Herbie Hancock is a legendary figure in modern music, renowned for his contributions to jazz, R&B, and electronic music over five decades. A child piano prodigy, Hancock's career began with early jazz collaborations, including with Miles Davis. His groundbreaking albums like Head Hunters and River: The Joni Letters earned him numerous accolades, including 14 Grammy Awards, and he became influential in both acoustic and electronic jazz. Hancock also contributed to the development of new genres and collaborations, including with artists like Sting, Joni Mitchell, and Pink. Aside from his musical career, he holds leadership roles in the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz and was appointed a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Hancock remains an influential figure in music, culture, and technology.

Jakob Manz, a young German alto saxophonist known for his virtuosity and unique style, is quickly rising to the top of the global jazz scene. For his performance at the Jazz Open, he expands his group, "The Jakob Manz Project," by featuring European jazz stars Emma Rawicz, 'daoud', and Robinson Khoury. Manz, who also collaborates with pop artists like Sarah Connor, is joined by renowned percussionist Rhani Krija and keyboardist Ferdinand Schwarz. This performance promises to be a groundbreaking and unforgettable evening of music without borders.