Press Info
April 2016
32. JazzAscona
from June 23 to July 2, 2016
with a rich variety of names and events
The New Orleans Experience
Music & Food from Louisiana
Media Contact
Luca Martinelli
JazzAscona
c/o Organizzazione turistica Lago Maggiore e Valli
Via Luini 3
6600 Locarno, Svizzera
Tel.: +41 (0) 91 759 76 72
Mob:+41 (0) 78 673 45 05
[email protected]
Essentials at a Glance
> Ascona, European capital of New Orleans music.
The Swiss festival celebrates the music and spirit of New Orleans from June 23 to July
2. A unique event in Europe.
> 10 of partying, a great happening dedicated to jazz with more than 180 concerts
and special events. Many young talents and formations introduce themselves at the
festival. 50, 000 visitors expected.
> This year two “all-Italian” Ascona Specials: Raphael Gualazzi (Wednesday June
29) and Simona Molinari (Thursday June 30).
> From the Crescent City, excellent artists in European exclusive such as Glen David
Andrews, Aurora McNealand & Tom Mc Dermott, The Jazz Vipers. But also
the historic Treme Brass Band, Topsy Chapman, The Palm Court All Stars, Herlin Riley,
Shannon Powell, Jason Marsalis, John Michael Bradford, Shamarr Allen, and the
Boutté family…
> The Ascona Jazz Award 2016 will be assigned to pianist and singer Davell
Crawford, who will present two tributes (June 25 and 26) dedicated to the great
pianists of New Orleans.
> For the first time, the New Orleans village: the festival will increase its offer of
Louisiana gastronomic specialties in collaboration with renowned chef Brian
Landry .
> The 2016 edition will focus, among others, on swing dance & Lindy Hop. Every
evening, from midnight, Swingin’ & Dancing with dances at the Jazz Club Casino and
on July 2 a special Swing Dance Night with Gunhild Carling & The Carling Family.
Free Swing dance lessons with two professional dancers, Francesca De Vita and
Henrik Persson will bel held during the festival.
> The great Barbara Dennerlein protagonist of a Hammond Night on June 24
while Glen David Andrews & 2Twogether will enliven the gospel concert in the
Papio Church on June 29.
> Don’t miss, among others, the emerging star of French soul Opé Smith and singer
China Moses, Dee Dee Bridgewater’s daughter. And from Switzerland, many
emerging young talents, from Martin Lechner to Raphael Jost, from the Swiss French
Lost in Swing to the finalists of the 10th edition of the Swiss Jazz Award.
> The main tent is now known as the Jazz Club Casino, while the festival’s legendary
jam sessions will be held at the new Papa Joe’s on the Ascona lakefront.
> Unchanged prices, with free entry on five out of ten evenings. Advance sale
from April 20 at the Tourist Offices in Ascona, Locarno, Brissago, in all of Switzerland’s
Ticketcorner selling points and online at www.jazzascona.ch.
Some events you should not miss
Thursday 23
Opening: NOLA Sounds
@ Jazz Club Casino 9.30 pm
Aurora Nealand & Tom McDermott
Jazz Vipers
Friday 24
Hammond Night
@ Jazz Club Casino 9.30 pm
Glen David Andrews with 2 Twogether
Barbara Dennerlein Duo
Saturday 25
Doctors, Professors, Kings & Princes of New Orleans
Piano
@ Jazz Club Casino 9.30 pm
Davell Crawford Trio feat Herlin Riley
Sunday 26
Piano Night: 2 pianos and 6 pianists
@ Teatro del Gatto 8.00 pm
Davell Crawford, Christian Willisohn, David Paquette, Paul
Longstreth, Tom McDermott, Silvan Zingg
Tickets: 20 CHF Reservations : +41 78 733 66 12
Sunday 26
Tribute to Jay McShann
@ Jazz Club Casino 9.30 pm
SMUM Big Band & Guests
martedì 28
Lillian Boutté & Guests : Tribute to Louis Armstrong
@ Jazz Club Casino 9.30 pm
Tuesday 29
Gospel Concert
@ Papio Church 6.30 pm
with Glen David Andrews with 2 Twogether
Tickets: 10 CHF Ticket sale at Tourist office Ascona
Wednesday 29
Ascona Special *
@ Jazz Club Casino 9.00 pm
Raphael Gualazzi
Tickets: standing tickets 25 CHF; unnumbered seats 39 CHF
Thursday 30
Ascona Special *
@ Jazz Club Casino 9.00 pm
Simona Molinari “Casa Mia” Tour
Tickets: standing tickets 25 CHF; unnumbered seats 39 CHF
Friday 1
Opé Smith Soul Night
@ Jazz Club Casino 9.30 pm
Saturday 2
Dancing Night
@ Jazz Club Casino 9.30 pm
Gunhild Carling & The Carling Family
Gotha Swing & Dancers
* Presale: Tourist Offices in Ascona, Locarno, Brissago,
Ticketcorner point, online at www.ticketcorner.ch.
Line Up 2016
Bands from New Orleans:
24.6-2.7 Anaïs St. John & the Italian New Orleans Jazz Connection
23.6-2.7 Aurora Nealand & Tom McDermott
25-26.6 Davell Crawford Trio feat. Herlin Riley
24.6-2.7 Glen David Andrews with 2Twogether
24.6-2.7 John Michael Bradford
28.6-1.7 Palm Court Jazz All Stars feat. Topsy Chapman
24-29.6 Shannon Powell
28.6-2.7 Leon “Kid Chocolate” Brown
24.6-2.7 Teedy Boutté & Paul Longstreth Quartet
23.6-2.7 The New Orleans Jazz Vipers
23.6-2.7 Tremé Brass Band feat. Shamarr Allen
Ascona Specials
29.6
Raphael Gualazzi (I-F)
30.6
Simona Molinari (I)
& more:
1-2.7
Albie Donnelly’s Supercharge (D)
24-25.6 Barbara Dennerlein Duo (D)
24-25.6 China Moses (EU)
28.6-3.7 Christian Willisohn’s Southern Spirit (D)
25.6-2.7 David Paquette (NZ)
24.6-2.7 Gotha Swing & Dancers (I)
2-3.7
Gunhild Carling & the Carling Family (S)
24-27.6 Jazz à Bichon (F)
27.6-3.7 LaDyva Bands feat. Pascal Silva/Alain Boog (CH)
24-29.6 Lillian Boutté & her Musicfriends (Int.)
24.6-2.7 Lost in Swing (CH)
26-30.6 Luca Filastro Trio & Guests (I)
24.6-2.7 Marco Marchi & the Mojo Workers (CH) 26-30.6 Marianne Racine Quartet - Swiss Jazz Award 2016 Finalist
23-25.6 Martin Lechner
1-2.7
Opé Smith (F)
1-3.7
Paolo Alderighi & Stephanie Trick Double Trio (I)
26-30.6 Patrick Bianco Cannonsoul - Swiss Jazz Award 2016 Finalist
26-30.6 Sam Burkhardt - Swiss Jazz Award 2016 Finalist
26.6
Silvan Zingg (CH)
26.6
SMUM Big Band (CH)
26.6
Soul Factory (CH)
24-25.6 Sugarpie & the Candymen (I)
24.6-3.7 Swing Rocket (AUS)
23-25.6 Raphael Jost & Lots of Horns (CH) - Swiss Jazz Award 2015 winner
28.6-2.7 The Primatics (F) - “My Choice Award 2015” winner
New Orleans, Ticino
The free spirit of Ascona,
10 days of party, jazz, and
entertainment
Ascona, Switzerland – April 2016 - There are festivals with smaller budgets
that successfully emerge in an ever changing international scene, thanks to an
original artistic project, a consolidated tradition and, last but not least, a
particularly fascinating location. The Ascona jazz festival, Switzerland,
is certainly one of these, and has become a reference, in and outside of
Europe, for traditional jazz styles and contemporary New Orleans music.
Under the direction of Nicolas Gilliet, JazzAscona will celebrate its 32nd
edition from June 23 to July 2 with a rich program: 10 days of partying
for a great happening dedicated to the free spirit of jazz, with more than 180
concerts and special events, many young talents and formations who will
introduce themselves at the festival. 50, 000 visitors expected.
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New Orleans stars, exclusive European performances
Thanks to an exclusive collaboration contract signed with the New Orleans authorities,
once again the festival will present an attractive program that includes first-rate artists
from the Crescent City, “The New Orleans Experience – Music and food from
Louisiana”.
Among the festival’s many new entries and European exclusives, straight from New
Orleans: trombonist, singer, and showman Glen David Andrews, one of the Crescent
City’s most explosive and festive artists; the Jazz Vipers, who contributes to the
success of Frenchmen Street as the new music center of New Orleans; and Aurora
Nealand & Tom McDermott, for the first time in Ascona, currently one of the
Crescent City’s most sought-after bands. She is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and an
incredible performer while he is a pianist and composer; together they reenact the
tradition with an incredible spirit and originality: unsurprisingly, their shows are always
sold out!
Straight from New Orleans to the Lake Maggiore shores, also young trumpet talents such
as Shamarr Allen, John Michael Bradford, and Kevin Louis, or acclaimed
drummers Shannon Powell and Herlin Riley, one of the city’s best marching bands,
the Treme Brass Band (back after many years), drummer Jason Marsalis and
singer Topsy Chapman together with the Palm Court All Star Band, singers Anais
St. John, Teedy, Tanya and Lillian Boutté. Boutté will perform with the band that
helped launch her career in Europe in the 1980s, the Music Friends.
The Ascona Jazz Award 2016 goes to Davell Crawford
The New Orleans piano tradition during two evenings
The festival’s award, the Ascona Jazz Award, will be attributed to the famous New
Orleans singer and pianist Davell Crawford, heir to the great New Orleans piano
tradition. Together with his band, Crawford will be the protagonist of Doctors,
Professors, Kings & Princes of New Orleans Piano, an unforgettable tribute to
Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Jams Booker, Fats Domino, and Allen
Toussaint, on June 25.
On June 26, Crawford will also coordinate a Piano Night with the participation of six of
the festival’s pianists with two grand pianos on the stage of the Teatro del Gatto in
Ascona.
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Raphael Gualazzi and Simona Molinari
special guests on June 29 and 30
Two Ascona Specials that are sure to please the crowds. We are talking about
the special concerts (admission with fee) that will be held at the Jazz Club Casino, during
the free-entry evenings.
On Wednesday Juen 29 we will admire the highly acclaimed pianist and singer
Raphael Gualazzi. After his successful participation at the Sanremo Festival in 2011
with Follia D’Amore, this young Italian musician has made a name for himself
throughout Europe. Known for the enthusiasm and emotion of his performances,
Raphael Gualazzi’s repertoire is certain to please a broad audience: from jazz to ragtime
(his great passion), to blues, gospel, funk, and pop. Gualazzi will present his new show
at JazzAscona, a prelude to his new album.
On Thursday June 30 it will be the turn of Simona Molinari. Known for her
participation at the festival of Sanremo, the young singer is making herself known as one
of Italy’s most intense and beautiful voices. In Ascona she will present her new album,
Casa Mia, which includes ten classics of jazz. Simona Molinari has collaborated with
artists such as Al Jarreau, Gilberto Gil, Peter Cincotti, Andrea Bocelli, Massimo Ranieri,
and Ornella Vanoni, performing in theatres, jazz clubs, and important festivals in Italy
and abroad. In 2015 she toured with the successful live project “Loving Ella”, a tribute to
Ella Fitzgerald.
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Hammond Night with Barbara Dennerlein and Gospel concert
In the 2016 program one name certainly stands out: that of Barbara Dennerlein,
considered one of the world’s best organ players for the past 20 years. At her first
presence at JazzAscona, Dennerlein will be the protagonist of the Hammond Night on
June 24, together with Glen David Andrews & 2Twogether, that is Jérôme
Cardynaals, drums, and Simon Oslender Hammond organist, two incredible young
talents of European groovy jazz.
Glen Andrews & 2Twogether will also perform at one of the festival’s most evocative
events: the gospel concert of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29) held in the
16th-century church of the Papio in Ascona.
Focus on swing dance and Lindy Hop
JazzAscona 2016 will dedicate a special space to swing dance and Lindy Hop. Every
evening, starting from midnight, the Swingin’ & Dancing program (at the Jazz Club
Casino) will present the great successes of the 30s and 40s: come and dance! On stage
the bubbly Gotha Swing Dance, while on the dancefloors dancers will lead the
audience into the discovery of swing dance.
Don’t miss the Swing Dance Night on July 2, with Gunhild Carling & The Carling
Family, spectacular Swedish band, already winner of the Audience Award, known for
including dance in their shows. The same band will also perform at the Final Jazz
party on July 3 at the Ascona Golf.
Four free Swing dance lessons with two professional dancers, Francesca De Vita
and Henrik Persson will be held on weekends (Saturday June 25 and July 2 and Sunday
June 26 from 6 pm) and on Wednesday June 26 from 4.30 pm at the Collegio Papio.
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Opé Smith and China Moses:
France’s talent pool
Among various names we would like to mention the winners of the 2015 Audience
Award, The Primatics, with their tribute to Louis Prima, singer Opé Smith, and
renowned French-American singer China Moses, daughter of the legendary Dee Dee
Bridgewater, who will be in Ascona with a new band and a brand new program taken
from her new album Breaking Point.
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A strong Swiss presence
Ascona will also host the final phase of the Swiss Jazz Award (from June 26 to 30),
returning to the original format with five performances by the three finalists (Marianne
Racine Quartet, Sam Burkhardt and Patrick Bianco’s Cannonsoul). The event
will complement the strong presence of Swiss artists at this year’s festival, which
includes many young talents: Martin Lechner with his new album, LaDyva, boogiewoogie queen who performed in London for Chuck Berry’s 80 years, the Swiss French
Lost In Swing and the winner of the latest edition of the Swiss Jazz Award, Raphael
Jost, among others.
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A New Orleans village to discover the tastes of Louisiana
The “New Orleans Experience” would not be complete without an offer dedicated to the
cuisine of New Orleans and Louisiana, known and appreciated throughout the world, a
result of the Crescent City’s melting pot, which – like music – integrates traditional
French, Creole, African, and Spanish cuisine. This year the offer will be expanded with
the New Orleans village, accomplished with the consultancy of one of New Orleans’
most renowned chefs, Brian Landry (Borgne Restaurant - John Besh Restaurant
Group), whose presence in Ascona is made possible by the festival’s collaboration with
the New Orleans Convention & Tourist Bureau. At the village’s various stands, you can
taste “po-boys” sandwiches, jambalaya, gumbo and other typical food and drink
specialties. Three restaurants in Ascona –Pontile, Nostrana, and Papa Joe’s – will
furthermore offer a special New Orleans menu.
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New location for the Jam Sessions and the Jazz Club Casino
The festival’s legendary jam sessions, where many of the festival’s musicians meet
after midnight, best represent the free spirit of jazz. This year they will be held at the
new Papa Joe’s (ex Elvezia) on the Ascona lakefront.
Another noteworthy change at this year’s festival: the main tent is now known as Jazz
Club Casino.
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Practical information and tickets
For more information about the festival and its artists visit www.jazzascona.ch.
For tourist information www.ascona-locarno.com (tel +41 (0)848 091 091).
Free entry evenings and admission fee
The evening concerts on the lakefront are free during weekdays, except on June 28 (pre
festive) and during the Ascona Specials.
Free entry evenings: Thu June 23, Thu June 26, Mo June 27, Wed June 29, Thu
June 30
Admission fee: Fr 24, Sat 25, Tue 28 June, Fr 1, Sat 2 July
Adults 20 CHF – Students and apprentices 10 CHF – Younger than 14 years old free
The tickets can be purchased directly at the box office, from 6 pm
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Ascona Specials
Raphael Gualazzi
Wednesday June 29 @ Jazz Club Casinò 9.00 pm
Simona Molinari “Casa Mia” Tour
Thursday June 30 @ Jazz Club Casinò 9.00 pm
Tickets:
standing tickets 25 CHF -unnumbered seats tickets 39 CHF
Pre sale: At the Tourist Offices in Ascona, Locarno, Brissago, in all of Switzerland’s
Ticketcorner selling points and online at www.jazzascona.ch.
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Other admission fees
Piano Night: 2 pianos and 6 pianists
Sunday 26 @ Teatro del Gatto 9.00 pm
Davell Crawford & Guests
Tickets: 20 CHF - Reservations : +41 78 733 66 12
Gospel Concert
Wednesday 29 @ Papio Church 6.30 pm
with Glen David Andrews with 2 Twogether
Tickets: 10 CHF - Ticket sale at the Tourist office Ascona
Music Hours
Concerts in bars and restaurants are free: you are however expected to pay an additional
fee on your first order, as detailed on the tables.
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Park & Ride
700 parking spaces, free of charge, at the former Ascona airport, with a shuttle service to
and from the lakefront from 6.15 p.m. until 01.15 a.m.
To the festival by bus & train
Last buses from Ascona (Posta) to Locarno-Minusio-Tenero (campings):
22.28, 22.58, 23.28, 23.53*, 00.28
*only to Locarno main station
Last bus to Brissago: 23.16
(Fr-Sa 01.29)
Last trains from Locarno
to Bellinzona:
22.34, 23.04, 23.34, 00.16, 00.46, 01.21
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