It don't mean a thing if you ain't got that swing

In the late 1940s and early 1950s you would have been hard-pressed to find any jazz east of the River Oder, unless you were one of a select few who knew about the private apartments or underground clubs where young people organized jazz parties in strict secrecy.

It wasn't until 1956 that jazz lovers established the Polish Jazz Festival in Sopot - the first in Poland and one of the first in Europe. "The real 50th anniversary of the Jazz Jamboree will take place in two years' time. However, right now we would like to celebrate the anniversary of our emergence from the catacombs," says Martyna Wojciechowska from the Polish Jazz Association.

During the last half-century the world's most famous jazzmen, such as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis and Ray Charles, have performed at the Jazz Jamboree. This year has its own roll call of top musicians, including Randy Brecker, David Kikoski, Jan Wróblewski, and Die Resonanz Stanonczi. There is also time for new talent, and young, award-winning musicians will have their own performances.

The main event this year is Wednesday's special festive concert, Christmas Jamboree, showcasing the headliners, New York Voices. The quartet is considered by many critics to be one of the best American vocal groups performing today. Prominent Polish pianist Włodzimierz Nahorny will also play.

Every year there are about 40 jazz festivals in Poland, but Jazz Jamboree is the most important event on the jazz calendar.

Jazz Jamboree takes place between December 11 and 16. Details are available at www.jazz-jamboree.pl