This summer, evenings on the island of Krk will once again resound with guitar virtuosity: from 17 to 19 August 2025, the Baška International Guitar Festival (BIG Fest) brings a packed music, educational and cultural programme to two stunning locations: the Church of St Lucy in Jurandvor and Stara Riva Waterfront in Baška. The festival, ranked among the most influential guitar events in the region, will once again bring together prominent Croatian and European musicians.

Music programme: from guitar legends to up-and-coming young artists

The festival opens on 17 August with a concert by the Vlatko Stefanovski Trio, led by the legendary North-Macedonian guitarist, whose skills and energy on stage are synonymous with musical excellence. After an unforgettable solo performance at a previous edition of the festival, this year Stefanovski returns with his strongest line-up – a trio that achieves a fusion of rock, jazz and ethno elements. The audience will next have the chance to enjoy the performance of Jovan feat. Neža Okorn – a bass guitar and vocal duo that combines world music and jazz aesthetics. Jovan Torbica, a virtuoso bassist who has lived and worked in Vienna for three decades, is known for his unique style, which brings ethno rhythms from different cultures to life on his instrument. In combination with the refined voice of Slovenian singer Neža Okorn, this is an experience not to be missed.

The following evening, 18 August, will feature the performance of the Emanuele Grafitti Trio from Italy. Grafitti is known to the wider audience as the founder and member of the world-famous acoustic act 40 Fingers, which regularly performs to sell-out audiences around the world. This year in Baška, he will present himself in a more intimate and creative performance, further highlighting his technique, sense of melody and ability to reinterpret famous compositions. The evening will continue with the performance of the Zvonimir Radišić Trio, the project of a young and talented jazz guitarist who, in addition to his own compositions, brings original arrangements accompanied by excellent musicians – bassist Henry Radanović and drummer Tonči Grabušić.

On the final evening, 19 August, the festival will move to Stara Riva Waterfront in Baška, where the Elvis Stanić Power Trio will perform – an energetic band led by Croatia’s most awarded jazz musician, Elvis Stanić. This project brings a fierce fusion of blues and jazz, imbued with virtuoso solo parts, creative arrangements of original songs and covers of jazz evergreens. The focus is on exploring the music of the 1960s and 1970s – a time that shaped contemporary jazz through the work of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Miles Davis and Joe Zawinul. The evening will end with a performance by the young and increasingly popular Nicolas Kurelic Band from Croatia, who effortlessly combine freshness, technique and expressive musical maturity.

Film evenings, exhibition and music workshops

The first two evenings of the festival will begin with film screenings at the Church of St Lucy in Jurandvor, adding to the overall festival atmosphere and providing an insight into the lives of legendary musicians.

The first film evening, on Sunday, 17 August at 19:30, will feature Bob Marley: One Love (USA, 2024), a music biographical drama that celebrates the life of the reggae icon, whose message of love and unity has left a deep impression on generations of listeners. Produced in collaboration with Marley’s family, the film provides an intimate look at his music, words and legacy, with memorable performances by Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch.

The programme continues on Monday, 18 August at 19:00, with the screening of the film Elvis (USA/Australia, 2022), a spectacular biographical story about the ‘King of Rock’n’Roll’ from the perspective of his complex relationship with manager Tom Parker. Starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks, and directed by the visionary Baz Luhrmann, the film depicts the rise and fame of Elvis Presley, his struggles, charisma and musical legacy that still lives on today.

In the Refectory of the Church of St Lucy, visitors will have the opportunity to view an exhibition by the painter Petra Kinkela, who will present herself with works thematically related to the world of the guitar. The paintings are abstractions in mixed media on canvas, which visually explore the rhythm, form and emotion of the instrument.

A special highlight of the festival will be the promotion of the Austrian brand Thomastik-Infeld, one of the world’s highest-quality manufacturers of strings for musical instruments. Not only will the festival include a presentation of the complete range of strings for different types of guitars, but we are proud to announce the start of a new collaboration between BIG Festival and Thomastik-Infeld, which further confirms the international significance and reputation of the festival.

For all those who want to deepen their knowledge and skills, there will be music workshops on 17 and 18 August:

• Emanuele Grafitti – acoustic guitar techniques and solo arrangements,
• Jovan Torbica – world rhythms on bass guitar, groove, tone and personal approach,
• Zvonimir Radišić – introduction to jazz guitar, composing and arranging,
• Nicolas Kurelic - electric rock guitar

The workshops are open to all interested visitors, regardless of previous experience.

Music, wine and the scents of summer – a feast for all the senses

Summer evenings during the festival will not be dedicated only to music – this will also be a great opportunity to relax in a unique setting under the starry sky. Enjoy the scents of the Mediterranean, cold drinks and the welcoming festival atmosphere with two carefully designed offers:

KuSshh Bar will be offering a wide selection of alcoholic beverages from the island of Krk – from award-winning gins, liqueurs and brandies to refreshing natural juices, perfect for summer evenings. Relaxed music, ambient lighting and the scents of herbs in the air will create the ideal setting for pleasant conversation in good company.

Wine lovers will appreciate the special offer of the Katunar Estate Winery Bar featuring award-winning wines from local vineyards, including the exclusive Žlahtina Sv. Lucija – a wine with a pronounced character, fullness and aroma, named after the location of the festival.

With a glass of wine in hand, alongside friends or new acquaintances, under the starry sky, accompanied by the sound of the guitar – the evenings of the BIG Festival are sure to become an unforgettable experience!

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