Chico Freeman is a multi-instrumentalist whose accomplishments on have ensured him a place in modern jazz history. An artist at the highest level – as a composer and as a producer - his name is synonymous with the pursuit of unconventional means of expression which, in turn, gives a completely new feeling to traditional jazz sound. World music criticism ranks him among the most prominent artists; he has performed and recorded with such stalwart giants as Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Charles Mingus, Art Blakey, Wynton Marsalis, Bobby Hutcherson, Tito Puente, Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D'Rivera among many others.

Chico performs at well-known jazz scenes and the most celebrated music festivals in the U.S., Latin America and Europe. His honors include the best soloist, the best saxophone player, and the winner of the New York Jazz Award.  These are just some of the tributes that have marked his career.  
 

Ventsislav Blagoev has participated in all editions of "Plovdiv Jazz Nights" since its creation. Last year's concert with his five-time Grammy winner Randy Brecker has become one of the most talked-about jazz events, not only with respect to the festival, but as an event in Bulgarian jazz history. Blagoev is among the most popular and sought after jazzmen in the country. He has participated in musical projects and concerts in Bulgaria, Austria, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Spain and Japan. In his over 20-year career he has worked with some of the best-known names of world jazz such as Airto Moreira, Ari Roland, Sacha Perry, Peter Veneger, Milcho Leviev, Lubomir Denev, and Mario Stanchev. His style is surprising, different, and emotionally intense. Blagoev is known as a consummate improviser and an authentic artist.