Here we are at the 41st edition of JazzAscona, an event that, from June 26 to July 5, 2025, will transform the picturesque village on the shores of Lake Maggiore into a lively open-air stage dedicated to jazz, funk, soul and swing. With 55 bands and approximately 200 concerts spread across four official stages, as well as spontaneous performances in bars and streets of the historic center, the festival promises a unique atmosphere, inspired by the spirit of New Orleans. A noteworthy detail is the confirmation of free admission for all events, making music accessible to a wide audience.
A Musical Bridge Between Ascona and New Orleans
At the heart of this edition is the artistic direction of Nolan Quinn, who for the first time curates the program, remaining faithful to the deep connection of the festival with New Orleans, officially twinned with Ascona since 2022. The drummer and conductor Adonis Rose has contributed significantly to the selection of artists from the “Crescent City”, bringing both established names and new talents to Lake Maggiore. Among the most anticipated presences from New Orleans, The Treme Funktet stands out, led by trombonist Corey Henry, ready to involve the audience with its groove from June 26 to July 5. The daily parades will be animated by the Trombone Shorty Foundation Brass Band, while the Adonis Rose Ensemble will present for the first time at JazzAscona the refined crooner Phillip Manuel, with whom the group will record a new live album during the festival, from July 3 to 5. The emerging New Orleans scene will also be represented by the voices of Cristen “Ten” Spencer, with her mix of soul, R&B, funk and jazz, and the promising Andromeda Turre, who will perform with a seven-piece formation of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra (NOJO 7) from July 2 to 5.
JazzAscona 2025: International Horizons and Swiss Talents
JazzAscona 2025 will also host internationally renowned artists. Tony Momrelle, former lead singer of Incognito and a leading figure on the European soul scene, will open the festival on June 26 and 27. Funk will be well represented by German band Radius (June 28-29) and Swiss pioneers The Clients (July 4). Fans of traditional jazz and swing will enjoy a dozen bands, including international pianist Claus Raible (June 27-28) and singer Nicolle Rochelle, who will perform with The Big Five and the Jungle Jazz Band. A particularly anticipated highlight will be the gospel concert on June 29 featuring Bazil Meade, founder of the London Community Gospel Choir, accompanied by Hammond player Alberto Marsico.
The festival also confirms its attention to the Swiss jazz scene. The Swiss Armed Forces Big Band will perform two concerts (June 28 and July 4), while the Fribourg pianist Manon Mullener will present her new album recorded in New York (July 3-4). Of particular interest is the “European Songbook” project (June 27-28), with Lia Pale and mathias rüegg, which reinterprets pieces by Schubert, Schumann and Brahms in a jazz key. There will also be artists from Ticino, including Silvan Zingg, Gabriele Pezzoli Trio, Groovy Chapters and the Danilo Boggini Manouche Trio.
Awards, immersive experiences and the future of JazzAscona
A highlight of the festival will be the awarding of the Swiss Jazz Award 2025 to Elina Duni on June 28. The Albanian-Swiss artist, acclaimed for her ability to blend jazz and Balkan music, will be honored for her contribution to the renewal of the jazz language.
In addition to the concerts, JazzAscona will offer several immersive experiences. The “Dancing Hours” will transform the lakeside into an open-air dance floor every evening at 18:30 p.m., with free lessons in Lindy Hop, Shim Sham and Boogie Woogie taught by masters such as Stefano Benedetti and Tony Buondancer.
Special events are also back, such as “Soundtracks,” a musical journey aboard a historic train on the Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway on June 28, with stops for concerts in evocative settings. Jazz cruises on Lake Maggiore, inspired by Mississippi boats, will offer unforgettable experiences, with departures from Locarno and Ascona on June 29 and an evening cruise from Gambarogno on July 2.
The festival will also extend its resonance to other locations in the Locarno area, with concerts in Orselina, Vira, Vairano, Brione sopra Minusio, Losone and Locarno. A special event will be “LocarnOrleans” on July 3, with a large jazz parade and a concert in front of the Locarno Casino.
