This year marks the 42ndt edition of the must-experience “Em Bebbi sy Jazz”—the outdoor jazz event that takes place in Basel every year on a Friday night in August. On this evening, more than 90 bands and choirs with over 700 musicians and singers, will play on 33 stages set up in every square and courtyard throughout the city’s center. The festival locations range from the former central post office, Marktplatz, Fischmarkt, Rümelinsplatz, Gerbergasse, and Leonhardskirchplatz to Gemsberg, Heuberg, Spalenberg, and Nadelberg. Each of the stages will host bands from a particular style of music from Latin jazz, gypsy jazz, dixie, boogie, Balkan beats, choir, and big band to funk, blues, soul, rock ’n’ roll, and contemporary jazz.
This year’s "FOCUS" theme, which is presented alongside various other jazz genres, is "Big Orchestra." It is dedicated to great bands that are so categorized due to their large number of musicians or their significant role in music history. The theme will be featured on two of the 33 stages, with three large orchestras on the large stage at the Marktplatz and three on a new large stage at the Rüdengasse.
On the Marktplatz open-air stage, you will hear the legendary Georgy's Big Band with its diverse repertoire of original arrangements by well-known bandleaders such as Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Duke Ellington, as well as classic and South American dance rhythms and well-known pop and rock numbers. Also in the line-up will be Micha Dettwyler and Pat's Bigband, who will present their current tribute program, dedicated to the German jazz star Roger Cicero. Last but not least, the young, highly talented musicians of the Swiss Armed Forces Big Band will impress with a diverse repertoire of powerful big band swing, virtuoso jazz, and dynamic pop and rock arrangements characterize the ensemble's distinctive sound.
The large new Rüdengasse open-air stage presents the authentically Cuban yet highly personal style of the 14-piece orchestra Picason, which is a defining force in the European Latin and salsa scene. They are characterized by a rich, groovy foundation; varied, crisp, and melodic horn arrangements; and the unmistakable charisma of lead singer Ernesto Manuitt. Also taking the stage will be Flagstaff 50's Rock'n'Roll, who are celebrating their 30th anniversary with a unique show that brilliantly unites the past and present of rock'n'roll, including a top-notch tribute to Brian Setzer. Supported by a powerful horn section, they'll unleash an energetic big band sound that revives the spirit of the legendary Brian Setzer Orchestra. They will be followed by Mezzoforte, one of Iceland's most successful musical exports. Founded in Reykjavík in 1977, they are among the pioneers of European jazz-funk fusion, renowned for their precise grooves, expressive melodies, and high-energy live performances.
As always, you are welcome to spend the evening roaming around town and stopping to listen and watch whatever catches your ear. If you would prefer, however, to plan your evening based on specific bands or musical genres, you can use the filter function " My Bebbijazz" on the program page on their website (https://www.embebbisyjazz.ch/programm/). Here you can get a better overview of the diverse program with a huge musical range and select your favorites. You can select your preferred style in the "Genres" control panel, as well as individually mark each concert of interest in the program overview. When you click on "zu meinen Favoriten," the website creates your personalized program that is saved on the server and which you can access on the evening of the festival, print out in advance, or share with friends and acquaintances social media channels.
In addition to the music stages, various drink and food stands are set up around the city center, making for a fun evening out. Check out the program on their website for a map of the various stages and a detailed list of the bands playing or download the PDF (https://www.embebbisyjazz.ch/programm/).
Tip: The event attracts between 70,000 and 100,000 spectators, depending on the weather, making it too crowded to manage a stroller!
All concerts at this fabulous event are completely free.

Website
embebbisyjazz.ch/

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