The festival is all about picnics on the grass, rugs and tea as well as great music. Just don't forget to check the weather forecast.
As the biggest jazz happening in Russia, the festival has always been loved by musicians and the public for its diversity and excellent organization.
More than 30,000 people attended in 2008, and this year the organizers expect to improve on that figure despite the crisis.
The festival has five stages, with all the main acts -- ranging from jazz-rock to world music -- performing on the Parter stage. Popular Moscow rock avangardists Auktsyon will headline on Saturday, while beloved vocalist Nino Katamadze and her band Insight will close the festival on Sunday.
"Katamadze, undoubtedly, is the festival's diva, the enchantress that closes the ball," said Maria Syomushkina, the festival's president, adding that Katamadze's emotional voice and song lines often bring people to tears.
For traditional and avant-garde jazz, head to the Aristokrat stage -- legendary saxophonist Branford Marsalis will headline it this year.
"He's a man of a fantastic luck," said Syomushkina. "He played with Art Blakey, Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis and even with Sting. There's probably no need to mention the Grammys -- he's got three."
Another act much looked forward to is Nils Landgren. Landgren used to play with Swedish superstars ABBA, and he will present his program of funky renditions of ABBA's world hits.
The Kapriz stage will pay tribute to the recent movie hit "Stilyagi" by turning into a dance area for the boogie woogie, rock and roll and swing lovers out there.
If you are an aspiring musician, don't forget to bring your instrument and join in the never-ending jam session at the LiveJournal stage, where everyone gets the chance to be a jazz musician.
The festival will also have a special entertainment area with games, caricaturists, balloons and a street orchestra.
The Usadba Jazz Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 6 to 7 at Usadba Arkhangelskoye Estate Museum. M. Tushinskaya, then bus 549 to Arkhangelskoye or bus 151 to Sanatory. Tel. 8-499-248-3605. Tickets start at 800 rubles and go up to 3,500 rubles for a two-day pass. Concerts start at 4 p.m. on both days. Usadba-jazz.ru
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.