In June 2025, Brno hosted the Central European Jazz Showcase festival: out of 75 young Central European bands, the jury selected eight groups to perform at the festival’s gala concert. At the end of May, in a collaboration between BMC, the Central European Jazz Showcase, and Jazzfest Brno, we will have the opportunity to hear two of these bands in Budapest.

The Deaf Platypus septet started out at the Jaroslav Ježek Conservatory under the mentorship of Jakub Doležal. Over time, they have moved from jazz-fusion covers to their own compositions: the platypus melodies are often humorous and innocent, but they also like to experiment with odd rhythms and intricate, almost neoclassical arrangements. Jazz improvisation remains the focus of their work. They will perform at the Opus Jazz Club on 29 May.

The music of Blu/Bry, founded in 2021, blends modern jazz with folk influences, as well as elements of classical and electronic music. They focus on original compositions and a collective approach to sound, giving their music a distinctive and cohesive character. They are the winners of the Grand Prix at prestigious competitions such as Jazz Juniors or the Central European Jazz Showcase. In the JazzForum JazzTop 2024 ranking, they were recognized as the “New Hope of the Year”. They also regularly perform at clubs and festivals both in Poland and abroad, steadily building their presence on the jazz scene – making their debut at the Opus Jazz Club on 30 May.