The name of the Ventspils Big Band is closely connected with the saxophonist Ziedon Zaikovsky, who has been following the big band traditions in Latvia for many years. Since autumn 2010, Ventspils Big Band has been performing under the direction of saxophonist Renārs Lāčs. Musicians have the opportunity to improve their musical skills, as well as develop their skills in jazz harmony, improvisation and rhythm learning, which is an essential part of big band music. The big band has given concerts in Ventspils, Pārventa, Roja, Kandava, Talsi, Ventspils with singers – Intars Busulis, Jānis Stībelis, Amber, and has also been a guest of Saulrkasti Jazz. As part of the Ventspils Groove 2011 Jazz Music Festival, the Ventspils Big Band has performed with the outstanding Swedish composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist, prestigious Grammy Music Award winner Magnus Lindgren and his quintet Batucada Jazz, which is currently one of the most sought-after ensembles in Europe.

Currently, the Ventspils Big Band is one of the most active bands in Ventspils, occupying an important place in the city’s cultural life and giving around 40 concerts during the season.

The big band’s concert repertoire includes four stylistically very different programs, and a lot of attention is paid to the performance of original music.

In the 2013 season, the concert cycle “Getting to Know the Big Band” was realized in collaboration with outstanding Latvian jazz artists.