JazzAscona

JazzAscona is one of Switzerland's biggest jazz festivals, and it's proud to be the only such event outside the USA to be officially supported by the city of New Orleans. But how did it come into being, and what makes it so special?

Founded in 1975
The festival was founded in Lugano in 1975 under the name "Festa New Orleans" by Hannes Anrig, its director until 1984. In 1985 it was moved to Ascona, and as the years have gone by, it has become more and more established as the jazz mecca of Switzerland and Europe.

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 held until 2019. 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.

Anyone who's not yet attended JazzAscona should definitely make an effort this summer: for ten days, Ascona experiences a warm, "southern state" wind blowing through its alleys, bringing good vibes and a wealth of great music. The sun-drenched village, known for the positivity of its inhabitants, radiates even more energy and zest for life during the festival. The lakeside promenade and the village, decorated with a thousand lights, are a sea of happy souls carried away by the music, dancing, laughing or simply enjoying the relaxed ambience over a drink.

Even LaToya Cantrell, the Mayor of New Orleans, confirmed this during her visit to JazzAscona 2022: “Music on the streets, people smiling and dancing, the streets taking on so much colour... Yes, in Ascona I can really feel the New Orleans jazz vibes.”

The 42nd edition
From 25 June to 4 July, JazzAscona will once again bring all the energy of New Orleans to Ascona. The 42nd edition will enliven the village on the shores of Lake Maggiore with free concerts, jam sessions, performances in local venues and the ever-popular brass band parades. With around 60 bands on the programme, the festival will welcome international artists such as funk legend Glen David Andrews and funk guitarist Vincen García. Traditional jazz highlights include Nicolle Rochelle with The Big Five and Nanna Carling with her Swingband. Fribourg pianist Manon Mullener will receive the Swiss Jazz Award 2026. The experience is completed by special formats such as the Dancing Hours, the Gambarogno boat cruise and a musical journey aboard the Ferrovia Vigezzina-Centovalli train. Ten days of music, dance and Dolce Vita in a truly unique atmosphere. Once again this year, admission to all events will be completely free.

A touch of New Orleans in Ascona: We're not on the Mississippi, but if everywhere sounds like New Orleans, then we want to taste New Orleans, too, including classic examples of Louisiana's lip-smacking cuisine. Louisiana has rhythm in its blood, and its cooking is just as vibrant: the dishes benefit from the same creative passion as the music. During JazzAscona, several restaurants along the lakeside promenade serve Creole specialities, while the Blue Llama Terrace, the festival’s large main tent, completes the experience with Po’ Boys, New Orleans Wraps (also available in a vegan version) and other delicious typical offerings.