on rock music, Jazz became the language of self-expression and even at times of rebellion. Even after the end of the Communist rule, the International Jazz festival of Prague continues to be one of the most popular destination among music lovers from across the world. It remains no wonder that the US president Bill Clinton was thrilled to perform on his saxophone in front of a packed Reduta crowd during his 1994 visit, joined in by Czech president Vaclav Havel.
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Prague International Jazz Festival started in 1964. Acker Bilk and his Paramount jazz band were the first act to feature in this festival. The subsequent years saw performances from Jazz legends like Stan Getz, Oscar Peterson and BB King. Modern Jazz masters like Herbie Hancock and David Brubeck also performed at the International Jazz festival in Prague. The post communist era saw performances from the likes of Chick Corea and Bela Flek.
The 43rd Prague International Jazz Festival of 2007 features performances by young and promising artists from various parts of Europe and America. Dutch trumpet player Saskia Laroo and Kodac Harrison are the greatest attractions of Prague International Jazz festival 2007.
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