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 40th edition
From 26 June to 5 July, Ascona transforms into a vibrant open-air stage for the 41st edition of JazzAscona – a festival that brings the very best of jazz, funk, soul, and swing to the shores of Lake Maggiore. With 55 bands and 200 concerts spread across four official stages, as well as performances in bars, in the alleys of the village centre and late-night jam sessions – the festival offers an immersive experience in the authentic spirit of New Orleans. As in previous years, all events are free of charge.

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 cuisine.