The Jacksons, Rick Astley, Maceo Parker Palóznak Jazz Picnic highlights

The Jacksons, Rick Astley, the Brand New Heavies and Maceo Parker will be among the highlights of this year’s Jazz Picnic at Palóznak near Lake Balaton from August 1 to 3, the event’s founder told public broadcaster M1 on Monday.

According to the official site, the founding idea was a relationship between good wines, charming atmosphere and good music, as the owners of a popular local winery, the masterminds being Szabolcs Homola and Orsolya Valde. They thought up, and still do, a quality event near Lake Balaton offering an alternative to mass festivals. Besides the best Hungarian and international performers, it is an important aspect to provide quality gastronomy, offer local products, and pay attention to sustainability. No more than a stone’s throw from Balaton on the wine hill of Palóznak, guests can expect to find a real picnic festivity.

The small village of 500, becomes the Balaton capital of jazz, funk and soul for those three days: the big concerts are held at the main stage next to the village with guest resting on blankets during the day and dancing on the grass under the stars at night.

The smaller stages are among the authentic century old village houses, and they give place to exciting jazz performances.

The festival is growing organically based on the needs of the audience, and although it attracts every year more and more people, organizers don’t want to lose their familiar atmosphere.