When travelling through Europe, I always stop to hear the street musicians. Even if for just a brief moment, listening to them makes me feel like I'm suspended in time. I can recall café music on an afternoon stroll through Vienna in spring and a plump violinist at the bottom of a long, cold cement stairwell in a Hungarian subway station one winter.

Somehow, music wakes us up, forces us into the moment and transcends inexplicable cultural barriers. Every February, the Florence Jazz Festival, does just that. It takes musicians and guests from all over the world, brings them together, and gets them excited about Jazz music. Music fills every little corner alley of Florence with gospel choirs, concerts, and book presentations. The wide variety of music and the stunning music venues—churches, piazzas, and the Teatro Giotto—make the landscape truly something to behold.

The Florence Jazz Festival commences Thursday, February 18th at the Teatro Giotto with performances by the Giovanni Guidi Quartet with Gianluca Petrella, an amazing Italian-born trombone player. The Giovanni Guidi Quartet tends to play, slower, more-relaxed jazz music. Gianluca Petrella, on the other hand, has a quick, almost jam-band style. The combination of the two will surely be interesting and inspiring.

Every Saturday following the opening performance, the Giotto Jazz festival hosts a show at either the Teatro Giotto or at the local library and auditorium. Other artists include Roberto Gatto, Uri Caine and Patrizio Fariselli among other. Be sure to visit the Florence Jazz Festival performance program to see who will perform during your visit. Since most performances take place in the evening, you'll have time to explore the city attractions, museums, parks and restaurants during the day before seeing a performance at night. If you're unsure which artist you'd like to see, do some internet research ahead of time. Most artists have their own websites which include biographies and music samples. YouTube is also a great source for hearing past performances at the festival and upcoming festival artists.

To purchase tickets, e-mail the festival information office ahead of time; since the festival performances take place in different locations, it's best just to contact the festivals central office for more information. Let them know which performance you're interested in and how many tickets you'd like to purchase.