Jean-François Garrabos, president of the Albret tourist office, is nevertheless optimistic about the success of the event this year.
In less than a month, a panel of renowned artists will be in Nérac, as part of the Albret Jazz Festival. From Friday September 9 to Sunday September 11, the city of Albret will see several stars parade, such as Ben l’Oncle Soul, Maë Defays, Electro Deluxe, Delgres, or Swing Bones. A quality program encouraging Jean-François Garrabos, president of the Albret tourist office, to optimism. “We put all the chances on our side to make it a success. Reservations are already going well, ”explains the man who is also mayor of Feugarolles.
“We have our place”
Last year, this event had a mixed start. If the health crisis had a lot to do with it, Jean-François Garrabos is not looking for an excuse. “For this year, we have added a lot of things that were brought to our attention last year, such as eco-responsibility, lighting, how to manage the in-off…” Very useful advice for this second edition . “We will use these elements to offer a quality show. This is the best answer to have. »
And the director of the Albret tourist office wants to be relatively confident as this deadline approaches, even more so when seeing the success linked to Nadau’s concert in Lavardac. “I would like to congratulate Jean-Jacques Laverny. He did an extraordinary job, which must be commended. When we see this, we say to ourselves that we have our place too, ”explains the person concerned, before continuing, in a determined tone. “The Albret Jazz is not an event to please Alain Lorenzelli or me. It is an event intended to create attendance on Nérac and Albret during the first half of September. We want tourists and locals. This is essential because it would validate popular success. »
“I have no doubt that it will be a great success”
During this 2022 edition, part of the future of the event is at stake, according to Jean-François Garrabos. “If it fails, it will mark the end of the Albret Jazz Festival. But I have no doubt that it will be a great success, ”explains the person concerned, while assuming his words. “I admit to putting friendly pressure on the teams, which I also thank, but we don’t have the right to make mistakes, and we won’t make mistakes. »
To accomplish his mission, the mayor of Feugarolles has concocted a high-level program. “I know a lot of jazz spectators who told me it was a dream set. Now it’s up to the public to validate the concept, by their number and their enthusiasm. The first trends are relatively good. More bookings have been made to date than at the same time last year. Without forgetting that the festival off will also be set up “for people who want to have a drink”, at a price of five euros. “It’s really very affordable”, concludes a Jean-François Garrabos for whom all the lights are green, for the moment…