The La Rochelle Jazz Festival started in 1998. It takes place every year in early October in the centre of the town of La Rochelle. This festival is a gathering for nationally and internationally famous musicians, as well as regional musicians selected for their musical qualities. The line-up reflects almost all the artistic trends in jazz. A hundred or so musicians play in a dozen concert venues during the 9 days of the festival. Free and fee-paying concerts take place in various halls in the town, interspersed with dinner concerts, educational activities, various conferences and photo exhibitions.