Umbria Jazz, Perugia, Italy

Summer in Umbria, Italy

Fields full of sunflowers, vines slowly ripening in the summer sun, balconies draped in bright red geraniums and roses blooming. Temperatures can reach 35 degrees or more. Days are long and each tiny village holds its summer “Sagra” or celebration of life, which usually involves plenty of traditional Umbrian food, lots of good wine and an Italian band playing Ballo Liscio with an accordion and double bass!

Perugia - Umbria Jazz (First two weeks of July)

The capital of Umbria resounds with the music of Umbria Jazz. This international music festival brings together artists like Keith Jarret, Santana and Elton John. All the wine bars, restaurants and pubs have a live band and musicians get together for jamming sessions into the tiny hours!