On 31 January the eighth concert of the Jazz&Blues series "Waiting for Spring" will take place at the Aston Hotel Riga Lounge Fenikss Bar. The concert will feature Viktors Ritovs (piano), Elizabeta Lāce (harp) and Andris Gruntis (double bass).

Viktors Ritovs is one of the leading jazz pianists in Latvia. R. Ritovs holds a Master's degree in piano from Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (JVLMA), and has furthered his knowledge of jazz music by studying at the Dutch Conservatory. Currently he is a lecturer of piano and improvisation at the Riga Academy of Pedagogy and Educational Management and a lecturer of jazz at the JVLMA, as well as a member of the Maris Briežkalns Jazz Quintet, Latvian Radio Bigband and Lauris Amantovs Jazz Quartet.

Elizabeta Lāce has been described as a harpist with virtuosic talents since her studies at the Emīls Dārziņš Music School. Today she is one of the most original artists of her generation in Latvia. Her repertoire ranges from early music and Baroque to interpretations of works composed in the third decade of the 21st century, from authentic jazz/folk/avant-garde improvisations to architecturally structured cycles of original works and interdisciplinary performances. As a soloist, E. Lāce has already recorded several concerts with orchestras, including Sinfonietta Concertante (Maestro Andris Vecumnieks) and Vidzeme Chamber Orchestra (Maestro Andris Veismanis). Several solo and chamber music albums by Lāce have also been recorded. She has been nominated for the Austras Prize, the Golden Microphone and other awards.

Andris Grunte is one of the most sought-after musicians in Latvia and unquestionably the best jazz bassist in Latvia, who has participated in countless recordings with other leading Latvian and European musicians. Grunte plays in the Māris Briežkalns Quintet, Lauris Amantovs Jazz Quartet and other projects.

The tradition of live Jazz&Blues nights at the Aston Hotel Riga Lounge Fenikss bar was launched last October. The concerts take place every second Wednesday and the music is accompanied by a drink specially selected for that evening. This time, it will be "ASTON Punch".

See you on 31 January at 19.00 in the Lounge Fenikss bar, ASTON Hotel Riga!