Paolo Fresu & Rita Marcotulli

Italienisches Kulturinstitut presents

When two of the most influential figures in European jazz collaborate, the result is music that is deeply moving, elegant and emotional. Paolo Fresu and Rita Marcotulli&#x27;s duo blends Mediterranean timbres with subtle improvisational artistry and exceptional musical sensitivity. Using trumpet, flugelhorn, piano and subtle electronics, the two artists engage in an atmospheric dialogue between jazz, contemporary music and poetic soundscapes. They perform both intimately and acoustically and dazzlingly and surprisingly. Throughout, they embody a great musical openness and a shared sense of beauty in the details. Paolo Fresu has been one of Europe’s leading jazz musicians for decades, captivating audiences worldwide with his unmistakable sound. Rita Marcotulli is one of Italy’s most notable pianists, renowned for her lyrical style and versatility. Together, they promise a concert full of warmth, sophistication, and magical moments. Their music is both moving and resonant. In collaboration with the Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Zurigo.

Flugelhorn

Trumpet

Piano

Ulysse Loup Large Ensemble

At once stormy and serene, bassist and composer Ulysse Loup blends contemporary jazz with poetic depth. His ten-piece ensemble guides the listener through organic and mechanical soundscapes: two drum kits pulse, basses rumble, wind instruments call out, and a voice narrates. Music that feels like a journey between longing, vastness and an inner awakening.

Rufus D

Rhythm, loops and morphing patterns: this is the world of Rufus D. Their constantly driving sound unfolds somewhere between post-rock and experimental music. Slowly building structures give way to unexpected breaks, at times lyrically soaring, at others powerful and raw. Beats, loops and guitars merge into a mix that thickens, becomes overdriven and finally fades away into the room.

Vocals

Flute

Saxophon

Trombone

Guitar

Kontrabass

E-Bass

Composition

Drum Kit

Espuma Antigua

The Espuma Antigua quartet blends past and present into music that lifts you up. Their aim is to bring old and new into dialogue within a gentle, electronic mix, thereby retelling melodies in a fresh way. Their sound is poetic, intimate and full of quiet magic – like stories told on a balmy summer’s night.

Driftwood Quartet

The Driftwood Quartet moves with playful ease between contemporary jazz and alternative rock. In their music, delicate passages build into powerful sounds, contrasted by edgy riffs. Catchy melodies blend with experimental structures. Throughout, the band remains curious, dynamic and full of surprises.

Cello

muralim

For muralim, music is something that speaks to the heart and the gut. It’s about freedom and those moments when you forget everything and can simply be in the present. Their melodies are catchy yet sophisticated, and the grooves invite you to tap your feet. The whole thing is carried by their joy of playing and their energy. The result is music that’s almost impossible to resist.

HOLD

The trio HOLD explores improvised soundscapes that bridge the worlds of jazz, noise and electronic music. Their sound is a blend of melody, noise and surprise. It embodies uncompromising spirit, freedom and originality. Their concerts are unique and always entirely improvised. It is music that emerges in the here and now – fleeting yet intense.

Bass

Percussion

JazzBaragge Wednesday Jam

SPECIAL: ZKB Jazzpreis @ JazzBaragge

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.

Joëlle Léandre Solo

Jurykonzert

The French bassist, influenced by contemporary jazz and classical music, is one of the leading figures in the world of improvisational music. Over the course of her career, she has revolutionised double bass playing from the ground up. With just four strings and her voice, she manages to bring the character of an entire ensemble to life on stage. 

Lucia Cadotsch & Jozef Dumoulin

Singer Lucia Cadotsch and pianist Jozef Dumoulin take their close collaboration in AKI to the next level with this new duo. The two engage in an intimate dialogue between voice and piano. Drawing on Cadotsch’s songbook, they create a dreamlike soundscape full of depth, subtle nuances and fresh perspectives on familiar melodies, brimming with poetry and intensity.

ZKB Jazzpreis Finale

The ZKB Jazzpreis Festival is a six-day event packed with music and talent. Six nominated bands will have the opportunity to perform in front of a jury of national and international experts, as well as a large audience. The bands must impress not only with their musical quality, but also with their professionalism and potential for growth. The top two bands will advance to the finals to compete for Switzerland’s most lucrative jazz prize: 15,000 Swiss francs for the winner and 5,000 Swiss francs for the runner-up. The finalists will be announced on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.

Discovery Zone

Blanche Biau

Blanche Biau is the project of the audio-visual artist Aurelia Kapfer, based in Zurich. Initiated in 2019 as part of an application to art school, the project quickly evolved beyond its academic origins into a fully developed musical practice. Working with a strong DIY ethos, Kapfer writes, produces, and performs her music independently, often also designing the visual identity of the project. Her sound draws heavily from 1980s wave, post-punk, and 1990s shoegaze and trip-hop, blending nostalgic textures with a contemporary sensibility. The result is a melancholic yet immersive sound, characterized by atmospheric layers, driving rhythms, and emotionally direct songwriting. Since its inception, Blanche Biau has grown into a notable presence within the European alternative music scene. The project has released two full-length records, Maraudé (2021) and Heartcore (2025), which further established its signature sound and led to wider recognition. Alongside its recorded output, Blanche Biau has developed a significant live presence, performing extensively across Europe over the last 5 years. The project is also embedded in a wider network of contemporary Swiss music, with Kapfer participating in other bands and collaborations within the scene.

Discovery Zone is the experimental pop project of New York musician and multimedia artist JJ Weihl. After the slow-building but undeniable fervor around her debut album Remote Control, Discovery Zone released her second album Quantum Web on RVNG Intl. and Mansions and Millions in 2024. On the album Discovery Zone plunged into an uncanny valley, where the distinctions between the earnest and the ironic blur in tandem with the human and the post-human. On stage, Discovery Zone explores a widescreen pop sound speckled with luminous vocal performances and baroque instrumental flourishes. She utilizes a laboratory of instruments and 3D visuals to explore the universe as a source of information. New Discovery Zone music is set to arrive in the first half of 2026.

Chrigi G. us Z.

Warm Up & Cool Down

Chrigi G. us Z. has been collecting music for a long time. Almost pathologically, actually. With GDS.FM, he has now found a way to make this music accessible. He puts together suitable playlists every day in the program. In the live shows, he invites guests and presents the latest discoveries. Finally, he presents his favorites mixed in clubs and bars or at festivals.

Multiinstrumentalist

Villains Ball After Party

Ballroom is a Black and Latinx LGBTQIAP+ cultural movement born out of resistance with a long history of artistic excellence, resilience, and community care, and it continues to play a vital role in contemporary cultural and social discourse. The global impact of Ballroom can be felt by Madonna’s Vogue and Beyoncé’s Renaissance and by the global network that runs worldwide. The Villains Lair is the official after party for the Villains Ball, the first ever major ball in the German speaking region of Switzerland, gathering legends and stars from both the local and international ballroom scene. Line-up: 00:00 - 01:30 Sirenessa 01:30 - 01:40 Yagaga 01:40 - 03:30 Seven Angels 03:30 - End HAUSVRAU

Disk Jockey

OMAR + QCBA

Spirit Music Society & Moods present

Omar is one of the most influential voices in British soul. For four decades, he has helped shape the sound of UK soul, collaborating with greats such as Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu and D’Angelo. The Hammond organ-driven quartet QCBA, led by the outstanding trumpeter Quentin Collins and the dynamic saxophonist Brandon Allen, moves with ease between contemporary groove and the spirit of the Blue Note era of the 1960s. When Omar meets QCBA, a musical connection is formed that could hardly be a better fit. Together they create a powerful blend of soul, funk and modern jazz that packs a real punch when performed live.

Synthesizer

Orgel

Raphael Jost Quintet & lots of strings

Album Release «Over The Moon»

Singer and pianist Raphael Jost sees himself as a modern-day crooner. He captivates audiences with his powerful, warm voice, moving effortlessly between jazz and pop. His songs are snapshots of his life: catchy and cleverly crafted. Jost, who has already won the Swiss Jazz Award for his debut album, also loves singing swinging standards. At the piano, he brings his idols from the swing tradition, such as Oscar Peterson, Monty Alexander and Ahmad Jamal, to life. Writing for a string orchestra has long been Raphael Jost’s dream. For his latest album, Over the Moon, released in autumn 2026, he finally made that dream a reality. Rounding out the core lineup – featuring the outstanding soloists Bastien Rieser on trumpet and Alex Hendriksen on saxophone, Jost’s longtime collaborator Raphael Walser on double bass, and London-based drummer Luke Tomlinson – are ten string players who lend the music both sonic richness and intimacy. Working alongside British arranger Callum Au, who has previously collaborated with artists such as Jamie Cullum and Michael Bublé, Jost has created a captivating programme. The rich, multifaceted sound of the strings adds a new sonic dimension to Jost’s music, reaching all the way to the moon and back.

Tenorsaxophon

Violin

Viola

Keyboards

Septeto Naborí

Septeto Nabori is a Cuban son septet with over 30 years of stage experience. The musicians blend the tradition of Son Cubano from eastern Cuba with a vibrant, contemporary concert style. Now based in Europe, the band performs at festivals and venues in Cuba and throughout Europe. Their repertoire is rooted in traditional Cuban styles, supported by elegant arrangements, polyphonic vocals, and a precise rhythm section. Their concerts span the spectrum from the historical roots of son to its contemporary forms of expression, without losing sight of the music’s original character. Septeto Nabori stands for musical quality, a joy of playing, and an immediate connection with the audience. Over the years, the ensemble has shared the stage with artists such as Compay Segundo, Oscar D’León, and Eliades Ochoa, bringing the diversity of Son Cubano to international stages.

DJ D & MimoMusic

Warm Up & Afterparty

DJ D and MimoMusic invite you to dance before and after the concert. The focus will be on music from Cuba, with both classics and current hits hitting the turntables.

Guiro

Maracas

Tres

Congas

Bongos

Björn Meyer Convergence

Born in Sweden and based in Switzerland since 1996, Björn Meyer is acclaimed for his category-defying musicianship, expanding the sonic and expressive possibilities of the electric bass. Honoured with the Swiss Music Prize (2019) and the Canton Bern Music Prize (2018), Meyer continues to redefine the voice of the electric bass across cultures, genres and traditions. His solo-work has led him to festivals and audiences worldwide, from the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and Ronnie Scott’s in London to Istanbul, Yokohama, Tehran, and beyond. Alongside his solo career, Meyer has forged long-lasting collaborations across diverse musical landscapes. He has, for example, worked extensively with Tunisian oud master Anouar Brahem and, for three decades, shaped contemporary Swedish folk music with Bazar Blå. With &quot;Convergence&quot; (2026), his second solo album on ECM, he further develops music on the blueprint established with his pivotal solo-debut &quot;Provenance&quot; (2017). Produced by Manfred Eicher, these recordings explore the unheard potential of the bass guitar to create striking sonorities and rich-grained textures while also being acutely aware of the acoustic space in which the sounds emerge — what Meyer describes as a “second member” in his solo performances.

K.O.S Crew Dancehall Mood

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.

Jasmine Myra

Jasmine Myra is one of the most exciting young jazz artists in the United Kingdom. Not only did her last performance result in our bookers shedding tears of joy, but her two previous albums, &quot;Horizons&quot; (2022) and &quot;Rising&quot; (2024), were highly praised by critics. Now, with her new album, &quot;Where Light Settles&quot;, the composer and bandleader is taking the next step in her unique musical journey of discovery. Through nine beautiful compositions, she shares her reflections on life, growth, and progress. She is driven by her vision of duality: “Pain is inevitable, and you will always face difficulties, but without it, you won&#x27;t grow or learn anything about yourself or the world around you. It&#x27;s those bittersweet moments that are heartbreaking but so important.” This latest work is not only her first self-composed album, but also her first self-produced album. Matthew Halsall, head of the Gondwana label and a continuation of the spiritual jazz tradition of Alice Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders, served as co-producer. The album is a colourful soundscape, shaped by Myra&#x27;s affinity for film music.

Altsaxophon

Harp

Christian McBride & Ursa Major

Christian McBride is an eleven-time GRAMMY-winning bassist, composer, and bandleader. Additionally, he&#x27;s also artistic director, a respected educator and advocate for youth, and radio host. Whether behind the bass or away from it, Christian McBride is always part of the music. From jazz to R&amp;B, and pop/rock and hip-hop/neo-soul to classical, he is a luminary with one hand ever reaching for new heights, and the other extended in fellowship – and perhaps the hint of a challenge – inviting us to join him. Although he has performed with fellow giants Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau and Brian Blade in recent years, McBride started thinking about forming a new group as early as 2018. &quot;I knew that at some point I wanted to have what I call an &#x27;all-in&#x27; band. As you know, I used to call my old band, the CMB, a hybrid band, which meant we could kind of go anywhere, musically.&quot; With this new quintet, he has a band that can combine different styles in one group. He continues, &quot;Oh, and I also specifically knew I wanted it to be a young band. So I started looking around and seeing who was out there, who I thought might be able to fit that sort of hybrid / all-in vibe.&quot; In Ursa Major, he is joined by four rising young master instrumentalists including saxophonist Nicole Glover, guitarist Ely Perlman, pianist Mike King, and drummer Savannah Harris.

25 Years Vintage Jam Band

Abrupto

Marina Mello

Marina Mello is a Brazilian harpist who lives in Zurich. Building on her classical training, she has developed a unique approach to the harp and its almost infinite range of playing techniques. Mello is distinguished by her ability to transform the harp – an instrument that typically has a gentle sound – into a loud, powerful machine. The focus is on unconventional playing styles such as extended techniques, prepared instruments and the use of effects pedals. During Marina Mello’s first Carte Blanche evening, the air will be filled with rhythms, grooves and electric intensity. As part of the &quot;Abrupto&quot; project, she has created compositions for her new quartet, comprising herself on the harp, Mariá Portugal and Maurício Takara on drums, and Carla Boregas on electronics. &quot;Abrupto&quot; is the result of intensive rehearsals in Berlin, during which ideas, compositions and collaborative creative projects were explored and developed. The audience can look forward to a dynamic programme ranging from structured, notated pieces to works that leave room for improvisation and spontaneous composition.

Electronics

Sawani Shende

Indian Music Circle & Moods present

Sawani Shende-Sathaye is among the defining voices of contemporary Hindustani classical music. Raised in a family with a rich musical heritage, she combines in her singing the melodic clarity of the Kirana gharana, renowned for its subtle exploration of tone and melody, with the expressive power of the Gwalior gharana, whose style is characterised by rhythmic precision and formal clarity. Having performed for the President of India as a teenager, she is now heard on renowned stages around the world. She is joined by two outstanding musicians: Dr. Mukul Acharya on harmonium and Zurich-based tabla virtuoso Shrirang Mirajkar. Together, they reveal the subtle nuances of North Indian classical music with remarkable musical precision and depth. The programme includes classical ragas and khayals as well as semi-classical forms such as thumri and selected bhajans. In this constellation, the concert offers a rare insight into a living tradition that has been passed down through generations and remains one of the most sophisticated forms of musical expression in Indian classical music today.

Harmonium

Tabla

Altea, Theylovepiet, Candela, K4desh & R4hem, Svmtox backed by Gents Music

SENMBELEK & Moods present

NEXT UP is a new live concert format from SENMBELEK, hosted by the internationally successful reggae artist Cali P. The goal of the evening is to provide the next generation of Swiss artists with a stage where they can showcase their talents alongside a live band. Featuring Altea, Theylovepiet, Candela, K4desh &amp; R4hem, and Svmtox, the evening brings together some of Switzerland’s most exciting up-and-coming voices. All acts will be accompanied live by Gents Music. Spanning hip-hop, R&amp;B, Afrobeats, dancehall, soul, and modern urban sounds, attendees will experience the artists in a way rarely seen: with real musicians, a high-quality concert production, and the energy of a live show. NEXT UP stands for musical diversity, authentic live culture, and the future of the Swiss music scene. Don’t miss it!

Simone Santos & Trio

Adalu & Moods present

Singer and composer Simone Santos has been active on the Swiss music scene for many years. Her artistic work combines Brazilian musicality with a clear, personal style of expression that unfolds in her own projects, compositions, and select concert formats. Her voice is at the heart of her work – warm, narrative, and marked by a deep sensitivity to human emotions. As part of various ensembles – including the Santos Quartet, Gafieira Alpina, and Jazz Via Brasil – she has brought Brazilian music to numerous regions of Switzerland and across Europe. She has performed at venues such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, the Sziget Festival in Budapest, SOB’s in New York, and the Global Cuba Fest in Miami. With the release of her five most recent singles – four original compositions performed as a duo with Jodok Hess and a tribute to Guinga – a musical chapter that had long lain dormant within her is now unfolding. The recordings were made beginning in 2010 as part of the now-disbanded Santos Quartet and were completed in 2023. It is a kind of artistic archaeology: unearthing old traces, rediscovering fragments of sound, and gently continuing a story that speaks of inner movement, depth, and those bright, simple moments that shape life. At Moods, Simone Santos presents these five songs – not merely as a release, but as a vivid retelling of their creation. The concert becomes both a retrospective and a new beginning: music that has matured over many years finds its place in the present. The audience is invited to journey through emotional landscapes – through depth, stillness, joy, and lightness, which continue to resonate in each of these pieces.

Baile do Sururu

Based in Basel, Banda do Sururu brings the vibrant spirit of Brazilian music to the stage through groove-driven arrangements, improvisation, and an infectious rhythmic energy. Inspired by the atmosphere of Brazilian dance gatherings, the band creates performances that invite audiences both to listen and to move. The repertoire features creative interpretations of songs by renowned Brazilian composers such as Djavan, Tania Maria, Edu Lobo, João Nogueira and Chico Buarque, alongside original compositions by the group. By combining tradition with contemporary improvisation, the band creates a fresh and dynamic sound rooted in Brazilian musical culture. Since its creation, the project has quickly gained attention in the live music scene of Basel, becoming a lively presence in the city&#x27;s nightlife.

Niculin Janett Quartet

Musical conversations among the musicians, which seek to express what is difficult to put into words: Niculin Janett Quartet&#x27;s fourth album, Toxicology Report, embodies the bands symbiotic, almost dreamlike interplay. The music processes and reflects times of change. Remaining true to himself, Niculin Janett – as always – does so with a wink, allowing not only the heavy, but also the absurd and amusing aspects of the inner and outer worlds to find expression. Janett’s compositions are thus also a call for self-reflection and engagement with one’s own emotional world. Combining the unique voices of Niculin Janett on saxophone and Dimitri Howald on guitar, the Niculin Janett Quartet creates a distinguished sound of ethereal edginess, cunning sophistication and soulful warmth. Their playful improvisations, subtly underscored by the driving rhythm-section of Lisa Hoppe and Philipp Leibundgut, weave into (and out of) Janett&#x27;s compositions to result in an ever changing landscape of melodic discovery. Moods and the renowned Swiss jazz label UNIT Records join forces with &quot;UNIT live!&quot; to share the diversity of UNIT jazz. We will be showcasing the diversity of UNIT jazz by bringing the latest releases from the UNIT universe to the Moods stage at regular intervals.

BaBa ZuLa

Moods & jazzhane present: 30th Anniversary Tour

Blending traditional instruments with electronics and retro Turkish sounds, BaBa ZuLa have created their own distinctive style: “Istanbul Psychedelia.” Deeply rooted in Anatolian traditions yet firmly grounded in the present, their music forms a vibrant bridge between past and present—and between the cultures of Istanbul. Since their formation in 1996, they have combined original compositions with intense improvisation, making each performance a unique experience. Led by Murat Ertel (electric saz, vocals, theremin) and Levent Akman (percussion, machines, objects), and joined by Ümit Adakale (darbuka), Esma Ertel (vocals, dance), as well as rotating bass and oud players, the band creates ritual-like shows that blur the line between concert and total artwork. BaBa ZuLa stand for a psychedelic form of Istanbul rock’n’roll—energetic, unpredictable, and shaped by the cultural richness of a city spanning Asia and Europe.

Yunus Findus

Yunus Findus is a booker, curator, radio host and DJ based in Zurich, built on mixed traditions, sounds and rhythms from an early age. His mixed background has led him to build bridges and weave influences throughout the music he shares. After several years as booker with Festival da Jazz in St. Moritz, he has been responsible for the program at Moods Zurich. As well as being co-founder of the collectives Beach Club Underground and Half Notes at the Smoke Floor, he has also recently started a monthly residency on local radio station GDS.FM. His sole wish is to share music with people.

Dance

Theremin

Derbouka

Santrofi

Santrofi are among the most exciting voices in Ghana’s contemporary Highlife scene. Hailing from Accra, the eight-piece band blends the rich traditions of West African Highlife with funk, Afrobeat, and a vibrant contemporary energy built for the dancefloor. Founded in 2019 by bassist and producer Emmanuel Kwadwo Ofori, Santrofi brings together some of Ghana’s most sought-after musicians – artists who have performed and recorded with legends such as Ebo Taylor, Pat Thomas, and AB Crentsil, while also remaining deeply connected to Ghana’s new generation of artists. Their acclaimed debut album Alewa (2020) introduced Santrofi to international audiences and led to performances at renowned festivals including WOMAD and Roskilde, as well as sold-out tours across Europe, Japan, and the United States. Driven by infectious percussion, rich horn arrangements, and powerful vocal harmonies, Santrofi’s live shows are an electrifying celebration of Highlife. With their latest album Making Moves, Santrofi enter a new chapter: deeply rooted in hypnotic Highlife rhythms while embracing funk, soul, and contemporary Afrobeat influences. Their music reflects life in Accra – stories of love, resilience, struggle, and the determination to keep moving forward.

Jah Melody

Born and raised in Dakar, Senegal, Jah Melody, aka Angle Baye Fall, has been immersed in urban music, reggae, dancehall, dub and African grooves for the past 25 years as a dedicated collector and selector. Based in Zurich since 2006, he has spun records at venues such as Kasheme, Bar 3000, Der Kern, Rote Fabrik and Gotthard Bar, as well as at festivals and sound system events including Reeds and Rundfunk.

Cowbel

Album Release «Schatzcharte»

Since the early days of Switzerland’s hip-hop culture in the 1980s, EKR has been one of its defining figures. As a rapper, breakdancer, DJ, producer, graphic designer and songwriter, he has not only witnessed the scene’s evolution but actively helped shape it. Over four decades, he has remained true to his own compass, guided by a keen sense of language, integrity and flow. While trends have come and gone, EKR has continued to refine his distinctive style, establishing himself as one of the most consistent and credible voices in Swiss hip-hop. With «Schatzcharte», EKR laces up his Timberlands and walks straight through the noise of our times. Between algorithms and everyday life, streaming and the search for meaning, dopamine hits and constant distraction, he poses an uncomfortable question: what remains when we put our phones down and start thinking for ourselves? Co-produced and mixed by KWEST, «Schatzcharte» is a classic boom-bap album with a clear sense of purpose – dusty drums, warm samples and lyrics that aim to leave a mark rather than chase the latest trend. Ten tracks that don’t preach, but invite reflection. The treasure is not waiting at the end of the album. It begins the moment you start digging for it yourself.

DJ Enzout (Krazy Dawg Sound Jamaica)

Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, DJ Enzout is now based in Zurich and performs as a selector with the Krazydawg Sound System across Switzerland and beyond. EKR and Enzout have shared a long-standing musical connection rooted in positivity and conscious music. Enzout also joined EKR’s most recent tour as his main DJ.

Klaus Koenig Jazz Live Trio

90 Jahre Koenig

Klaus Koenig worked as a sound engineer at Radio Studio Zurich starting in the 1960s and founded the legendary Jazz Live Trio with Peter Frei and Peter Schmidlin. As part of this group, he accompanied soloists such as Johnny Griffin, Dexter Gordon, Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, and many others in over 100 live broadcasts. After a 15-year hiatus due to illness and a cautious return, the Jazz Live Trio celebrated its comeback in 2012 with new, young musicians. Speaking of celebrations: This evening is dedicated entirely to Klaus Koenig’s 90th birthday. Moods extends its warmest congratulations! To celebrate this birthday, Klaus Koenig will be performing twice: first with the Jazz Live Trio, and then with his quintet Seven Things. The Jazz Live Trio’s latest CD &quot;Autumn Girl&quot; was released just in 2025, and their next album &quot;Songs without Words&quot; is coming out soon – and Klaus Koenig has no plans to stop anytime soon.

Klaus Koenig Seven Things

After a tentative start with the rejuvenated Jazz Live Trio, the group expanded to include two wind players. This led to the formation of the quintet Seven Things in 2013. Their fifth album &quot;An Homage to Celia&quot; was launched on Klaus Koenig’s 88th birthday at Moods in Zurich and received five stars in both Jazz’N’More and the Austrian magazine Concerto. The album &quot;Past and Presence&quot; will be released in the summer of 2026. the music was composed by Klaus Koenig himself and will be launched at Moods on the occasion of his 90th birthday. 

Naïssam Jalal

Naïssam Jalal is a flautist, vocalist and composer, drawing inspiration from music that shares a diversity of relationships with the world and a profound spiritual dimension. Thanks to encounters, imaginations and memories, each new creation becomes a unique piece. Leading various bands and travel the world&#x27;s stage, Jalal has produced 9 albums, unveiling her personal musical universe with each, in turn giving her meaning to the word freedom. With &quot;Landscapes of Eternity&quot;, Jalal explores the fundamental connection between music, nature, and spirituality at the heart of the Hindustani tradition. Traveling alone in North India for several months, she journeyed through landscapes and sacred sites, met masters and musicians, and immersed herself in this singular experience, inviting us to discover a new way of listening to the world. From this immersion emerged an intimate, contemplative, and profound repertoire, where the flute becomes the vehicle for an inner journey rooted in the breath of all living things.

Red Bull Dance Your Style

The Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final is coming to Zurich on 24 October 2026, and the city will become a hub for the international street dance scene as early as the week before. As part of Dance Week, the Schiffbau in Zurich will host a diverse programme centred on street dance, including side events for the community and anyone interested, as well as the pre-finals, which will bring the week to a close. National winners from many countries will compete in exciting 1-on-1 freestyle battles for the final places in the grand finale at the Hallenstadion. For more information on the programme and tickets, visit https://www.redbull.com/ch-de/events/red-bull-dance-your-style-world-final-2026-zurich/dance-your-style-dance-week

Frente Cumbiero

With a long and successful career, FRENTE CUMBIERO has become one of the biggest representatives in the exploration of cumbia’s sonic identity in Latin America. Headed by Colombian songwriter and producer Mario Galeano Toro (also founding member of Ondatrópica and Los Pirañas), Frente Cumbiero is recognized as a spearhead of Colombia’s new cumbia movement. Among Frente’s most remarkable live appearances they have played New York’s MoMA, Festival Estéreo Picnic, Roskilde Festival, Womad, Womadelaide, Womex, Sónar, and Fuji Rock. They have toured across Latin America, Africa, Europe, the U.S., Russia, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. They have released vinyl records in the UK, the U.S., Spain, Japan and Mexico. Frente Cumbiero’s catalogue has had successful contributions with legendary musicians such as Mad Professor, the Kronos Quartet, Orquesta La Delio Valdez, and Minyo Crusaders, proving to expand the frontiers of cumbia and Latin folk music. As a live band, Frente Cumbiero performs in a quartet format, which focuses on delivering a powerhouse tropical sound to the dance floor by combining two wind instruments, live percussion and electronic sounds/dubbed sequences.

Buzz (Boss Hi-Fi)

BUZZ needs no introduction. 16 Tons: fantastic records, beautiful furniture. Boss Hi-Fi: best reggae DJs He will play one of his fantastic cumbia sets after Frente Cumbiero ¡Fuego!

Leitung

Clarinet

Euphonium

Frente Cumbiero für Famillien

With a long and successful career, FRENTE CUMBIERO has become one of the biggest representatives in the exploration of cumbia’s sonic identity in Latin America. Headed by Colombian songwriter and producer Mario Galeano Toro (also founding member of Ondatrópica and Los Pirañas), Frente Cumbiero is recognized as a spearhead of Colombia’s new cumbia movement. Among Frente’s most remarkable live appearances they have played New York’s MoMA, Festival Estéreo Picnic, Roskilde Festival, Womad, Womadelaide, Womex, Sónar, and Fuji Rock. They have toured across Latin America, Africa, Europe, the U.S., Russia, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. They have released vinyl records in the UK, the U.S., Spain, Japan and Mexico. Frente Cumbiero’s catalogue has had successful contributions with legendary musicians such as Mad Professor, the Kronos Quartet, Orquesta La Delio Valdez, and Minyo Crusaders, proving to expand the frontiers of cumbia and Latin folk music. As a live band, Frente Cumbiero performs in a quartet format, which focuses on delivering a powerhouse tropical sound to the dance floor by combining two wind instruments, live percussion and electronic sounds/dubbed sequences. 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.

Sylvie Courvoisier, Ned Rothenberg, Nasheet Waits

Short Cuts

Saxophonist/clarinetist Ned Rothenberg, pianist Sylvie Courvoisier and drummer Nasheet Waits — three of New York City’s top improvisers for the past three decades — have convened to form Short Cuts, a collectively led trio informed by the progressive jazz tradition from Ornette to Zorn (not to mention modernist chamber music and cross-cultural approaches). With Short Cuts, abstraction is tempered by earthiness, in the time-honored New York way. Experimental textures meet rhythmic depth, harmonic sophistication abets free-flying lyricism; this all-improvised music grooves and it sings, swerving to avoid cliché all the while. “It feels so natural to improvise with Ned and Nasheet,” Courvoisier says. “They are such beautiful players, and they both love grooves, even in a freely improvised setting. Winds, piano, drums also make for a relatively uncommon trio, but not having a bass player gives Ned and I more room to play in the lower register, just as it gives Nasheet more freedom with his bass drum. And these guys love to take risks, like I do.”

Mello / Koch

Luca Pilu Koch & Marina Mello: worldbuzzpoems I

Two days of improvised music and poetry. Marina Mello’s harp screeches. Luca Koch writes poems about bubbling, humming, and trembling. About pressure. About heat. About movements beneath the surface. We seem to be living in a giant pressure cooker. It’s getting hotter. The pressure is rising. Don’t let anyone lift the lid. So let’s let off some steam. In sound. In language. In air turbulence and sound waves. Carte Blanche artists Marina Mello and Luca Koch have put together two bands for this event that improvise in a fresh, urgent, and powerful way. They grab hold of the words, drive them forward, break them down, and carry them onward. The poems buzz. The music responds. We all hum along. Songs of sound clouds accumulate. It hisses, crackles, throbs, and pushes its way through the room. Fragments gather, condense, and dissolve again. No lid. No valve. Just two days of controlled loss of control.

Mayas / Mello / Voutchkova / Koch

Carte Blanche artists Marina Mello and Luca Koch have assembled bands for their worldbuzzpoems that improvise with freshness, urgency, and power. Magda Mayas is a poet of piano keys and strings. Biliana Voutchkova draws an entire orchestra from her violin. Marina Mello’s harp enchants from the ears down to the pit of the stomach, while Luca Pilu Koch paints with every shade of the human voice. Together, they reach for words, propel them forward, take them apart, and carry them onward. The music buzzes. The poems catch the waves. We all hum along. Sound-cloud-songs accumulate. They hiss, crackle, pulse, and move through the room. Fragments gather, condense, and dissolve again. No lid. No valve. Just two days of controlled loss of control.

Berther / Mello / Sartorius / Koch

Sartorius / Koch

Luca Pilu Koch & Marina Mello: worldbuzzpoems II

Julian Sartorius and Luca Pilu Koch will open the second evening of worldbuzzpoems. Drums and voice. Two of the most archaic instruments of all. Skin. Air. Wood. Body. Julian Sartorius makes the drums speak, crackle, roll, and tremble. Luca Pilu Koch writes and recites poems about movements beneath the surface. About pressure. About closeness. About what can barely find a place in language. Rhythm meets breath. Words meet resonance.

Carte Blanche artists Marina Mello and Luca Koch have assembled bands for their worldbuzzpoems that improvise with a fresh, urgent, and powerful energy. Martina Berther lays down bass lines that shift, tremble, and suddenly vanish. Julian Sartorius approaches the drums not in terms of measures, but in terms of movements, friction, and leaps. Marina Mello weaves threads through the space with her harp—delicate yet unyielding at the same time. Luca Pilu Koch layers voices, sounds, and colors on top of one another until language becomes sound and sound becomes language. There’s rustling, crackling, humming, and growing. Individual elements become landscapes. Impulses become songs. Two days of controlled loss of control.

ZHdK @JazzBaragge

Zurich Jazz Orchestra feat. Sarah Chaksad

Female Composers Series

For over a decade, Swiss composer and alto and soprano saxophonist Sarah Chaksad has been a leading figure on the European jazz scene. Her trademark is her narrative, richly textured musical language, which combines compositional precision with great formal freedom. The international press hails her as an outstanding composer and arranger. Raised in a musical family, Chaksad discovered her passion for the saxophone and composition at an early age. She studied saxophone and music education at the Jazz Institute of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). She gained significant inspiration from international masterclasses and collaborations with musicians such as Guillermo Klein, Maria Schneider, Django Bates, and John Hollenbeck. In 2012, she founded the Sarah Chaksad Orchestra, with which she performed regularly on European stages for ten years and recorded the albums “Windmond” (2016) and “Tabriz” (2019, with Wolfgang Muthspiel). With the internationally cast Sarah Chaksad Large Ensemble, she released the album “Together” in 2023, which was praised by critics for its richness of timbre and musical depth. Chaksad is committed to the further development of the jazz scene. She directed the Jazzcampus Club Basel from 2015 to 2020, has co-led the international development program Focusyear with Wolfgang Muthspiel since 2016, and has been a co-director of the Institute of Jazz at the FHNW since 2025. She also co-founded the booking agency Esteam Music and the label Clap Your Hands.

Regie

Baritone Saxophone

Bassposaune

Waldhorn

Tuba

Divanhana

Kultur Shock & Moods present

Divanhana from Sarajevo return to Moods with their unique blend of urban influences and traditional Balkan sounds. With passion and musical sophistication, they bring sevdah in all its beauty and diversity to stages around the world. They’re bringing their sixth studio album, *Radio Sevdah*, a tribute to a cultural institution in Bosnia: Radio Sarajevo. On this album, Divanhana demonstrate once again why they are among the most exciting voices in contemporary Balkan music. They gently guide Sevdah into new sonic realms without losing its soul, telling stories of love, home, and memory that resonate far beyond Bosnia. The band’s new singer, Selma Droce, plays a central role on the album. With her expressive voice, which effortlessly shifts between tenderness and passion, she lends both traditional songs and new compositions a special depth. In recent years, Divanhana has wowed audiences at renowned European festivals such as the Paléo Festival in Nyon, the Rudolstadt Festival, and the Bardentreffen in Nuremberg. With “Radio Sevdah,” they continue this international success story—bridging tradition and modernity, connecting Sarajevo with the world.

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!

Accordion

Nubiyan Twist

Expect ultra-tight musicianship and unstoppable energy as Nubiyan Twist bring their electrifying blend of jazz, afrobeat, soul, hip-hop and dance music to the stage with abrand new line-up and live show for 2026. Known for their powerful big-band sound and uplifting live shows, the 9-piece collective fuse global grooves with UK jazz finesse, percussive fire and deep, infectious rhythm. Following their acclaimed collaborations with musical icons including Nile Rogers, Tony Allen, Seun Kuti and Fatoumata Diawara, the band continue to push boundaries uniting cultures, generations and genres through music that celebrates connection, freedom and groove. Formed in Leeds and now one of the UK’s most respected live acts, Nubiyan Twist have earned MOBO and AIM Award nominations, sold-out tours and praise from NPR, Rolling Stone, Jazzwise and Bandcamp Daily.

Sammy Bacca

Warm Up & Hang Out 

Sammy Bacca is a down-to-earth, laid-back lad from Zurich who has cultivated a love of good music since childhood. When he was finally &quot;old&quot; enough to start collecting records, that’s when it all began – his world was taken over by music and records. At home, there’s hardly a moment when a record isn’t playing. He’s recently started sharing some gems from his record collection on Instagram – do have a look! With various residencies in and around Zurich and his enduring connection to the local scene, he’s stood behind various DJ decks over the past 20 years, whilst continuing to perfect his skills as a selector. His sets encompass a wide range of genres and hidden gems that tell his story.

Fender-Rhodes E-Piano

François Lindemann-Alvin Queen Sextet

feat. Eddie Henderson, Greg Osby, Robin Eubanks and Heiri Känzig

Sometimes there are fabulous bands, sometimes there are fabulous musicians. With this unique line-up, both are true, and one can confidently use superlatives. Each one would be worth a visit on their own, but seeing all these legends together on the same stage is probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is sure to set jazz fans’ hearts racing. In addition to their own projects as bandleaders, most of them have served as sidemen for greats such as Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Elvin Jones, Carla Bley, Woody Shaw and Oscar Peterson. Now trumpeter Henderson, saxophonist Bartz, trombonist Eubanks and bassist Känzig are reuniting under the leadership of François Lindemann on piano and Alvin Queen on drums for a special reunion. Together, they pay tribute to the grand masters John Coltrane and Miles Davis, who would have celebrated their 100th birthdays this year. In doing so, they do not play the music of these two giants, but follow their example and approach to inventiveness and creativity. This unique concert by living legends will be a tribute to Davis’s and Coltrane’s aesthetic and to what the two have given to jazz.

Co Streiff – Russ Johnson Quartet

Album Release «Oracle»

The sound of Co Streiff’s quartet is idiosyncratic. Her compositions and the band’s finely woven interplay create a rich, atmospheric soundscape. The British music magazine The Wire was impressed by the coolness of their playing and described the music as &quot;glorious, uncategorisable modern music&quot;. Since its debut at the Unerhört Festival in Zurich in 2009, the quartet has continued to evolve. Since 2019 alone, the group has played over 25 concerts in Switzerland, including at the 2024 Willisau Jazz Festival, and has presented numerous new compositions. Live recordings made during a tour in April 2023 are now due to be released in August 2026 under the title &quot;Oracle&quot; on the renowned label INTAKT Records. The music is carried by four strong musical personalities: the versatile and powerful double bassist Christian Weber; the experimental sound explorer Gerry Hemingway on drums; the exceptionally versatile and expressive trumpeter Russ Johnson; and Co Streiff herself, whose warm, earthy saxophone playing lends the music its unmistakable voice.

Sopransaxophon

Momoko Gill

Fresh from her critically acclaimed collaboration Clay with Matthew Herbert, Momoko Gill steps forward in her own right for the first time with her remarkable debut solo album. She has long been one of the UK electronic and jazz scene’s best-kept secrets. A self-taught drummer, producer, songwriter, and vocalist, she has brought her unique touch to collaborations with Alabaster DePlume, Matthew Herbert, Coby Sey, Tirzah, and Nadeem Din-Gabisi (her musical foil in An Alien Called Harmony). But, with &quot;Momoko&quot;, she emerges into the spotlight with an album that is entirely her own. Throughout, you can hear the stylistic flavours of jazz musicians as much as singer-songwriters, experimental artists and electronic producers. Though Momoko Gill rejects imitation, sculpting her sound through feel and expression rather than tradition. Based in London and having grown up in Japan and the US, Gill channels her breadth of perspective through her musical ideas and storytelling, with a unique voice developed through instinct, collaboration and solitary study.

Daniel Erdmann's Thérapie de Couple

«I Wanna Hold Your Hand, François»

It’s time for a couple to settle their differences. The couple in question? France and Germany – The engine of Europe, which now and then finds itself in crisis. Daniel Erdmann knows both sides very well, the differences, the similarities, the possible misunderstandings, the psychology of the two countries making him the perfect counsellor. To help him, Daniel has put together a French-German sextet. Opting to work with a combination of those he already knows very well and having the security that comes with that and inviting completely new people who bring with them the desire and magic of uncertainty to spice things up. Don’t miss this chance to see this spellbinding ensemble of virtuoso players on their first ever visit to Zurich: the young French clarinettist Hélène Duret, currently touring France with her band Suzanne, hi-energy drummer Eva Klesse and bassist Robert Lucaciu, two established greats of the German jazz scene, and the phenomenal expressive talents of French string soloists Théo Ceccaldi and Vincent Courtois.

NNAVY

Album Release «Slowly Burning»

Swiss singer, songwriter and performer NNAVY is steadily establishing herself as one of the most compelling new voices in contemporary soul and R&amp;B. Based in Lausanne, music has long been both her refuge and creative outlet, evolving from songs written and performed in the privacy of her bedroom into a flourishing independent career. Her growing profile has led to a coveted COLORS performance and appearances at the renowned Montreux Jazz Festival for three consecutive years, including an opening slot for Lionel Richie. Along the way, she has shared stages with acclaimed artists including Arlo Parks, Ben l&#x27;Oncle Soul, Alfa Mist and November Ultra. 2025 NNAVY won a Swiss Music Award in the category &quot;Best Act Romandie&quot;. This fall NNAVY will celebrate the release of her new album «Slowly Burning» at Moods. Goosebumps, heartache, and tears of joy guaranteed.

Los Dos für Familien

They’re always there. When the swamp gets too wet, the prairie too dusty, or the asphalt too hot. They rock and growl like a handful of alligators, oscillating between raw swamp blues and psychedelic influences. On stage, they’re free, living on blind faith and blasting out the primal sounds the Mississippi Delta taught them. Oaxaca (MX), New Orleans (LA), Istanbul (T), and Grindelwald (CH) are just a few of the places that shape the sound of LOS DOS. Wherever they play, not a single ear remains dry... This concert is part of the Schiffbau Festival and is free for everyone. However, you must reserve a ticket. 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.

Sullivan Fortner Trio

«Leave that in there»

Hailing from New Orleans, Sullivan Fortner has been regarded as one of the finest jazz pianists of his generation for over a decade. The Grammy-winning artist, composer and bandleader captivates audiences with his tonal depth, stylistic versatility, and exceptional improvisational talent. He also spent many years performing alongside American jazz stars such as Roy Hargrove, Christian Scott and Stefon Harris. He gained international recognition for his solo album &quot;Solo Game&quot; (2024) and for his work as co-producer and pianist on &quot;The Window&quot;, the album he recorded with the young jazz diva Cécile McLorin Salvant. Together, they performed an unforgettable duo set on the Moods stage. Fortner is now coming to visit with his trio and a new album in hand. &quot;Leave that in there&quot; is being released on Artwork Records this year and follows the highly acclaimed and 2026 GRAMMY awarded previous album, &quot;Southern Nights&quot;. In the trio, Fortner prioritises unadulterated, honest musical expression over perfection, embracing spontaneous, unpractised moments, mistakes, and raw recordings to capture genuine emotion. This concert is part of the Schiffbau Festival and is free for everyone. However, you must reserve a ticket.

Martial In-Albon feat. Seraina Tall

«Alphorn Tunes» 

Musician Martial In-Albon brings archaic alphorn sounds into the present through his work. This project began when he recorded the &quot;Miniatures&quot; for his album &quot;Alphorn Tunes&quot; (2025) in the Hünenberg water reservoir in the Chnodenwald, where the reverberation lasts for over 45 seconds. He is now bringing this extraordinary music to the stage. An interplay of natural tones, electroacoustic composition, dance and surround sound comes together to create an immersive performance that connects the past with the present. The timelessness of the sounds creates a connection to the moment, the place, the people and the vibrations of the present. The invisible becomes visible and the intangible becomes tangible, all the while in constant contact with the ever-present interplay of space and time.

Sounddesign

Bobby Sparks II

Bobby Sparks II is a Grammy Award winning musician and producer steeped in gospel, funk, jazz and blues. He is a key architect behind Snarky Puppy’s signature sound and toured with musical giants including Prince, Marcus Miller, George Benson, Nancy Wilson and Natalie Cole among others. He was also as a core member of Roy Hargrove’s band &quot;The RH Factor&quot;. In a monumental display of his immense musical talent, his latest album &quot;Paranoia&quot; sees Sparks orchestrate a two hour funk opera that masterfully fuses funk, rock, soul, and jazz into a singular, sprawling vision. It is an epic and celebratory sonic journey, brought to life with the help of a stellar lineup of guest musicians, that represents the culmination of his lifelong musical experience. Known for his love for vintage keyboards – from the Hammond B-3, Clavinet and Fender Rhodes to the Mini-Moog and Prophet-5 – Sparks blends analog character with deep pocket funk and electrifying improvisation, making him one of the most versatile and in-demand keyboardists of his generation.

Minyo Crusaders

The Minyo Crusaders are a ten-piece big band from Japan who make no secret of their love for their folk songs (Min’yō). “For the Japanese, Min’yō is the folk music that is both closest to them and yet the furthest away,” says bandleader Katsumi Tanaka. Its essence is deeply rooted within them, even if they do not always realise it. The band reimagines traditional Japanese folk songs by blending them with Latin American, African and Caribbean rhythms. Their powerful and inventive arrangements breathe new life into these traditional working-class folk songs. The fact that this blend is fantastic is evident not only from the fact that the Moods team have been ardent fans since their performance in 2023, but also from renowned artists such as Iggy Pop and Ry Cooder, who described them as “the best band I’ve heard in many years”.

Klaus Koenig Jazz Live Trio

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