The founding of Copenhagen Jazz Festival in 1979 is closely linked to the jazz scene that evolved in Copenhagen in the 1960s, when the city served as a European home for American jazz musicians like
Dexter Gordon,
Ben Webster and
Kenny Drew. An inspired music scene attracted even more American musicians and educated and inspired the whole Danish scene as well. Through the 70s jazz music expanded in terms of genres and audiences, and reaching 1978 lawyer and project manager
Poul Bjørnholt (from Københavns City Center) took the initiative to Copenhagen Jazz Festival, when realizing how local jazz clubs, public spaces, theaters and large venues could contribute to this collaborative event. From 1979 and until the 90s the festival grew at a steady pace - making room for both international artists and local bands - and today Copenhagen Jazz Festival is its biggest ever with more than 100 venues in Copenhagen and over 1000 concerts. That makes Copenhagen Jazz Festival one of Copenhagen's most important public festivals, attracting a broad international audience. ==Venues==