Graziella's concert tips in February

There are so many exciting concerts taking place at Moods in February that I would love to recommend the entire programme to you. It wasn't easy to limit myself to just one. That's why I've focussed on those concerts where female musicians set the tone.

Sunday, 02. February: Brandy Butler – Listening Session with Corine Mauch

The most original way to start a Sunday morning: With the musician Brandy Butler and the Mayor of Zurich, Corine Mauch. Brandy Butler is not only a singer, but also an activist and educator who is strongly committed to diversity and the promotion of women in music. She uses her Carte Blanche to organise intimate listening sessions. At the listening session in February, Corine Mauch will present her favourite album and introduce the music with personal thoughts and stories. Afterwards, all participants enjoy the album in full – without interruption (!). How nice!

Thursday, 06. February: Carte Blanche: Dave Gisler

Dave Gisler's carte blanche is just as promising and I have to say: he has selected great musicians to share the stage with him on this evening. In the first concert, he combines musical and performative elements with the versatile performance artist Franziska Bruecker. Franziska is known for her interdisciplinary work and she creates sounds that can be heard at the interface of language and music.

In the second set, there is not only something for the ears, but also for the eyes. Christoph Irniger's quintet PILGRIM will be joined by singer, pianist, composer (and so much more!) Yumi Ito and visual artist Hannah Gottschalk. Yumi Ito, who fuses jazz, classical and pop music, will demonstrate her musical talent with vocal improvisations. Hannah Gottschalk will accompany the band with her sound-reactive visual performances, in which visual elements such as light, animations and videos react to the music in real time. The interplay of sound and image will make this evening a very special experience!

Saturday, 08. February: Nicole Johänntgen – Album Release «Labyrinth II»

On this evening, saxophonist Nicole Johänntgen presents her new album «Labyrinth II», the sequel to her album «Labyrinth», which she presented at Moods in 2024. Inspired by the Motown era, she combines groovy rhythms with melancholic and energetic compositions. She is not only a renowned saxophonist, but also promotes young female musicians. With projects such as the SOFIA programme (Support of Female Improvising Artists), she supports women in jazz and campaigns for more visibility and diversity in the scene. By the way: If you don't follow Nicole Johänntgen on Instagram yet, you should definitely do so. Her performance there is mega. Her talent is inspiring and she impressively demonstrates how much power and expression can be found in jazz.

Monday, 10. February: Carte Blanche: Tizia Zimmermann – Izquierdo x Tavil

Tizia Zimmermann's Carte Blanche evening is a must for anyone who loves the new and unexpected. Together with Lorena Izquierdo and Dario Tavil, the musician brings a fascinating mixture of voice, action and experimental music to the stage. An evening full of surprises that takes us into a world between contemporary music, free improvisation and an «absurdist outburst of artistic ideas». An experience that brings art and sound to life in their most fleeting and at the same time most intense form.

Friday, 14. February: Style Bakery feat. Rita Roof & Pilar Vega

The recurring Style Bakery is also dedicated to improvisation and freestyling. Artists come together here to spontaneously experiment musically without fixed guidelines or conventions. On this evening, it's curtains up for singers Rita Roof and Pilar Vega, who will take to the Moods stage as two of four exceptional and versatile artists.

Rita Roof, formerly a backing singer for acts such as Lo & Leduc, Nemo and Steff la Cheffe, is now in the limelight in her own right. She inspires with her captivating stage presence, her soulful, earthy vocals and her impressive talent for improvisation.

When Pilar Vega isn't greeting patients in her practice as a psychologist, she is taking care of her audience's mental health on stage. With her freestyle energy and ability to spontaneously create new lyrics and melodies, she will take care of our mental health musically on this evening.

Sunday, 16. February: GANNA feat. Julian Sartorius

The singer and composer GANNA combines the traditional melodies of her Ukrainian homeland with modern songwriting and innovative sounds. Her expressive voice meets the experimental rhythms of Julian Sartorius, one of Switzerland's most creative and imaginative drummers. Together they create a sound universe in which Ukrainian folk, jazz and electronics merge to create an impressive, contemporary atmosphere.