The third edition of the Valamar Jazz Festival opens today in the Istrian coastal town of Porec. Over the next five days, festival goers will enjoy performances from the top jazz musicians from Croatia and all over the world.

The opening night features the performance of Croatian singer Marko Tolja at the Lapidarium of the Heritage Museum of Porec. Tolja will be singing familiar jazz tunes accompanied by Croatian musicians.

Ralph Towner's guitar recital will be performed Thursday, June 21 in the atrium of the Euphrasian Basilica in Porec, UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. From Friday, June 22 to Sunday, June 24, the programme will continue at the festival’s main venue, the Island of Sv. Nikola. Great jazz musicians Enrico Rava, Joey Calderazzo, Caecilie Norby, Hugh Masekela and Fred Wesley with their bands will take on the stage just accross the town's waterfront.

The organisers have ensured that the festival vibe spreads across the town with additional events including street performances of young jazz musicians, jazz photography show, morning jams in local cafés, midnight jam sessions, and after party programmes.

Image: Wayne Escoffery, Valamar Jazz Festival 2011