Okonski + Evita Polidoro

Okonski
Okonski is the piano trio of Asheville, North Carolina-based pianist Steve Okonski, with Michael Isvara Montgomery on double bass and Aaron Frazer on drums. The trio often records fully improvised sessions directly onto tape, giving their music a meditative, introspective, and ethereal quality.

Okonski’s compositions revolve around space and melody. Expressive piano lines are supported by subtle rhythms and textures, making the music feel stripped down yet rich in detail.

The charm lies precisely in Okonski’s stripped-down playing: quiet performances in which lively compositions and thoughtful arrangements slowly emerge. For our 10th edition, Okonski is coming exclusively to Nijmegen, making FJIN the trio’s only Dutch stop this year.

Evita Polidoro
Evita Polidoro is a young Italian drummer and singer with a strong musical identity. She is known for her versatility and her open, curious approach to various musical styles: from jazz and pop to electronic music and singer-songwriter influences.

In the international jazz and pop scene, she has already collaborated with artists such as Enrico Rava, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Francesca Michielin, and Maria Pia De Vito. In 2024, her debut album “NEROVIVO” was released by Tuk Music, Paolo Fresu’s label.

With her original use of voice and drums and her innovative musical vision, Polidoro makes jazz feel lively, direct, and accessible.

Festival Jazz International Nijmegen takes place annually at various locations throughout the city. The full program can be found at the FJIN website.