JazzAscona 2025: ten days of music and New Orleans atmosphere on Lake Maggiore

JazzAscona returns with its 41st edition, proving once more to be one of Europe’s most important musical events for lovers of New Orleans music. From June 26 to July 5, the picturesque town on Lake Maggiore will transform into a massive open-air stage, hosting around fifty bands and nearly 200 concerts on four official stages, in addition to performances in bars and restaurants, acoustic sessions in the old town streets, and late-night jam sessions. A unique experience blending music, dance, and culture in a stunning setting. As always, all concerts of the entire festival are completely free.

A program with New Orleans at heart – between tradition and innovation

Curated for the first time by the festival’s new artistic director, Nolan Quinn, this year’s lineup balances faithfulness to the traditional jazz styles that have always defined JazzAscona with new musical influences.
JazzAscona remains a must-attend event for those who love the feeling and groove of New Orleans. A choice – officially sealed by the twinning agreement between Ascona and New Orleans in 2022 – that turns the Swiss lakeside town into a little New Orleans.

For 41 years, JazzAscona has been one of Europe’s leading festivals dedicated to the music of the Crescent City, once again bringing big names from the Mississippi metropolis alongside a diverse selection of traditional jazz, brass band parades, funk, and soul, genres that naturally coexist in New Orleans.

The program featuring New Orleans artists has been curated by drummer and bandleader Adonis Rose and includes many new acts. Among the most anticipated guests is The Treme Funktet, led by trombonist Corey Henry, ready to set the audience on fire with its infectious groove. Throughout the festival, the streets of Ascona will come alive with performances by the Trombone Shorty Foundation Brass Band, featuring the charismatic Babydoll Chyna Doll as Grand Marshal, showcasing a new generation of explosive brass musicians.

Also from New Orleans: Don’t miss the refined swing of the Adonis Rose Ensemble, featuring (for the first time at JazzAscona) the acclaimed and elegant vocalist Phillip Manuel (July 3–5). During the festival, Adonis Rose and Phillip Manuel will record a live album titled Live at JazzAscona.

Other emerging vocalists to discover include Cristen “Ten” Spencer, who will present a high-energy mix of Soul, R&B, Funk, and Jazz, and rising Vocal Jazz star Andromeda Turre (July 2–5), performing with NOJO 7, a group featuring some of the best musicians of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra.

International stars and young talents

Among the most anticipated stars is Tony Momrelle, former lead singer of Incognito and a leading figure in the European Soul scene, will make his JazzAscona debut, opening the festival on June 26 and 27.

For Funk lovers: Notable performances include Radius (June 28–29), one of the most famous German funk bands, and The Clients (July 4), an iconic Swiss funk group.

In traditional jazz and swing, highlights include Claus Raible (June 27–28), an internationally renowned pianist, the Berlin-based Big Five feat. Nicolle Rochelle (July 4–5), and the Jungle Jazz Band, also featuring Nicolle Rochelle as a special guest (June 26–July 1).

The legendary Bazil Meade, charismatic vocalist, pianist, and founder of the renowned London Community Gospel Choir, will take the JazzAscona stage for the first time. He will perform on June 29 with organist Alberto Marsico and the Castagnole Community Choir at the San Pietro e Paolo gospel concert.

JazzAscona is also deeply committed to promoting young talent.
As part of the Groovin’ Up program for artists under 26, performances will feature the NOJO Youth Orchestra and Tulane BAM, bands composed of students from Tulane University in New Orleans. Several Swiss youth formations will also take the stage, including two ensembles from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, a festival partner.

A festival that celebrates dance and fun

Jazz was made for dancing, and at JazzAscona 2025, the dance floor will be irresistible!
Every evening at 6:30 PM, the Dancing Hours will turn the waterfront square into an explosion of energy and swing.
Renowned dance instructors like Stefano Benedetti (Rock & Roll world champion and Lindy Hop instructor) and Tony Buondancer (Shim Sham specialist, tap dancer, and jazz dance expert) will lead dance enthusiasts and beginners through a journey into the history of jazz dance, from Lindy Hop to Boogie Woogie, Shim Sham, and Latin Jazz fusion.

A festival that highlights the Swiss music scene

JazzAscona also offers great visibility to Swiss artists.
Among the highlights are the Swiss Armed Forces Big Band (June 28 & July 4) and the Manon Mullener Quintet, led by the young Swiss pianist, presenting her new album Stories, recently recorded in New York (July 3–4).

Another must-see is European Songbook (June 27–28), a new project by pianist Mathias Rüegg and singer Lia Pale, reinterpreting Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms through jazz improvisation.

A prestigious recognition at JazzAscona is the Swiss Jazz Award, established in 2007 to honor artists who have significantly contributed to the Swiss jazz scene. This year, the award will be presented to Elina Duni on June 28, an Albanian-born Swiss singer and composer, known for blending jazz with Balkan folk music.

Special events – historic trains and jazz cruises

Following the success of previous editions, the third edition of Soundtracks will take place on June 28. This unique musical journey aboard the historic Centovalli Railway train will feature a traveling performance by Frog & Henry, with concert stops in Intragna and Camedo.

The Jazz cruises on Lake Maggiore, inspired by Mississippi steamboats, will once again offer an unforgettable experience.
By popular demand, the evening jazz cruise on July 2 with Frog & Henry will return. Additionally, on June 29, three new round-trip cruises from Locarno and Ascona will be launched, as a preview of the 100th anniversary of navigation on Lake Maggiore in 2026.

Several concerts will also take place in Locarnese towns such as Orselina, Vira, Vairano, Brione sopra Minusio, Losone, and Locarno. One of the standout events is LocarnOrleans on July 3, featuring a jazz parade and live concert in front of Locarno’s Casino.

JazzAscona – A Must-See Event

With a lineup spanning traditional jazz, funk, swing, and soul, JazzAscona 2025 promises ten days of music and emotions in a unique setting.