32nd Jazz Ascona, from 23rd June to 2nd July 2016.

On the lakeside of Lake Maggiore 10 days of partying, 180 concerts and numerous renowned artistes from New Orleans as well as Raphael Gualazzi, Barbera Dennerlein and China Moses, creole food and Lindy Hop evenings.

Ascona, Southern Switzerland – Ascona's Mediterranean atmosphere makes it the perfect travel destination all year round. Even more so during the 10 days of the jazz festival – the only festival outside of the USA that is officially supported by the City of New Orleans. This year JazzAscona is celebrating its 32nd edition with the motto “The New Orleans Experience-Original Music & Food from Louisiana”.

Along the lakeside of Ascona, which affords one of the most romantic views of Lake Maggiore, the festival comprises over 180 concerts, nighttime jam sessions, homages to some of the greatest legends of jazz, the final of the Swiss Jazz Award. In some restaurants and in the new New Orleans Village you will also be able to savour Jambalaya, Gumbo and other Louisiana culinary delights.

The festival offers a mix of musical styles ranging from New Orleans Jazz to Swing, from Blues to Soul, and from Funk to Gospel.

Prominent artists from the cities of the Delta will be performing exclusively for the festival. Straight from the Big Easy of America we will be welcoming: the singer and pianist Davell Crawford (who will be paying an unmissable homage to the great R&B pianists of New Orleans on 25th and 26th June), the exuberant trombonist Glen David Andrews, the trumpeter Shamarr Allen with his rasta hairstyle, and Lillian Boutté, ambassador of New Orleans music all round the world. Also featuring the historic Tremé Brass Band, the Aurora Nealand & Tom McDermott duo, the All Star Band from the legendary Palm Court Jazz Caffè, The New Orleans Jazz Vipers, Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis and many others.

Other highlights of the festival include the great German organist Barbara Dennerlein (24-25th June), Dee Dee Bridgewater's daughter, singer China Moses, the emerging soul star Opé Smith and two authentic revelations of the young music scene in Italy, Raphael Gualazzi (29th June) and Simona Molinari (30th June), who move effortlessly between pop and jazz.

The 2016 festival will also be home to swing dance: every evening from 11pm onwards at the Club Casino, you will be able to dance Lindy Hop to a live orchestra or have free Lindy Hop lessons with two professional dancers.

5 evenings out of 10 are free. For further information: www.jazzascona.ch