Ascona Tourism took over the running of the festival in 1993, appointing Nicolas Gilliet to the post of artistic director in 2003 – a role he still holds. The Festa New Orleans was renamed "JazzAscona – New Orleans & Classic" in 2004. Following 30-plus years of jazz experience, the festival reached an agreement with the New Orleans authorities in 2015, which saw the birth of "The New Orleans Experience – Music & Food from Louisiana". The festival split off from Ascona Tourism in 2018 to become an autonomous entity.
Ascona
The sun-drenched village, known for the positivity of its inhabitants, radiates even more energy and zest for life during the festival. The first concerts of the day – the "Music Hours" – start at 11 a.m., while the evening performances between 7 p.m. and 1 a.m. take place on the main stages. The lakeside promenade, decorated with a thousand lights, is a sea of happy souls carried away by the music, dancing, laughing or simply enjoying the relaxed ambience over a drink. And if that's still not enough, the jam sessions in a more intimate setting continue until three in the morning.
Ascona
Louisiana has rhythm in its blood, and its cooking is just as vibrant: the dishes benefit from the same creative passion as the music. A specially built Osteria on the Piazza New Orleans serves Creole snacks such as po'boys (a typical sandwich) and jambalaya "Ticino-style". As for full Louisiana-style meals, head for the Ristorianti al Pontile & al Piazza or Osteria Nostrana.
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