JazzBaragge Wednesday Jam

The JazzBaragge Wednesday Jam offers an important platform for the Swiss jazz jam scene. After the musical opening of the jam band, lively and exciting sound conversations begin between musicians who spontaneously meet on stage, reflecting the diversity of jazz in all its facets. The JazzBaragge Wednesday Jam is supported by the non-profit association JazzBaragge. There is no presale for JazzBaragge, only box office.

Piano

Bass

Drum Kit

Marco Mezquida Trio

«Táctil»

Some musicians play notes; others live sounds. Marco Mezquida is the latter. Born in Menorca, this pianist, improviser, and composer embodies musical passion. He is considered one of the most vibrant figures on the Spanish jazz scene. He is often described as a &quot;child prodigy,&quot; &quot;piano wizard,&quot; and &quot;magnetic.&quot; He moves effortlessly between jazz, classical, flamenco, folk, pop, and free improvisation. Among his many awards, he has been voted Musician of the Year four times by the BMW Welt Jazz Award (Audience &amp; Jury Award) and the Asociación de Músicos de Jazz y Moderna de Catalunya (Association of Jazz Musicians of Catalonia). Following the albums Letter to Milos, Talismán, and Ravel&#x27;s Dreams, Marco Mezquida will present his new album, Táctil, in spring 2026. He will perform with his musical partners, Aleix Tobias on drums and percussion and Martín Meléndez on cello.

Cello

Percussion

m4music Conference

Over 40 shows on 5 festival stages, a conference, demo tape clinic, and an award show: the m4music Festival by Migros Culture Percentage on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Schiffbau, Moods, and EXIL. Tickets can be exchanged for festival wristbands at the check-in desk from 6 p.m. The wristband entitles you to admission to all concerts as long as capacity allows. We recommend arriving early. Admission is restricted to persons aged 16 and over; younger persons may only enter if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The afternoon program, including the conference, demo tape clinic, concerts on the open-air stage, and award show, is open to the public. The festival will be held in accordance with current official regulations; subject to changes and program changes. Further information about the festival is available at www.m4music.ch and on Instagram. Line-up: 3YOONI / Akryl / bangerfabrique / Bricknasty / Charlize / Copycat / Cordoba78 / Eckhart / ETO / Fau$tino &amp; Manu913 / glitchBABY / Good Neighbours / Grenzkontrolle / Kayla Shyx / Laurenz Nikolaus / Lilac Attitude / Lone Assembly / Lovehead / Marlo Grosshardt / Marlon Magnée / Moictani / Monster Florence / Pablo &amp; Special Guests / Paula Engels / Paxslim / Polarbæren X La Nefera / Seulfa / Splendid /Stereo Luchs

m4music Festival

Over 40 shows on 5 festival stages, a conference, demo tape clinic, and an award show: the m4music Festival by Migros Culture Percentage on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Schiffbau, Moods, and EXIL. Tickets can be exchanged for festival wristbands at the check-in desk from 6 p.m. The wristband entitles you to admission to all concerts as long as capacity allows. We recommend arriving early. Admission is restricted to persons aged 16 and over; younger persons may only enter if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The afternoon program, including the conference, demo tape clinic, concerts on the open-air stage, and award show, is open to the public. The festival will be held in accordance with current official regulations; subject to changes and program changes. Further information about the festival is available at www.m4music.ch and on Instagram. Line-up: 3YOONI / Akryl / bangerfabrique / Bricknasty / Charlize / Copycat / Cordoba78 / Eckhart / ETO / Fau$tino &amp; Manu913 / glitchBABY / Good Neighbours / Grenzkontrolle / Kayla Shyx / Laurenz Nikolaus / Lilac Attitude / Lone Assembly / Lovehead / Marlo Grosshardt / Marlon Magnée / Moictani / Monster Florence / Pablo &amp; Special Guests / Paula Engels / Paxslim / Polarbæren X La Nefera / Seulfa / Splendid /Stereo Luchs Line-Up at Moods (Friday): 20:45-21:30 Inuit Pagoda 22:15-23:00 ELLESTE100 23:45-00:30 Marlon Magnée 01:15-02:00 Laskaar &amp; Special Guests

Over 40 shows on 5 festival stages, a conference, demo tape clinic, and an award show: the m4music Festival by Migros Culture Percentage on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Schiffbau, Moods, and EXIL. Tickets can be exchanged for festival wristbands at the check-in desk from 6 p.m. The wristband entitles you to admission to all concerts as long as capacity allows. We recommend arriving early. Admission is restricted to persons aged 16 and over; younger persons may only enter if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The afternoon program, including the conference, demo tape clinic, concerts on the open-air stage, and award show, is open to the public. The festival will be held in accordance with current official regulations; subject to changes and program changes. Further information about the festival is available at www.m4music.ch and on Instagram.

Over 40 shows on 5 festival stages, a conference, demo tape clinic, and an award show: the m4music Festival by Migros Culture Percentage on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Schiffbau, Moods, and EXIL. Tickets can be exchanged for festival wristbands at the check-in desk from 6 p.m. The wristband entitles you to admission to all concerts as long as capacity allows. We recommend arriving early. Admission is restricted to persons aged 16 and over; younger persons may only enter if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The afternoon program, including the conference, demo tape clinic, concerts on the open-air stage, and award show, is open to the public. The festival will be held in accordance with current official regulations; subject to changes and program changes. Further information about the festival is available at www.m4music.ch and on Instagram. Line-up: 3YOONI / Akryl / bangerfabrique / Bricknasty / Charlize / Copycat / Cordoba78 / Eckhart / ETO / Fau$tino &amp; Manu913 / glitchBABY / Good Neighbours / Grenzkontrolle / Kayla Shyx / Laurenz Nikolaus / Lilac Attitude / Lone Assembly / Lovehead / Marlo Grosshardt / Marlon Magnée / Moictani / Monster Florence / Pablo &amp; Special Guests / Paula Engels / Paxslim / Polarbæren X La Nefera / Seulfa / Splendid /Stereo Luchs Line-Up at Moods (Saturday): 20:45-21:30 Cordoba78 22:15-23:00 Paula Engels 23:45-00:30 Mary Middlefield 01:15-02:00 Pablo &amp; Guests

Dominique Fils-Aimé

Dominique Fils-Aimé is a rising star in vocal jazz, a Montreal singer-songwriter who puts the history of African-American musical culture into the heart of her work. She crafts her work in cycles, with each trilogy telling a unique chapter in her quest for sonic, creative, and spiritual freedom. In 2023, Dominique Fils-Aimé launched her second trilogy, a collection of introspective and intuitive works that began with «Our Roots Run Deep», which has already been celebrated at Moods. So, in February 2026, Dominique will unveil the second chapter of this cycle with a new studio album «My World Is The Sun». On this project, she focuses on the very essence of the creative process. It reflects her commitment to freedom, to the sonic, creative, and spiritual dimensions as well as her desire to create from a place of honesty and vulnerability. Reaching from contemplative ballads to energetic outbursts, this show will invite the audience to delve into the roots of her soul and to connect with one&#x27;s higher self For fans of Bobby McFerrin and Youn Sun Nah

Vocals

Trumpet

Guitar

Keyboards

Rachel Eckroth Trio

Straight-ahead, modern and unmistakable. Although she tours large stadiums and festivals with St. Vincent, three-time Grammy-nominated pianist and singer Rachel Eckroth keeps her solo projects surprisingly and refreshingly traditional. In October 2025, her all-female trio, featuring bassist Emma Dayhuff and drummer Tina Raymond, released their latest EP, This Is One of Those Moments. It&#x27;s a tried-and-tested formation with a contemporary twist, and the same approach applies to her music. This is particularly evident on the new EP, which is highly lyrical: one patiently follows the melodies and rhythmic cells, watching them unfold into constantly changing, colourful, shimmering pieces. It is immediately apparent that Rachel Eckroth hears things differently to the rest of us. Her music is an evolving soundscape, full of darkness yet accessible and redeeming light.

Theo Croker

«Dream Manifest»

For Theo Croker, the trumpet is just the beginning. Seamlessly blending jazz, soul, hip-hop, electronica, spoken word, and Afrofuturism, the grandson of Doc Cheatham creates a unique sound. Croker takes the language of jazz and expands it into a soundscape all his own, where improvisation meets production, beats meet brass, and history meets the present. His music thrives on dialogue with tradition, his musical roots, and the world as it sounds today. His live shows are not traditional concerts, but rather journeys through sound and mood. They are atmospheric, highly musical, and deeply connected to the moment. At Moods, he will take us on this journey with his eighth album, Dream Manifest. The evening will be a meditation on what can coexist as he experiments with acoustic, electric, and digital layers of sound. Deep grooves combine serenity and tension to form covalent bonds. Trances become conversations. Beautiful, dreamlike melodies collide with grounding pads and raw friction.

Disk Jockey

Zurich Jazz Orchestra feat. Yasek Manzano Silva

Latin Night – Rompiendo La Rutina

We were very much looking forward to embarking on a musical journey to the Caribbean at the upcoming concert alongside Juan Munguía, the Cuban trumpet legend who lives in Spain. Unfortunately, due to health reasons, he is unable to come to Moods. Nevertheless, you don’t have to miss out on an exciting concert evening at Moods. Yasek Manzano Silva will be stepping in for the evening. Daniel Schenker met the Cuban trumpeter and composer in New York in 2002. He was introduced to the New York jazz audience there during a concert by his mentor, Roy Hargrove. As luck would have it, the Havana-born musician has been in Switzerland for a little over two weeks and, fortunately, agreed to join right away. Yasek Manzano Silva began his musical studies at the Alejandro García Caturla Conservatory in Marianao, where he played along to the music he heard on his parents’ LPs. In 1995, Manzano enrolled at the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory in Havana, where he developed an interest in jazz music. He later attended the Havana School of Arts and Music. In 1997, American jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove gave him his first trumpet, and Silva began playing at various jam sessions around town. He later traveled to New York and received a scholarship to the Juilliard School of Music, where he studied under jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and played in the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra. Since returning to Cuba in 2003, he has performed alongside Celia Cruz, Los Van Van, Irakere, Bobby Carcassés, and the British bands Manic Street Preachers and Simply Red. So you can look forward to a thrilling program: it’s quite possible that you’ll find it hard to sit still this evening. In addition to lively salsa numbers, you’re sure to hear a few Latin American-influenced arrangements by Ed Partyka.

Leitung

Altsaxophon

Tenorsaxophon

Baritone Saxophone

Trombone

Bassposaune

Stella & The Longos

«Amour Propre»

Following the acclaimed 2022 release &quot;Détends-Toi&quot;, the first electrifying collaboration between lead singer Stella Zekri and producer Ed Longo, &quot;Amour Propre&quot; crowns two years of relentless touring, growth, and evolution. On the road, the duo forged a powerful live ensemble of Berlin’s finest musicians. That synergy now explodes onto record, expanding Stella &amp; The Longos’ sound into something more organic, daring, and deeply alive. On &quot;Amour Propre&quot;, Stella’s sultry, magnetic voice weaves through lush layers of live drums and percussion, funky guitar riffs, shimmering keyboards, intricate brass lines, and the unmistakable hi-fi production flair of Ed Longo. The rhythms oscillate in a melting pot of musical styles, where Afro-Caribbean influences overlap with vintage boogie beats and quelching synths flirt with smoky Parisian midnight moods. Stella’s voice remains the heart of it all, sensual, husky, and brimming with raw emotion. Her lyrics explore love, longing, and reflection, while also capturing moments of dancefloor euphoria and universal connection. With The Longos as her powerhouse backing band, every track radiates the energy of a live performance: intimate, enchanting, and unforgettable. Not only does Stella lead this band as vocalist, she can also be found behind the DJ decks spinning vinyl as Stella Zekri. For fans of Asha Puthli, Nu Genea and Kassav.

Sammy Bacca

Warm Up & Hang Out 

Sammy Bacca is just a simple chill dude from Zurich, whose affinity for good music has been honed since he was a child. When he finally was “old” enough to start collecting records, that’s when it took off - his world became enveloped by music and records. At home, there’s never not a record playing. Lately he also started sharing some gems of his record collection on Instagram - go check it out! Having had some residencies in and around Zurich and still keeping up with the scene there, he’s been behind quite a few DJ booths in the past 20y, while also perfecting his skills as a selector. With that said, his sets go through a variety of genres and gems to tell his story.

Jupiter & Okwess

Congo Groove Night

Jupiter Bokondji, the iconic figure from Kinshasa known as the &quot;Rebel General,&quot; delivers to the world a unique sound where Congolese roots blend seamlessly with rock, funk, and soul influences. Together with his band, Jupiter &amp; Okwess, he unleashes explosive energy, drawing from the rich musical traditions of his homeland while forging connections between Africa and the world. After captivating international audiences with &quot;Hotel Univers&quot;, &quot;Kin Sonic&quot;, and &quot;Na Kozonga&quot;, the group now presents their fourth album, &quot;Ekoya&quot; (It Will Come). In this opus, Jupiter invites us to reflect: what does &quot;it will come&quot; mean? Is it a premonition of an inevitable destiny or a kind of fatalism? By introducing female voices into his otherwise allmale group — women who are themselves rebels — Jupiter challenges expectations. Is this a deliberate choice or a twist of fate? Perhaps a bit of both. This album invites everyone to listen — to others, to nature, to the rumblings of a world in transformation. With the captivating groove of Jupiter &amp; Okwess, *Ekoya* takes us on a musical journey filled with reflection and vibrations, movement and dreams, allowing us to be swept away by its rebellious and universal energy.

Kaisa Mäensivu, Sasha Berliner, Nicole McCabe, Mareike Wiening

Is jazz really a male domain? No, of course not! Four top female musicians have now joined forces for a joint tour to emphasise this. Vibraphonist Sasha Berliner, saxophonist Nicole McCabe, bassist Kaisa Mäensivu and drummer Mareike Wiening are in no way inferior to their XY chromosome counterparts. All four are masters of their craft, all four are critically acclaimed, and all four have received numerous awards. While Mareike Wiening holds a professorship for jazz percussion in Vienna and Zurich, her three fellow musicians live and work in the USA and are signed to renowned labels such as Ghost Note Records and JMI Recordings. The extraordinary virtuosity and creativity of this quartet make the concert a musical surprise package! The line-up speaks for itself. In this unique formation, these four top musicians will combine their talents to create a great whole and blur the boundaries between straight ahead and groovy spiritual jazz.

Vibraphon

Saxophon

Memorial Jam Session für Christoph Stiefel

Christoph touched and accompanied many people with his musical depth, his openness and his inspiring manner. His sound, his attitude and his presence continue to have an effect on many musicians and friends. The jam evening will be opened by three musicians who were closely associated with Christoph and who accompanied him both musically and personally over the years. The focus is not on the individual person, but on the shared memory of Christoph and his artistic legacy. Afterwards, the stage will be open for making music together, for encounters and for passing on his musical spirit. We look forward to an evening of remembrance, coming together and music - all in the spirit of Christoph. In order to estimate approximately how many people will attend, we kindly request that you register for free via our ticket system. However, last-minute visitors are also welcome.

Tome Iliev Quintet

The Macedonian-Swiss-French ensemble is both international and local. Founded in Zurich in 2016, the ensemble first caused a sensation in 2020. At that time, the Tome Iliev Quintet won the audience award at the ZKB Jazz Prize Festival at Moods. A lot has happened since then. Following their success, the group went into the studio to record their second album, Trinaiska, released in 2022 on the Norwegian label AMP Music &amp; Records. Unlike their first album, Sketches of Macedonia (2019), which drew inspiration from Balkan odd meters and lyrical melodies, the second album incorporates the ideas, sensibilities, inspirations, and feelings of all the members to create a unique sound filled with effects, dub elements, rock drums, and open improvisations. They are currently preparing their third album. After performing in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, and Bulgaria, they are coming full circle at Moods. They have already proven that they can thrill the Moods audience, and they will do so again.

Clarinet

Bass Clarinet

Derbouka

Tapan

25 YEARS VINTAGE JAM BAND

The JazzBaragge Wednesday Jam offers an important platform for the Swiss jazz jam scene. After the musical opening of the jam band, lively and exciting sound conversations begin between musicians who spontaneously meet on stage, reflecting the diversity of jazz in all its facets. The JazzBaragge Wednesday Jam is supported by the non-profit association JazzBaragge. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the JazzBaragge Wednesday Jam, the association is hiring a jam band every month, at least one of whose members played in the original line-up. 25 years later – a retrospective! There is no presale for JazzBaragge, only box office.

Tillmanns Grosse Band

Till Ostendarp

Tillmann Ostendarp invited his favourite jazz musicians to join him in forming a classic big band brass ensemble featuring two drum kits and a double bass. This is Tillmann&#x27;s big band. He has had larger ensembles before, but never with such momentum. The set includes improvisation, listening, repetition and reading. Tillmann Ostendarp learned to play the trombone in big bands and studied it at the jazz school in Lucerne. However, he then happily put it aside and turned to pop and improvised electronic music on drums and synthesizers. He has also conceived two hybrid projects between free electronic music and baroque string orchestra, and once a year Till gathers around 30 musicians in a band called ‘Alle Sterne’ (All Stars) to develop a programme together over the course of three days. Tillmanns Grosse Band is an attempt to play the sound of his musical beginnings with all the influences he has encountered along the way.

Regie

Composition

Justina Lee Brown

Justina Lee Brown was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and has established herself internationally as a singer, songwriter and performer. After initial success in the Nigerian Afro-pop scene, she expanded her career in Europe and is now one of the outstanding voices in the genres afro-funk, blues and soul. She received the Swiss Blues Award in 2024 and has been wowing international festivals for years with her energetic stage presence and top band. Highlights of her career include the final of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, a performance in front of 60,000 people at Blues&#x27;n&#x27;Jazz in Rapperswil and support shows for Zucchero. Her music is deeply rooted in West African traditions, but open to global sounds and modern influences. After the albums Black and White Feeling and Lost Child, she presents her most personal work to date with Echoes of Home in 2025 - a powerful reflection on origin, identity and musical home between continents.

Imarhan

The band Imarhan formed around 20 years ago when a group of friends decided to start making music together. This sense of unity is reflected in the band&#x27;s name, which translates as &#x27;those who are close to my heart&#x27;. All of the band members were born in Tamanrasset, a city in southern Algeria where the Tuareg community from northern Mali, known as the Kel Tamashek, ended their exile in the early 1990s after enduring numerous conflicts since the 1960s. The band&#x27;s sound reflects their cultural and generational background, combining dry guitar riffs, pop melodies and pan-African rhythms inspired by traditional Tuareg music, African ballads and the modern pop and rock they grew up with. Thanks to their critically acclaimed albums, Imarhan have become a symbol of the new Tuareg generation, bringing a breath of fresh air to desert blues. They celebrate the stories of today&#x27;s Kel Tamashek people and create a rare symbiosis of old and new by channelling this rich and diverse wave of musical influences. The band continues on this path with their latest album, Essam, released on 15 January 2026. At Moods, they will showcase the timeless treasures of Tamasheq music with a vibrant new energy.

K.O.S Crew Dancehall Mood

Party

Dancehall Mood is the monthly reggae and dancehall party at Moods. Like on every first Saturday of the month, the K.O.S crew will make the Moods club cooking with hot riddims. This promises an evening full of dancehall hits and reggae rarities, perfectly tuned to the respective audience and immaculately presented by the K.O.S crew and their guest.

Anupama Bhagwat & Manish Madankar

Indian Music Circle & Moods present

Widely celebrated for her profound artistry, Anupama Bhagwat is one of the foremost exponents of the Imdadkhani gharana. Her musical journey began at a young age, shaped by early training on violin and vocals before the sitar became her lifelong companion. A distinguished disciple of the legendary Pandit Bimalendu Mukherjee, she has mastered the nuanced gayaki style—bringing to the sitar a lyrical expressiveness modeled on the human voice. With a performance career spanning continents since 1995, Anupama has graced leading festivals, collaborated with eminent musicians, and received critical acclaim for her emotive depth, scintillating taans, and meditative alaaps. Her playing is often described as a seamless blend of technical brilliance and spiritual sensitivity, drawing listeners into a rich world of melody, introspection, and artistic finesse. She will be accompanied by Manish Madankar, an accomplished tabla player who has performed across India, Europe, China, Singapore, and Russia. A versatile artist, he is equally at home as a soloist and as an accompanist for instrumental, vocal, kathak, and fusion performances. Trained under eminent maestros such as Pandit Sandesh Popatkar and Pandit Yogesh Samsi, he currently teaches tabla in Italy. Together, this duo promises an immersive musical journey through the rich tapestry of Hindustani classical tradition—an evening of melody, rhythm, and artistic dialogue.

Sitar

Tabla

Omer Klein & The Poetics

Omer Klein is a true musical Swiss Army Knife. Born in Israel in 1982, Klein studied in Boston and New York. His work covers a broad spectrum, from solo piano to big band and from song to symphony orchestra. He composes for his own jazz trio, string quartets, theater, dance, and film. He will perform at Moods with his new sextet, The Poetics. With The Poetics, Klein showcases his diverse talents as a pianist and composer. This group of fearless, masterful musicians comes together to create a colorful blend of keyboards, basses, percussion, and wind instruments. Klein&#x27;s new composition book for The Poetics is full of his signature infectious grooves, catchy melodies, and bold harmonies paired with a fresh approach to arrangement and orchestration. Klein&#x27;s love of Brazilian and African music is particularly evident in The Poetics&#x27;s repertoire.

Sopransaxophon

Flute

Fender-Rhodes E-Piano

E-Bass

Bahamadia with The RuffCats Band & DJ Eclipse

Hip Hop Zoo & Moods present

Bahamadia is an icon of conscious and sophisticated hip-hop. The Philadelphia-born artist established herself as one of the most respected voices in the underground hip-hop scene in the 1990s. In 1996, she released Kollage, a masterful debut album produced by DJ Premier, Beatminerz and others, which is now widely regarded as a genre-defining classic. Her smooth flow, pointed lyrics and instinctive musicianship give each track a rare depth, blending jazz, soul and urban poetry. A close ally of the Gang Starr family, she has collaborated with The Roots, Talib Kweli, Slum Village and Erykah Badu. An authentic visionary, Bahamadia continues to inspire new generations and remind us that hip-hop is all about style, soul and truth. At this concert, her calm, magnetic stage presence will be amplified by a live band and DJ. Bahamadia&#x27;s show lasts 60 minutes.

Sarah Buechi Trio

The album &quot;Moon Trail&quot; by Sarah Buechi, Franz Hellmüller and Rafael Jerjen was celebrated by SRF as &quot;The surprise of the year&quot; and the Zurich jazz critic Manfred Papst headlined an extensive portrait of the singer Sarah Buechi: &quot;She creates music for the future.&quot; The trio&#x27;s music shows that Sarah Buechi has traveled far and wide. For over seven years in total, she was on the road in Bangalore, Dublin, London, Copenhagen, Accra, Paris and New York. She has listened to the world and studied all kinds of music in order to develop songwriting, world and jazz in a highly personal way, whereby the balance between composition and improvisation is central. Journalist Luise Wolf describes the trio perfectly: &quot;A strong common feeling and freedom in dealing with the material are the essences that the trio draws from jazz and folk music as well as other global musical traditions. Virtuosity is never presented for its own sake. Rather, it is the underlying, pulsating energy that enables a freer interplay of references.&quot;

Alexander von Schlippenbach Monk‘s Casino

Monk&#x27;s Casino, the quintet around pianist Alexander von Schlippenbach, with Axel Dörner on trumpet, Jan Roder on bass, Rudi Mahall on clarinet and Kasper Tom on drums, was formed in its original line-up in the mid-1990s and set itself the remarkable task of recording Monk&#x27;s complete works in 2004. In 2005, a triple CD was released by Intakt, which had been recorded live in Berlin&#x27;s A-Trane the year before. Monk&#x27;s themes are concise, usually quite short and extremely catchy. Just the right playing material for the musicians of Monk&#x27;s Casino: they hijack the Monk titles and don&#x27;t linger long with the traditional sequence of introducing the theme and extensive solo escapades. They take a much faster and more collective approach, using the original angularity of the compositions to interweave them within the pieces. Monk&#x27;s Casino is often fast and sometimes quite turbulent. Nevertheless, everything is well organized and, at least in this respect, under control. So here we go!

Angelika Niescier & Mariá Portugal

The alto saxophonist Angelika Niescier, who is always on the lookout for new musical adventures, is one of the most prominent voices on the European jazz scene. The winner of the German Jazz Award 2024 and winner of the Albert Mangelsdorff Prize is characterized as follows in Die Welt: The saxophonist is a furious particle accelerator of atomic chains of motifs with an almost inexhaustible breath, stock of ideas and compositional wit. Mariá Portugal has been active in the Brazilian music scene for over 20 years, now lives in Berlin and has strong connections to European improvised music. Her deep roots in the Brazilian singing/songwriting tradition, coupled with a great interest in electronic music, improvisation and its use in song composition, make her an artist who moves in diverse musical contexts. The interface between song and experiment has always fascinated her. Two musicians with drive, a love of experimentation and a sparkling temperament!

Hamid Drake & Alexander Hawkins

The British pianist and composer Alexander Hawkins is a creative epicenter of the London jazz scene and is one of the most imaginative European pianists with a surprising range of activities. On this evening he will meet the drumming giant of modern jazz Hamid Drake, who wins the hearts of the audience with his voice and drums. Two style-defining musicians and masters of improvisation from two generations, united in South African music and contemporary jazz. We are looking forward to the start of a long-planned collaboration between these two exceptional musicians!

Zugluft & Altfrentsche Besetzung für Familien

For this family concert, the two formations Zugluft and Altfrentsche Besetzung will be on stage together, merging elements of Appenzell string music and jazz with imaginary folklore. As free spirits of string music, violinist Matthias Lincke, Elias Menzi on the Appenzell dulcimer and Hiasl as bassist and yodeller combine their traditional roots with their urge for spontaneous musical expression. Since 2023, the Altfrentsche line-up has performed regularly in a quartet with violinist Andrea Kirchhofer. This has also led to collaborations with an expanded line-up, such as Aufhebung der Alpen and the Klangwelt Toggenburg project. Clarinettist Bruno Strüby and Andrea Kirchhofer have worked together for more than twenty years in various bands and (theater) projects. Together they develop the music of Zugluft. As a rich ensemble with two violins, Appenzell dulcimer, double bass, bass and double bass clarinet, the quintet interprets Kirchhofer&#x27;s compositions and pieces from the repertoire of both bands. Concert duration: 50–65 minutes - Children of all ages are welcome at this concert. - We ensure that the volume is appropriate, but still recommend hearing protection for young children. - Children under 12 can attend the concert free of charge, but we kindly ask you to reserve a free ticket. - Young people between the ages of 12 and 16 pay half price. - Can&#x27;t afford a ticket? Send us a message at info@moods.ch.

Violin

Hackbrett

Kontrabass

Zugluft & Altfrentsche Besetzung

Andrea Kirchhofer

For the final Carte Blanche evening of Andrea Kirchhofer&#x27;s tenure, the two groups Zugluft and Altfränkische Besetzung will perform together for the first time, blending elements of Appenzell string music and jazz with imaginary folklore. Violinist Matthias Lincke and Elias Menzi on the Appenzell hammered dulcimer are free spirits of string music who combine their traditional roots with their urge for spontaneous musical expression, joined by Hiasl on bass and yodelling. Since 2023, Altfr Palle Besetzung has performed regularly as a quartet with Andrea Kirchhofer on violin. This has also led to collaborations with an expanded line-up, such as &#x27;Aufhebung der Alpen&#x27; (Suspension of the Alps) and the Klangwelt Toggenburg project. On the other hand, clarinettists Bruno Strüby and Andrea Kirchhofer have been working together for over twenty years in various bands and theatre projects. Together, they develop the music of Zugluft. As a rich ensemble comprising two violins, an Appenzell hammered dulcimer, a double bass, a bass clarinet and a contrabass clarinet, the quintet interprets Kirchhofer&#x27;s compositions and pieces from the repertoires of both bands. - Duration of the concert 50-65 minutes - Children of all ages are welcome at this concert. - We will make sure the volume is appropriate, but we still recommend ear protection for the little ones. - Children under 12 can attend the concert free of charge, but we ask that you reserve a free ticket. - Young people aged 12-16 pay half price. - Can&#x27;t afford a ticket? Email us at info@moods.ch.

Kontrabassklarinette

Nik Bärtschs RONIN & Simone Felbers iheimisch – «Wätterglüüt»

Exil und Moods präsentieren Montags 1115

Live Ambient Guitar Support: Joel Gilardini Nik Bärtsch and Simone Felber were commissioned to compose a piece for the Alpentöne 2025 festival and decided to pursue a project together. This is how RONIN meets iheimisch with «Wätterglüüt». Customs and tradition become music and music becomes customs. Which came first, the custom or the music? Stories interweave with reality, grooves with rhymes. «Wätterglüüt» oscillates between archaic, contemporary and political influences, balancing the enduring and the new. The program pays tribute to important aspects and people of our tradition and at the same time puts new customs in front of them. With this composition, Nik Bärtsch&#x27;s RONIN and Simone Felber&#x27;s iheimisch move forward to the roots and thus back to the future. After performing at Moods in October 2025, the artists continued working and developing the program and in turn, will return for another performance.

Accordion

Henrik Freischlader

Precious Time Tour

Henrik Freischlader is still an insider tip for anyone who has never heard of him. Now the top-class German blues musician is finally returning to Moods - for a special show in a blues rock quartet! The German guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer, who has shared stages with B.B. King and Gary Moore, among others, has made a name for himself far beyond the country&#x27;s borders with his unmistakable sound and emotional expressiveness. 2026 now marks a new beginning for him. With a newly formed band, Henrik Freischlader is currently working on his upcoming studio album Precious Time - the first studio long-player since 2022. With Leon Mucke (drums), Gregor Sonnenberg (bass) and Dave Warmerdam (keys), a fresh, yet highly musical unit is emerging that combines blues rock with soul, groove and atmospheric depth. This constellation will be performing live together for the first time on the Precious Time Tour 2026.

Hammond organ

Zurich Jazz Orchestra feat. Song Yi Jeon

Female Composers Series

An evening dedicated to female composers and arrangers: The first part of the concert features music by Claudia Döffinger, Niki Illes, Cinzia Catania, Carla Köllner, and Ursula Reicher. The second part focuses on a composer and vocalist collaborating with the Zurich Jazz Orchestra for the very first time: South Korean artist Song Yi Jeon. Song Yi Jeon is not only the new vocal instructor at ZHdK, but is also renowned for her hypnotic voice—often compared to a malleable, wordless instrument—and for her incomparable improvisations. Her compositions will be performed with a jazz orchestra for the first time, presented in arrangements by Ed Partyka. This collaboration has the potential to become one of the artistic highlights of the season.

Bixiga 70

Adalu & Moods present

The ten-piece band from the vibrant district of Bixiga in São Paulo has caused a sensation with spectacular live shows since its formation in 2010 (Roskilde, WOMAD, Montreal Jazz Festival, Glastonbury, Sziget, North Sea Jazz Festival, Le Guess Who? and many more). Bixiga 70 is inspired by the Afro-Brazilian soundscape and fuses samba rhythms with the free spirit of jazz and infectious funk grooves. Their music breathes new life into Brazil&#x27;s musical heritage. Brazilian authenticity fuses with a global perspective, creating a sound that is both rooted in tradition and looking to the future. With powerful horn arrangements, hypnotic percussion and soulful melodies, they have created a unique sonic identity that is both timeless and forward-thinking.

Alma Negra

The Basel-based DJ and producer collective combines house with Caribbean sounds, Afro-funk and Colombian salsa to create an innovative club sound. The four friends have quietly built up an excellent reputation in the European club scene, spreading their sound and spirit from Basel to London and Lisbon.

Vali Mayers Gypsy Dynasty

As the last surviving ensemble of their generation, Gypsy Dynasty embodies the authentic and unique aura of German Sinti music in its original form. Welcome to Gypsy Dynasty, the last living heirs of the Hot Club de France and German gypsy jazz. The musicians are directly descended from their former bandmates who shaped this famous musical tradition – the legends Stephane Grappelli, Schnuckenack Reinhardt, Häns&#x27;che Weiss, Martin Weiss and Titi Winterstein. Gypsy Dynasty are musicians of exceptional rarity. They play what they live: more than just a classical repertoire of timeless and popular melodies, this music celebrates their lifestyle – authentic, rousing and poetic. Three is the magic number that unites this trio of Gigi Reinhardt, Holzmanno Winterstein and Vali Mayer.

Bill Frisell & Eyvind Kang Duo

Bill Frisell needs no introduction. His ability to effortlessly switch between jazz, pop and contemporary music ranks him alongside John Scofield, Pat Metheny and Marc Ribot as one of the most influential guitarists of our time. Violinist Eyvind Kang has accompanied Frisell for over 30 years and has featured on numerous recordings. Affectionately described by Frisell as a &quot;fearless explorer&quot;, Kang has also collaborated with artists such as Laurie Anderson, Skuli Sverrisson, and Hildur Guðnadóttir, and arranged music for bands such as Animal Collective and Sunn O))). These diverse influences can be heard throughout the duo&#x27;s music. Frisell&#x27;s compositions are juxtaposed with selected pieces by other composers, and the setlist, interpretations, and improvisations vary from day to day.

E-Gitarre

Viola

Marialy Pacheco Trio

«Reload»

Cuban jazz pianist Marialy Pacheco is a storyteller. Every note she plays has meaning. Whether she plays full, flowing chords on her grand piano or lets her fingers fly stormily across the keys, there is always an idea or experience behind it. And she has already experienced a great deal. With Reload, she presents her twelfth album. One might think it&#x27;s a declaration of war. After all, &quot;reload&quot; means to reload ammunition. Marialy Pacheco is indeed a fighter. She has to be. How else would she be where she is today? This strong, intelligent, charming, vivacious, and overwhelmingly romantic woman is the only Cuban jazz pianist of international renown. Not just currently, but throughout music history. With the exception of two Cuban &quot;standards,&quot; her latest work consists entirely of her own compositions. &quot;I wanted to expand my color palette,&quot; she says of the concept behind the album. &quot;My Cuban roots extend into Latin American traditions and my influences from classical music.&quot; The sounds are both authentic and traditional and modern, thanks in part to two young Colombian musicians: Juan Camillo Villa on bass and Miguel Altamar de la Torre on drums. The album is a melting pot of different musical identities and a treasure trove of extensive life experiences — perhaps one of the most impressive and emotional albums of our time.

Singer's Night

ENEMY

Kit Downes, Petter Eldh, James Maddren

ENEMY is an energetic and charismatic trio consisting of Kit Downes on piano, Petter Eldh on bass and James Maddren on drums. This top-class line-up is sure to impress jazz fans. All three members have won numerous awards and have been shaping the international jazz scene for years. They also enchant critics. The band is the antithesis of the traditional romantic piano trio, focusing on maximum tension through complex structures, cryptic rhythms, wonky beats and interplay that thrives on lightning-fast reactions and radical focus. They deliberately challenge themselves with their pieces, both technically and creatively. The result is powerful, edgy and dynamic music, full of changing pulses, frenzied piano runs, rushing grooves and intricate drum figures. At the same time, catchy melodies and poetic moments appear repeatedly. As ENEMY, the three musicians embody uncompromisingness, physicality, playful wit and a hint of extravagance. With their new album Fiend, released last year, they continue this approach seamlessly.

Tiger Lillies

«Serenade from the Sewer»

The restless band has been on permanent world tour for 36 years. Not a year goes by without 1-2 albums, a new program, theater productions and permanent worldwide tours. Dark and absurd theatricality are their trademark, and the dark cabaret genre, which became popular in the early 2000s, is based on them. In 1998, the band experienced their international breakthrough with the musical hit Shockheaded Peter. In 2003, they were nominated for a Grammy with the album The Gorey End together with the Kronos Quartet. They are a welcome guest on the world&#x27;s theater stages, most recently their Shakespeare variation A Macbeth Song in Barcelona filled the house for 2½ months. Most recently, they also contributed parts of the soundtrack for Johnny Depp&#x27;s film Modi: Three Days on Wings of Madness, underlining their status. With an international reputation as one of the most interesting avant-garde bands in the world, the Tiger Lillies never cease to surprise, shock and entertain with their inimitable sound. And in doing so, they fuse the macabre magic of pre-war Berlin with the biting edge of punk. The world of the Tiger Lillies is dark, peculiar and varied, with moments of black humor and immense beauty.

Ukulele

Theremin

Yasmine Hamdan

jazzhane & Moods present

Yasmine Hamdan first made her mark on the music scene with the pioneering Beirut indie electro duo Soapkills, which she co-founded with Zeid Hamdan in the late 1990s. After moving to Paris in 2005, Yasmine collaborated with Madonna’s producer, Mirwais, on the project Y.A.S., releasing the album Arabology on Universal in 2009 — a record both elegant and crafted for the clubs. Since then, she has gained international recognition as a singer-songwriter and solo producer, weaving together a rich blend of influences: pan-Arab roots, pop and poetic lyrics, electro, soul, and guitar-driven melodies. Yasmine has worked with filmmakers such as Elia Suleiman and Jim Jarmusch, and has toured worldwide to promote her albums Ya Nass (2013) and Al Jamilat (2017). Her third album, titled “I remember I forget”, was released on September 19th.

Süperfly

Warm Up & Afterparty

Raised in two &quot;Funky Towns&quot; - Munich and Istanbul - Süperfly aka Tuncay Acar explores the deepest depths of norientalism by permanently crossing the boundaries of cultural, ethnic, geographical, chronological and fictional regions and musical genres. The goal is to deconstruct the omnipresent dominance of identity concepts in dance music to make room for unabashed transcultural ecstasy. He expands his exquisite vinyl collection with digital finds from various genres: Kurdish Halay, Gazinomüzik, Arabesk, Anatolian &amp; Arabian Psychedelia, Electro and Hip Hop mashups, edits and remixes of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern psychedelic classics, hit songs from Turkey, Greece, the Middle East, Israel, Egypt, Maghreb, North Africa, the Balkans and also Memphis/Tennessee amalgamate together with a pinch of Latin Boogaloo in the brew of passion and heat of the Southeast. The versatile cultural activist, networker, organizer, blogger, Dj, musician and studied classical archaeologist also belongs under the artist name &quot;Blash&quot; to the first squad of graffiti pioneers in Europe. At www.triptown.de, his own blog has been online since 2011. Since the 2020/21 season, he has been involved in the Habibi Kiosk program at the Münchner Kammerspiele and hosts the monthly talk series &quot;Dies Das&quot; there.

Afel Bocoum

The Return of the Messenger

The celebrated Malian singer and guitarist Afel Bocoum is one of the last representatives of a pioneering generation of African musicians who were the first to combine their own traditional music with the new sounds that came from all over the world in the course of the 20th century. Bocoum comes from Niafunké in the Timbuktu region of Mali, an area that lies within the cultural riches and political tensions between the northern and southern parts of the country. He has toured and recorded with desert blues pioneer Ali Farka Touré for decades. In September 2020, he released his latest studio album Lindé on World Circuit Records. Damon Albarn, who served as executive producer of the album alongside Nick Gold from World Circuit, said: Afel&#x27;s voice is one of Mali&#x27;s treasures, and this record is a gift to us all.

Calebasse

Skyjack

Album Release «Let The Sky Open Under Your Feet»

The award-winning jazz collective Skyjack, consisting of some of the most sought-after jazz musicians from South Africa and Switzerland, is currently on tour to promote their latest album, “Let The Sky Open Under Your Feet”. Their fourth record is set to be released in April 2026 on the legendary South African label As-Shams/The Sun Records and will further explore contemporary grooves and a modern understanding of jazz. The band consists of three members from South Africa and two from Switzerland. All are highly acclaimed critics in their own right, but Skyjack as a whole is as great as its individual parts. Shane Cooper and Kyle Shepherd have each won the coveted Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz Award. Swiss musicians Marc Stucki and Andreas Tschopp are two of Switzerland&#x27;s most sought-after horn players, who have achieved dizzying creative and professional heights over the years. Jonno Sweetman joined the band in 2022 and is one of South Africa&#x27;s most sought-after drummers. Their sound is an absolute powerhouse, with all members bringing compositions written for the group. From deep African grooves, to heavy-hitting jazz rides and beautiful soundscapes, it’s all part of the incredible journey that is Skyjack.

Horn

Eddie Henderson feat. Piero Odorici Group

Miles Legacy

Eddie Henderson is a true jack-of-all-trades. As a child, he fell in love with the sound of the trumpet, then wanted to become a figure skater, was a practising doctor and is a living jazz legend. This is no coincidence. Henderson comes from a musical family – his mother was a dancer, his father a singer with the then-famous Charioteers – and learned his musical craft from the very best. He received his first trumpet lesson from Louis Armstrong, and family friend Miles Davis – a big fan of Henderson&#x27;s sound – convinced him to pursue a career in music. In a career spanning decades, he has played with greats such as John Hardy, Philly Joe Jones, Herbie Hancock, Pharoah Sanders and Mike Nock, and released groundbreaking albums such as &quot;Heritage&quot;, “Sunburst” and &quot;Phantoms&quot;. Henderson&#x27;s playing is characterised by his lyrical phrasing, his imaginative improvisations and his use of space and silence in his solos. He also manages to combine traditional jazz styles with more contemporary elements such as funk and soul. Joined by an all star line-up of Piero Odorici, Danny Grisset, Doug Weiss and Mike Clark of Headhunters fame, this is an evening not to be missed.

Lea Gasser 5tet

«Circles»

With &quot;Circles&quot;, Swiss accordionist Lea Gasser presents her second album, which is featuring intimate soundscapes and rhythmic diversity, and is also influenced by her residency in Iceland. Accompanied by her award-winning quintet, who won the ZKB Jazz Prize in 2024, she takes us on a distinctive musical journey through jazz, chamber music and folk. The quintet emerged from the accordionist&#x27;s long-held desire to perform her own music. Within the quintet&#x27;s sound, the Lea Gasser creates personal compositions that capture seemingly ordinary everyday moments and breathe new life into them each time. Sometimes the music dances with joyful energy, and at other times it slows down dreamily, leaving room for solo narratives to unfold.

K.O.G für Familien

Kweku Sackey aka K.O.G (Kweku of Ghana) is a multi-dimensional creative force, combining exquisite writing skills with shamanistic live performance, fierce raps, perfectly on pitch singing across a massive vocal range and some absolutely wicked dance moves. Not to mention his skills as a percussionist, arranger, bandleader and art director. A true poet and storyteller, he uses a mix of English, Pidgin and Ga to paint sonic pictures that reach deep into the souls of everyone ready to listen. Born in Accra, Ghana, to a nurse mother and marine engineer father who had studied in England, he grew up with a diverse range of international influences alongside Ghanaian styles: Tom Waits, Quincy Jones, Bob Marley, Sizzla, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ebo Taylor, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Atongo Simba, George Clinton, Pavarotti, Warsaw Village Band. Kweku is deeply aware of his heritage and of his role as an ambassador both through space and time, negotiating culturally both between African and Western influences and between the traditional and the modern: always open to new innovations and ideas while firmly rooted in a deep lineage. This openness has informed recent collaborations with a wide wide range of producers and writers, including Léon Phal, Jembaa Groove, Zed Bias, iZem, Afriquoi, Congo Natty, Scrimshire, Dark Sky, Dizraeli, Chiminyo, Umoja and many more in the pipeline.

Balafon

K.O.G

Afropfingsten & Moods present

Kweku Sackey aka K.O.G (Kweku of Ghana) is a multi-dimensional creative force, combining exquisite writing skills with shamanistic live performance, fierce raps, perfectly on pitch singing across a massive vocal range and some absolutely wicked dance moves. Not to mention his skills as a percussionist, arranger, bandleader and art director. A true poet and storyteller, he uses a mix of English, Pidgin and Ga to paint sonic pictures that reach deep into the souls of everyone ready to listen. Born in Accra, Ghana, to a nurse mother and marine engineer father who had studied in England, he grew up with a diverse range of international influences alongside Ghanaian styles: Tom Waits, Quincy Jones, Bob Marley, Sizzla, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ebo Taylor, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Atongo Simba, George Clinton, Pavarotti, Warsaw Village Band. Kweku is deeply aware of his heritage and of his role as an ambassador both through space and time, negotiating culturally both between African and Western influences and between the traditional and the modern: always open to new innovations and ideas while firmly rooted in a deep lineage. This openness has informed recent collaborations with a wide wide range of producers and writers, including Léon Phal, Jembaa Groove, Zed Bias, iZem, Afriquoi, Congo Natty, Scrimshire, Dark Sky, Dizraeli, Chiminyo, Umoja and many more in the pipeline.

Petros Klampanis, Kristjan Randalu, Ziv Ravitz

«Latent Info»

Latent Info, the new project by Klampanis, dubbed ‘Bass Ace’ by Bass Player Magazine, featuring Estonian pianist Kristjan Randalu and Israeli drummer Ziv Ravitz, now demonstrates that instrumental music is indeed capable of storytelling. It tells its story as the ‘latent information’ of a piece, just as real but intangible as unspoken thoughts, unattained goals or flowers in the asphalt, unseen and largely ignored. In order to bring the unexplored sound information to consciousness, the album of the same name, released in February 2025 on Enja, was recorded – in contrast to current recording practice – with all three musicians sharing the space at the same time, with the respective microphones subtly capturing the subtext floating in the room. Sometimes they improvise over subtle calypso rhythms, sometimes they indulge in dreamy elegies, then again they give way to strong syncopation, but always dominated by sparkling piano sounds that draw their power from subtlety. Throughout, the musical dialogues and trialogues of Klampanis, Randalu and Ravitz shine a spotlight on the realm of the unspoken, the overlooked and, of course, the unheard or overheard – and, last but not least, reveal the beauty and power that lies in all unnoticed things.

Electronics

Stéphane Galland & The Rhythm Hunters

Stéphane Galland &amp; The Rhythm Hunters was born to transmit Stéphane Gallands musical journey with other musicians. The goal is to integrate rhythmic principles from his travels to different parts of the world into a personal musical language. It’s a sequel to Stéphane’s previous project “(the mystery of) Kem”. The objective is to explore different approaches to rhythm, that seem unusual and complex at first and to integrate them into a fluid musical discourse. This process requires extensive collective work, so that the whole group becomes familiar with these new rhythmic concepts and challenges. The group consists of Shoko Igarashi on tenor saxophone (Japan), Sylvain Debaisieux on alto saxophone who already played in “(the mystery of) Kem” (2018), trumpet player Pierre-Antoine Savoyat (France), Wajdi Riahi on piano (Tunisia) and Louise van den Heuvel on electric bass (the Netherlands). Drummer Stéphane Galland composed the pieces as different musical territories where rhythm hunting is highly recommended.

Zurich Jazz Orchestra feat. Thomas Gansch

100 Jahre Miles Davis

To celebrate the centenary of Miles Davis&#x27; birth, the Zurich Jazz Orchestra performs a selection of pieces written by Gil Evans for Miles Davis and found on the legendary albums Sketches of Spain, Miles Ahead, Porgy &amp; Bess and Quiet Nights. The program is a true best of program, with highlights from each album performed by the original line-up and featuring the incomparable Thomas Gansch as soloist. The program will also include the final part of Ed Partyka&#x27;s composition for the ZJO&#x27;s 30th anniversary, orchestrated for the expanded line-up by Gil Evans and rarely heard in traditional big band music. This concert will end our 2025-2026 Mood Concerts on a high, showcasing yet another facet of the Zurich Jazz Orchestra&#x27;s stylistic breadth and depth.

Magnifico

Kultur Shock & Moods present

Magnifico has his roots in Slovenia and Serbia, but musically he cannot be clearly categorized. He mixes Balkan brass sections with disco beats, American folk, ex-Yugoslavian rock and love songs. In Serbian, Romani and deliberately broken English, he exposes stereotypes and prejudices and takes a humorous stand against machismo, xenophobia and homophobia. A furious fusion of surf guitars, turbofolk and Balkan funk.

Mario Peric

Warm Up & Afterparti

The BalkanEkstra Parti doesn&#x27;t stop at oriental sounds or Arabic rhythms - the main thing is to dance! With the legendary concert and party series Kultur Shock, Mario Peric is one of the pioneers of the Balkan scene as an organizer, DJ and producer. He has been thrilling audiences for many years with his varied, explosive and crazy sounds. His musical spectrum cannot be pinned down to one direction. The main thing is that it rocks!

MKZ Bandfestival

Whether blues-rock trio or big band, advanced workshops or individual performances, original compositions and standards, the pop/rock/jazz department of Musikschule Konservatorium Zürich (MKZ) is excellently represented in its entire breadth. The proven concept with main and side stage ensures real festival character.

Yves Theiler Trio+ feat. Bardia Charaf

«OMEGA»

With the fifth album, OMEGA, the Yves Theiler Trio, joined by guest musician Bardia Charaf on tenor saxophone, transports listeners into a soundscape filled with playfulness, depth, and sophisticated compositions. Pianist Yves Theiler, who once again serves as the composer and arranger of all pieces, creates a pulsating unity alongside Luca Sisera on double bass and Lukas Mantel on drums — blending jazz with pop influences and even touches of modern classical music. The album opens with &quot;For Four&quot;, celebrating the playful dialogue between the musicians before transitioning into &quot;Béla Bartók is Lost&quot; — an homage to the great composer Bartók, inspired by his structural forms yet infused with a fresh sense of improvisational freedom. &quot;The Circle&quot; and the title track &quot;Omega&quot; weave a hypnotic dramaturgy, elegantly bringing the cycle of musical ideas to a close. &quot;The Legacy of an Old Feeling&quot; captures a hint of nostalgia, while the closing piece, &quot;Broken Dreams&quot;, gracefully draws the listener back from this daydream into the present moment. OMEGA is an album that masterfully balances structure and free flow, tradition and modernity. It invites listeners to be swept away by dynamic interaction, expressive melodies, and vibrant rhythms — another milestone in the artistic evolution of the Yves Theiler Trio.

Makaya McCraven

In 2015, the drummer, producer and sound artist Makaya McCraven released his groundbreaking album, In the Moment. This established him as one of the leading figures in jazz and beat-heavy music. Ten years later, McCraven is back with an exciting new project that takes his sound even further. In the autumn of 2025, the drummer released four EPs simultaneously. He remains true to his approach of reshaping music in new and unexpected ways and placing it in a new context. Entitled Techno Logic, PopUp Shop, Hidden Out! and The People&#x27;s Mixtape, the four EPs were produced in McCraven&#x27;s signature Organic Beat Music style, which he first introduced on In the Moment and has continued to develop ever since. His secret recipe is to subject live recordings of his drum-led improvisations to intensive post-production.

Aaron Parks Little Big

With his 2008 Blue Note debut album, Invisible Cinema, pianist Aaron Parks introduced himself as an exciting new voice in jazz. He impresses not only as a pianist, but also as a composer of melodies that are as complex as they are catchy. Seamlessly combining elements of modern jazz, indie rock, and Eastern musical styles, Parks creates a unique and personal sound. His playing is characterized by lyrical beauty, rhythmic complexity, and harmonic sophistication. These qualities also characterize his band, Little Big, which consists of guitarist Greg Tuohey, bassist David Ginyard Jr., and drummer Jongkuk Kim. At Moods, they will present their latest album, Little Big III, co-produced by Blue Note boss Don Was. The record exudes an extraordinary vitality that is both beautiful and raw, underlining the band&#x27;s powerful, modern concept of improvised, genre-spanning music in the 21st century.

Style Bakery meets Bounce Cypher Artists

Three weeks before this edition of Style Bakery, the legendary SRF Bounce Cypher takes place – the annual meeting place for the Swiss rap scene and an unofficial assessment of the current state of affairs on the mic. Six hours of exceptional circumstances, enormous YouTube live numbers, and maximum visibility for those involved. Together with host Pablo, we invite a selection of celebrated artists to perform their exclusive Cypher parts live – with a live band and audience. The band and the hand-picked freestyle vocalists also celebrate the unexpected together. A Cypher edition of a special kind – raw, real, and unforgettable.

Host

Yumi Ito

Critics consider the Swiss-Polish-Japanese singer to be one of the most exciting voices in contemporary jazz. It&#x27;s no wonder that she regularly sells out shows at festivals such as the JazzArt Festival and the Veneto Jazz Festival. Yumi Ito creates her own boundless worlds with her voice. A master of vocal improvisation, she moves effortlessly between genres and her roles as a singer, pianist, and composer. Her own music is correspondingly diverse, an ocean of art pop, jazz, and neoclassical. On stage, Ito acts like a Zen master: clear, reflective, and with a uniquely powerful energy. She is backed by her band: &quot;drum poet&quot; Iago Fernández on drums, Nadav Erlich on double bass, and Alessio Cazzetta on guitar. Together, they focus solely on creating musical worlds in the spirit of boundlessness.

Samson Philipps & Special Guests

Album Release «Once Upon a Now»

The Zurich-based duo Samson Philipps presents their debut album &quot;Once Upon a Now&quot;. With this album, they join a new wave of jazz that blends the dance floor and tradition in an inspiring symbiosis, where melodic playing meets rhythmic complexity. Samson Philipps consists of Philipp Bucholtz and Samuel Schmassmann – two friends with a shared vision: In a minimalist setup (keys and drums) both contribute to a sound that transcends the sum of its parts, intertwining and blending together. The duo blends contemporary jazz with influences from drum’n’bass, jungle, trip hop, and ambient electronica into a expansive, cinematic sound consisting of analog warmth, deep sub-basses, jazzy Rhodes lines, and electronically embellished drum patterns. They proved that this blend resonates with audiences in 2025 at the ZKB Jazz Prize Festival, where they won the Audience Award. Now they’ll be celebrating their latest album &quot;Once Upon a Now&quot;, released on the Berlin-based label XJAZZ! Music. Their goal: bringing jazz back onto the dancefloor. That’s why this Sunday concert will take place a bit later than usual.

Solar Sessions

Bixiga 70

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