The JAS Association and the Semur Jazz
Just like flowers that bloom in unexpected places, the JAZZ à SEMUR festival was born and took root in the capital of the Auxois-Morvan region.
The result of the determination of a few individuals, it continues to thrive and grow with each passing year, albeit modestly.
How does a jazz festival in
a small Burgundy town extend
beyond its medieval ramparts?
For more than five years, the JAS (Jazz à Semur) association has been transforming the medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois into a lively stage where jazz notes resonate. But behind this demanding artistic program lies a unique human story, woven with collective passion and deep local roots.
Founded in 2019, the JAS association is the result of a conviction: culture does not belong solely to big cities. In this town of 4,000 inhabitants perched on its rocky outcrop, enthusiasts have built a bold project that combines artistic excellence and accessibility.
Over the years, the Jazz à Semur Festival has become an unmissable event, attracting hundreds of music lovers every year who come to discover local, national, and international artists in an exceptional heritage setting.
The association does not want to limit itself to these few days of festival. It plans to promote local cultural life throughout the year: music workshops, meetings with artists, educational activities for young audiences. This continuity could create a sustainable cultural ecosystem that nourishes the region well beyond the annual event.
Local businesses, accommodation providers, and restaurants are wholeheartedly supporting this initiative, hoping to create valuable economic and social synergy for this rural area.
A close-knit community.
Members and volunteers at the heart of the project.
The strength of the JAS association lies in its ability to bring people together. Its 58 members (as of the end of 2025) are not mere spectators: they are co-creators of the event. Collectors of good times who share their enthusiasm, local and regional musicians who enliven the area, or simply enthusiasts who promote the program within their networks—each contributes in their own way.
The 24 volunteers form the operational backbone of the festival. Welcoming artists, ticket sales, technical support, catering: their commitment makes it possible to maintain affordable ticket prices while ensuring professional hospitality. This mix of renowned artists and volunteer staff creates a unique atmosphere, where artistic intimacy becomes a reality.
How many festivals actually allow festival-goers to share a drink with a musician who has come from the other side of Europe or from the far reaches of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté?
To accomplish this mission, we rely on a wonderful team of volunteers who support us every year, some of whom have been with us since the festival began.
A bridge between local heritage and international horizons
The identity of the JAS association is based on this rare balance: celebrating its roots while embracing diversity. The program reflects this philosophy by forging links between tradition and innovation, between jazz legends and emerging talent.
Concerts in the Notre-Dame collegiate church or in the town hallpark offer natural acoustics that enhance the performances, creating moments of grace where history and creativity meet.
The association also promotes gender equality and cultural exchange: female artists who have long been overlooked and multidisciplinary groups from diverse backgrounds add their own colors to this musical mosaic.
This openness enriches not only the programming but also the audience, who discover unexpected worlds of sound.
The experience of the JAS Association demonstrates
that community engagement,
artistic excellence, and
territorial development
can converge
to create a lasting impact.
