Feb. 27 – Pizzica and taranta may be the best known folk styles to originate in Puglia, but the region is now carving out a name for itself in the international jazz scene. Puglia Sounds is an agency set up by the Puglia Region for the development of its music system. The agency recently signed a memorandum of understanding with AJC, Association Jazz Croise, for the internationalization of the Puglia jazz system. AJC brings together 60 French and European jazz promoters and will help affirm Puglia’s presence in musical projects, festivals, clubs and theaters of the AJC network. In addition, throughout the year, there will be planned activities to promote artists, actors, record labels and jazz festivals in Puglia. The memorandum of understanding is part of a broader framework of international agreements and activities that the Puglia region is developing to promote its music in the world. Since 2010, Puglia Sounds has sponsored 296 tours in 67 countries, while it also promoted events focused on Puglia music in the U.S., Britain, France, Germany, Lebanon, Australia, The Netherlands, New Zealand and Greece.