Jack Johnson is returning to Portugal for the first time in almost two decades, with the American singer-songwriter confirmed as the first act announced for CoolJazz 2027.
The musician will perform at the Hipódromo Manuel Possolo in Cascais on July 15, 2027, marking his debut at the festival and his first Portuguese concert since 2008.
Known for hit songs such as Upside Down, Better Together and Banana Pancakes, Johnson has built a career spanning more than two decades around a blend of folk, pop and soul with reggae and Hawaiian influences.
Born and raised in Hawaii, he grew up surfing as well as playing music, and the ocean has remained closely tied to both his creative work and environmental activism.
Johnson first performed in Portugal in 2005, while promoting his hugely successful album In Between Dreams, before returning for shows in 2006 and 2008. Next summer’s concert will therefore be his fourth appearance in Portugal.
His latest studio album, Meet the Moonlight, was released in 2022.
More recently, he has been looking back at the journey that took him from surfing and filmmaking to an international music career through Surfilmusic, a documentary released this year. The project has also inspired his current Surfilmusic Tour, whose European leg will culminate with the Cascais concert after dates in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, the UK and Spain
€2 from every ticket goes to foundation
Johnson’s environmental work will also be reflected in the Portugal concert.
Two euros from every ticket sold will be donated to the Johnson Ohana Foundation, created by Johnson and his wife Kim to support organisations and projects focused on environmental, artistic and music education.
Tickets on sale October 23
Tickets go on general sale on Friday, October 23.
Prices announced so far start at €50 for standing tickets, rising to €55 for seated and accessible areas and €80 for the Golden Circle. Box experiences are also available at higher prices.
Doors will open at 7pm, with the Cascais Jazz Sessions beginning at 8pm before the main-stage concerts later in the evening.
CoolJazz returns to Cascais throughout July 2027, with further names still to be announced.
Michael Bruxo
Journalist for the Portugal Resident.