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On Wednesday 1st July, the Basque Country''s jazz season kicks off with the International Jazz Festival of Getxo, which this year celebrates its 33rd edition. Until 5th July, Getxo will play host to artists of such standing as Paquito D''Rivera, Chano Dominguez, Michel Camilo, Spyro Gyra, Diane Schuur and Omar Sosa. Added to the mix will be a ''battle of the bands'' type contest, in which groups from various parts of Europe will attempt to impress their talents; the Tercer Milenio (Third Millennium) section and the Espacio (Space) Dixie.

In total, 25 acts will play at this year''s Getxo Jazz. Starting at 9.30pm each evening, the Biotz Alai square will once again play host to the majority of the main concerts, as well to groups competing in the contest. Other venues include the Getxo Antzokia square, which will set the scene for the Third Millenium section and the Estación de Algorta square will once again hold the Dixie Space.

The first day of the festival will open with a performance from pianist Diane Schuur (1953, Seattle), popularly known as ''the first lady of jazz''. On Thursday 2nd July, the festival will receive Omar Sosa (1965, Camagüey, Cuba) and his Afreecanos Quartet. The Cuban artist is one of the most versatile jazz performers currently on the circuit.

The festival will enter its second half on Friday 3rd at the hands of Michel Camilo (1965, Santo Domingo, Rep. Dominicana), who enjoyed immense success at 2002''s Getxo festival. On Saturday 4th July, the event will welcome Spyro Gyra, a jazz-fusion group that emerged at the beginning of the 1970s in Buffalo, New York.

A duo of great artists will bring Getxo Jazz to a close for another year: Paquito D''Rivera and Chano Domínguez. D''Rivera (1948, Marianao, Cuba), saxophonist, clarinettist and composer, is one of Latin jazz''s most outstanding figures.