Sparks of Jazz at the Grand Hotel Billia: Beppe Barbera’s review

An explosion of notes and improvisations with the review We Want Jazz to the prestigious Grand Hôtel Billia of Saint Vincent.

From May to December 2024 the unmissable musical event, curated by Beppe Barberapromises to give unique emotions to jazz lovers and beyond, with six evenings of high quality music, involving artists of national and international fame at the Grand Hotel Billia, and ten events at the Brasserie del Casino.

Beppe Barbera, musician

Beppe Barbera: the passion of a lifetime

«My reason for being, my reason for living, has always been music», says Beppe Barbera, multifaceted musician and curator of the event. Graduated in piano at the Conservatory, Barbera dedicated his life to music. «I was born an accordionist, but then I also played the guitar in rock bands when I was young», remembers Barbera. But it is in jazz improvisation that he found the greatest challenge and at the same time one of the greatest satisfactions: «Improvisation is what fascinates me most in music, every time it is different, every performance is never the same itself.”

His career led him to participate in silent film festivals, scoring live films of icons such as Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. However, the encounter with jazz was decisive. «Jazz came later in my career, but it was love at first sight.”.

The Events of the Exhibition at the Grand Hotel Billia

The “We Want Jazz” festival at the Grand Hôtel Billia offers a varied program that will satisfy the most demanding palates. Here are the events on the calendar:

Friday 31 May at 6.00 pm: WOODY’N’US
- Fabio Gorlier (piano), Alessandro Maiorino (double bass), Marco Breglia (drums), Laura Righi and Marina Vettorato (reciting voices)
Thursday 20 June at 6.00 pm: CHICKALESE FOREVER
- Davide Conti (vocals), Pierre Dalle (guitar), Gianluca Gallucci (double bass), Fabio Saccavino (drums)
- Book here
Wednesday 31 July at 6.00 pm: TRIO SONATA
- Carlo Nicita (flute, albisiphone), Eloisa Manera (violin), Tito Mangialajo Rantzer (double bass)
Wednesday 18 September at 6.00 pm: BEPPE BARBERA QUARTET
- Beppe Barbera (piano, compositions and arrangements), Gianni Virone (tenor and soprano sax), Matteo Ravizza (double bass), Mattia Barbieri (drums)
Wednesday 16 October at 6.00 pm: SONIA SCHIAVONE TRIO
- Sonia Schiavone (vocals), Alessandro Chiappetta (guitar), Gianni Virone (tenor and soprano sax)
Thursday 12 December at 6.00pm: JAZZ LADIES
- Elis Prodon (vocals), Paola Mei (vocals), Fabio Gorlier (piano), Davide Liberti (double bass), Gianpaolo Petrini (drums)

Each appointment will be enriched by a themed aperitif proposed by the barman at a promotional price of 10 euros.

Events at the Brasserie: music and conviviality

Beppe Barbera’s proposals don’t stop here. In the space of the Brasserie attached to the casino of the Grand Hotel Billia, ten musical events are scheduled fortnightly, which will feature musicians from the area in collaboration with external artists. «The idea – says Beppe Barbera – is that of the Jazz Club». Dine together with great music.

The evenings, which include two sets (8.00pm-9.30pm and 9.30pm-11.00pm), will be an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of jazz in a more intimate atmosphere.

Here is the calendar of events at the Brasserie for 2024:

Saturday 15 June: BARBERA RAVIZZA DUO
Saturday 29 June: BARBERA RAVIZZA DUO
Saturday 6 July: MANUELA CHEILLON TRIO
Saturday 20 July: UNDERVOLT DUO
Saturday 31 August: DUO F#
Saturday 14 September: DENFERT DUO
Saturday 5 October: UNDERVOLT DUO
Saturday 19 October: DUO F#
Saturday 9 November: MANUELA CHEILLON TRIO
Saturday 23 November: BARBERA RAVIZZA DUO

To participate in the events, online table reservation is required. More information on the musicians, the proposed menu and other curiosities are available on the booking link.

Access to the Brasserie is from the entrance of the Grand Hotel Billia, with the possibility to park comfortably in front of the Congress Center.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience an unforgettable jazz season at the Grand Hôtel Billia in Saint-Vincent. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of music and the emotions that only jazz can give. Book your place and get ready for a series of events that will make every evening unique and special.