A lot has changed in Sarajevo in the last 15 years. The once utterly war-torn Bosnian capital has begun to blossom into a European city filled with entertainment venues, cultural events and, of course, plenty of tourists.

A city that once all but crumbled under threat of bombs and violence is now thriving, and nothing can attest to that more than the kicking off of the Sarajevo’s annual Jazz Fest.

Admittedly very underinformed about Bosnia in general, I was surprised to learn that this is the 14th year in a row that Sarajevo has hosted its Jazz Fest, the first event taking place in 1997, only two years after the end of the Bosnian War.

This year’s lineup includes a number of international and regional jazz performers that will take the stage at several venues around the city, including the Bosnian Cultural Center and Dom Armije. Performers range the spectrum from world music acts, such as Tunisian oud player Anouar Brahem, to traditional jazz musicians like crooner Kurt Elling, who does interpretations of John Coletrane and Johnny Hartman songs.

The festival begins today and runs through November 7. Tickets are available online or by phone  at +387 033 668 975.