Web site picks 'surprising' jazz cities

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., Nov. 13 (UPI) -- A California-based travel Web site picked Cork, Ireland, to top its list of "Five Surprising Cities for Jazz Lovers."

VirtualTourist.com said Cork, home of the Cork Guinness Jazz Festival, has played host to performances from jazz greats including the late Ella Fitzgerald, Dave Brubeck, and Chick Corea.

The Web site said Berlin, a city well known for its music, has recently increased its jazz presence dramatically.

"They have several large jazz orchestras, a huge variety of jazz clubs, and jazz radio," VirtualTourist.com member "Odinnthor" said.

Terrassa, Spain, located just outside of Barcelona, was chosen as third on the list for its year-round jazz concerts and events, including a spring jazz festival, the Web site said.

VirtualTourist said Jakarta, Indonesia, earned the No. 4 spot with a number of jazz festivals and clubs as well as a huge following for the musical genre among the population.

Rounding out the list was Marciac, France, which hosts jazz events all year long and offers educational programs that count Winton Marsalis among past students.