Jay-Jay Johanson

Jazz, trip hop, pop and even easy listening: these are the building blocks of Jay-Jay Johanson&#x27;s musical universe. For almost 30 years, the Swedish musician, singer and composer has inspired reflection with his melancholy lyrics. From jazzy vocals on bizarre film noir arrangements to electroclash, Johanson has reinvented himself time and again since the &#x27;90s. This is also evident on his latest album, Backstage, which he will be presenting at Moods. This 15th album features tones not heard on previous releases. For instance, he has recorded an entire song in French for the first time. He also surprises with sounds of a soul genre he has never explored before, or with a piece that culminates in a house track. It promises to be an evening full of surprises.

Warm Up & Afterparty

CRi is a newcomer DJ from Zurich and part of the collective Beach Club Underground, whose musical journeys build bridges between electronic textures and lively, organic sounds. Her sets are characterized by light beats and a dense atmosphere that invites you to listen and move in equal measure. Inspired by trip hop, funk and nu jazz, she creates a multi-layered soundscape that fits seamlessly into familiar club nights as well as intimate circles.

Vocals

Synthesizer

Piano

Fender-Rhodes E-Piano

Džambo Agusevi Orchestra

Kultur Shock & Moods present

The Džambo Aguševi Orchestra from Strumica in North Macedonia is one of the spearheads of Balkan brass. Led by trumpet virtuoso Dzambo Aguševi - also known as The Funky Tiger - the ensemble combines traditional rhythms from the southern Balkans with influences from jazz, funk, soul and Turkish music. With an unmistakable, energetic style, they have conquered international stages, from festivals to club concerts. Their sound is rooted in the Roma tradition, but sounds global and contemporary, virtuosic, groovy and full of joy.

Mario Peric

Warm Up & Afterparti

The BalkanEkstra Parti doesn&#x27;t stop at oriental sounds or Arabic rhythms - the main thing is to dance! rrWith 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!

Trumpet

Horn

Tapan

Drum Kit

Simon Berz TECTONIC

Schneider TM

Schneider TM is a multidimensional music project by Dirk Dresselhaus that oscillates between adventurous electronic pop and experimental, improvised free-form music. Occasionally, these contrasting elements are brought together. Since the mid-1990s, Dresselhaus has explored new musical territory with virtually every release, whether solo or through various short- and long-term collaborations and projects. Recently, Schneider TM has moved towards free-form music composed in the moment, using manipulated guitars, sound objects, and field recordings. Examples of this style can be found on albums such as Construction Sounds, Guitar Sounds, and Con-Struct, a posthumous collaboration with Conrad Schnitzler released on Bureau B. Schneider TM&#x27;s current album, &quot;Ereignishorizont,&quot; sounds and feels like the soundtrack to an as-yet-unmade sci-fi film. It reveals the essence of Dresselhaus&#x27;s artistic approach and was created with a rather reduced setup of guitars and effects, as well as an awareness of extended musical techniques, the physicality of sound, and the spirit of improvisation.

Simon Berz is a transdisciplinary artist who seamlessly blends improvised music, sound art, and performance. A great example of this is his TECTONIC performance. Berz conceived the idea during an artist residency in Iceland. There, he explored the island&#x27;s soundscapes and discovered the unique acoustic properties of volcanic basalt stones. Berz combines the archaic power of the stones with contemporary electronic sound processing. His work has a special appeal. As Berz himself says, “My hands elicit stories from the basalt that are older than words. In every sound lies a universe; in every vibration, a connection between us and the rhythm of the Earth.&quot; His work is not just music; it is an invitation to feel with our whole bodies how we are all part of a great tectonic dance.

Schneider TM x Simon Berz

In the final piece, prepared stones, percussion and feedback guitars come together to create an open, pulsating soundscape. Rhythmic eruptions, microtonal friction and fragile resonances engage in a free dialogue. It is a unique moment between control and collision. After many years, Schneider TM and Simon Berz recognised their deep similarities in electroacoustic improvisation while producing the LP TECTONIC on Karlrecords in Berlin, rediscovering their roots in the city in the early 2000s. Both performed at the Club Transmediale festival at the time, Simon Berz with Apparat. We are delighted to continue this shared history with two solo sets at Moods, and a joint encore bringing stones and cosmic guitars together for the first time.

Electronics

Monobloco

Adalu & Moods present

How many stories can you fit into 25 years? In the case of Monobloco, the answer is: infinitely. For more than two decades, the band has been synonymous with excessive celebrations, intense encounters and passion. The anniversary is being celebrated under the motto Nossa História De Amor (Our Love Story). Monobloco has always been a great celebration of love: friendships formed during rehearsals, marriages made to the sound of the tambourine and children growing up to the rhythm of the batucada. Their current repertoire includes classics such as Taj Mahal, Fio Maravilha, Explode Coração as well as new hits from the pen of the famous Jorge Aragão (for example Vou Festejar, Identidade and Coisinha do Pai). Of course, the percussive essence that transcends rhythms and styles remains, delighting fans worldwide.

Miss Trópica

Following the concert, Miss Trópica from Rio de Janeiro will keep everyone on the dance floor with hot rhythms ranging from Brazilian electro and samba rock to cumbia, black music, mangue beat, and baile funk.

Cavaquinho

Guitar

Snare Drum

Congas

Percussion

Tamburin

Surdo

Bass

Leitung

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.

Florian Favre Trio

Album Release «Live at the bird’s eye»

Pianist Florian Favre of Freiburg is one of the best-known figures on the Swiss jazz scene. With his clear and original style of writing, he creates demystified, pop-influenced, sensitive, and explosive jazz that tells stories. One of these is the Florian Favre Trio, consisting of Favre, Manu Hagmann on double bass, and Arthur Alard on drums. Favre most recently performed solo with his album &quot;Idantitâ&quot;, and he also thrilled the Moods audience with a large ensemble for &quot;Idantitâ Revisited&quot;. However, now the time has come for the return of the Florian Favre Trio, consisting of himself, Manu Hagmann on double bass and Arthur Alard on drums. After a four-year hiatus, a new live album recorded at the Bird&#x27;s Eye Club in Basel will be released in November. The album showcases the trio&#x27;s ability to dance joyfully on a tightrope, exploiting an infinite range of nuances, thanks to the individual agility and musicality of each member.

The Celebration

20 Jahre Metonic Records

Metonic Records is an independent music label based in Biel, founded in early 2005 by Manuel Engel in collaboration with the Trash Collective in Brooklyn, New York. Engel was and is always on the lookout for new collaborations, sounds and new musical constellations. Metonic Records promotes contemporary music and provides inspiration for those who are ready to expand and create change. On this evening, Metonic Records presents both new and established projects from the last 20 years.

Joy Frempong & Meta Marie Louise, Napoleon Maddox, Ana Igluka

FIRST ACT Joy Frempong – Manuel Engel first met Joy Frempong a long time ago, either backstage at the Pod Ring Festival or at a Puts Marie concert in Lucerne, where she performed with Fredy Studer&#x27;s band on the same evening. He congratulated her on her performance and immediately became a fan of her work. Meta Marie Louise – A band that Manuel Engel founded with Kevin Chesham in 2010. Several collaborations followed, and this year the two are performing alongside Napoleon Maddox (Cincinnati) and Ana Igluka (Nantes). Maddox joined them on their last tour in 2024, impressing everyone with his ease, agility, and command of the English language. Igluka worked with Meta Marie Louise in 2015, and the musicians have been close friends ever since.

Annie Aries, Lionel Friedli & Henry Strongbox, Doug Weiss, Romarna Campbell, Estefania Padilla

SECOND ACT Annie Aries – Annie was brought to Engel&#x27;s attention by an old friend from Everest Records. Engel was impressed by her attention to detail and minimalist compositional skills. The idea of pairing her with Lionel Friedli quickly took shape. Friedli&#x27;s style fits perfectly with Aries&#x27;. Engel first met Friedli when he was 15. Even back then, they shared a love of music. As teenagers, they learned jazz standards together and played in various ensembles. Looking back, both musicians are very grateful for this educational time spent together. Henry Strongbox – Manuel Engel&#x27;s &#x27;alter ego&#x27; – loves building boxes that beep, screech, scratch and squeak. He also plays &#x27;prepared piano&#x27; – adding screws, magnets, paper and other items to the strings. He performs alongside Doug Weiss, a world-class bassist and an important mentor during Engel&#x27;s time in NYC. He is a source of inspiration for a whole generation of young double bassists exploring modern jazz. In early 2024, Engel and Weiss had the idea of forming a trio. Now, they have formed a quartet with two young, talented and dynamic drummers who are attracting attention on the European music scene. Romarna Campbell is from Birmingham, and Estefania Chamorro is from Barcelona.

Puts Marie

THIRD ACT Puts Marie – When Manuel Engel returned to Biel after spending almost ten years in New York City, it didn&#x27;t take long for him to meet Max Usata from Puts Marie and strike up a close friendship. Engel later played as a guest on Puts Marie&#x27;s 2013 album Masoch and went on tour with the band when Beni06 (Farfisa organ) was unavailable. Engel describes Puts Marie as one of his favourite bands, a group where intense emotions meet pure freedom. Or, as Engel likes to say, &#x27;Trust is the key&#x27;.

Live Painting – Hervé Thiot

Hervé Thiot (1973), alias AIRBIOS, is a Swiss painter, performer and musician of Mauritian origin living in Biel/ Bienne. His distinctive style and vision are nourished by contact with both underground scenes and established institutions, in a perpetual creative dynamic at the crossroads of artistic disciplines. In his cosmic biotope, humans and technology coexist harmoniously and reinvent a world torn between universal love and bitterness, declined in malicious futuristic visions. The artist with multiple lives conceives his work as an instrument of human encounter and exchange, which leads him to prestigious collaborations and multiple international tours, among others with urban art, dance and opera companies. He has created an astonishing number of murals, paintings, drawings, installations, videos, photographs, decorations, set designs, exhibitions, publications and performances. From the local bar to avant-garde festivals. And sometimes at social events. Like a graffitied aristocratic alley cat, from the aperitif to the opera. The essence of his work lies in movement, vibration, the fragmentation of the gaze, the mixture of artistic disciplines and the exploration of constantly renewed mediums. His artistic career bears witness to an unquenchable thirst for human sharing, travel, innovation and freedom.

Manou Gallo

The path of the energetic bassist, drummer and singer led from the small town of Divo on the Ivory Coast to the biggest stages in the world. None other than the bass legend Bootsy Collins paved the way for Manou Gallo to be named one of the “Top 10 World Best Bass Players”! Gallo is pure power on the bass, mixing jazz, funk, groove, and Afro beat. Once you’ve experienced her, you immediately recognize her uniqueness: In her hands, the bass sometimes becomes a percussion element, driving the groove to fascinating heights. It’s no wonder Bootsy Collins calls her the “African Queen of Bass”. Other giants like Manu Dibango, Mamady Keita, Wyclef Jean, Marcus Miller, and Lucas van Meerwijk have also taken notice of her and shared stages with her. Proud of her African roots, Gallo says she has the musical freedom to play anything. And it’s precisely this freedom that you’ll find on stage: an explosive mixture of funk, jazz, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and confident Afro grooves. With her technique and her music, Manou Gallo impressively proves that she is one of the best bassists in the world.

Saxophon

Keyboards

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.

MKZ Förderpreis Pop/Rock/Jazz

The Musikschule Konservatorium Zürich (MKZ) is organizing the Pop/Rock/Jazz Advancement Award for the eleventh time. Every year, the best students and bands in this field - the cats and cracks of tomorrow - qualify for the final competition. The finalists in the solo category will be accompanied by a first-class combo made up of MKZ teachers. Appearing will be: Kim Tohora (Voc, Git, Piano) Raffy Bowen (Voc, Git) Yan Gonzales Torres (Git+Trio) Zenne Reijmer (Voc+Trio) Safire James Blond Red Elephant

Jowee Omicil

Album Release «sMiles»

Jowee Omicil is a tireless boundary-breaker constantly exploring new musical worlds. No category does justice to this exceptional artist—a saxophonist, singer, pianist, and visionary—who draws inspiration from his Haitian roots to create music that tastes of freedom and carries a mystical touch of rebellion and memory. Born in Montreal to Haitian parents, Omicil blends his heritage, experiences, travels, and discoveries into his music, creating a distinctive expression of curiosity and authenticity. Full of energy and joie de vivre, Jowee is a passionate entertainer who thrills audiences with his melodies and grooves. His music blends the freedom of jazz, the depth of gospel, and pulsating beats that surprise, refresh, and empower—a boost of energy for the soul. At Moods, Jowee Omicil will present his latest work, sMiles, to be released on November 11. It is a manifesto of uncompromising authenticity. It celebrates self-expression, the beauty of imperfection, and the courage to take risks. What appears at first glance to be a rebellious web turns out to be a clear commitment to boundless freedom — the common thread that connects all his work. He pays tribute to Roy Hargrove, recalls Wayne Shorter, and bows to Miles Davis — yet he remains unmistakably himself, never imitating and always creatively new.

Clarinet

Flute

Cornet

Patrick Sommer Sextet – Rhythm Creature

Patrick Sommer

With Rhythm Creature, Patrick Sommer has created an ensemble that behaves like a pulsating organism. The band as a creature is only marginally tamed and indulges its instincts with relish. The musical ideas for this mostly originate from Patrick Sommer&#x27;s preoccupation with the Moroccan guembri, a lute-like, three-stringed instrument from the Western Sahara. The resulting creative output has also had a lasting influence on his approach to his other bass instruments, rhythms, and phrasing. The resulting pieces are characterised by interwoven rhythms, intense moods and captivating melodies. The band members are all groove specialists: Patrick has been working closely with guitarist Michael Bucher for countless years, and he has been playing in various formations with drummer Kaspar Rast, keyboardist Peter Wagner, saxophonist Dave Feusi and percussionist David Stauffacher for almost as long. Rhythm Creature now breathes life into these pieces and releases them into the wild.

Sopransaxophon

Tenorsaxophon

Guembri

E-Bass

Fulu Miziki

The name says it all! Roughly translated, Fulu Miziki means music made from garbage and that is also the concept behind this eco-friendly afro-futuristic punk collective: the musicians make their own instruments, costumes and masks from discarded objects such as canisters, metal cans and PVC pipes. Their message is unmistakable: the multidisciplinary artists from the Congo want to draw attention to the accumulating waste in Kinshasa and everywhere else in the world and call on people to reconnect with nature. What does that sound like? Complex yet danceable rhythms and vocals somewhere between punk, electro and Congolese rumba.

Afreekaya

Afreekaya, who shuttles tirelessly between Latin America and the Middle East, between the Caribbean and Africa, is always on the lookout for raw, funky and psychedelic Afro-tropical tunes that have long remained under the radar to share with the world. As label manager at Analog Africa and curator of the Hors Tribu Festival, Afreekaya is constantly active, sharing his musical knowledge to keep the cultural scene moving.

Nesrine

jazzhane & Moods present «Kan Ya Makan»

The Franco-Algerian singer, cellist, and songwriter Nesrine is a modern-day Scheherazade—a storyteller of our time. Her album Kan Ya Makan, Arabic for “Once upon a time,” is like a contemporary collection of tales from One Thousand and One Nights. Nesrine’s rich and intricate sound mirrors her diverse musical background. As a classically trained cellist, she has performed with Daniel Barenboim’s West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and the Valencia Opera Orchestra under Lorin Maazel. She has also taken the stage as a guest performer with the Cirque du Soleil. Despite a promising career in classical orchestras, she chose to follow her solo path—a decision that has led to great success. Several extensive tours throughout Europe followed and Nesrine has thrilled audiences in classical venues such as the Berlin Philharmonie and the Amsterdam Cello Biennale as well as at major jazz and world music festivals. Her songs, which she performs in Arabic, French and English, reflect her personal journey, which is rooted in her Algerian heritage and characterised by her life in Paris. Nesrine has released two internationally acclaimed albums on ACT Music. In early 2024, she also released a digital EP on which she performs together with the world-famous Metropole Orkest. Now she is playing her debut in Zurich, live at Moods. This concert will be partially seated.

Cello

Muriel Grossmann Quartet

Album Release «Breakthrough»

Muriel Grossmann is considered a master of spiritual jazz and has created impressive works with albums such as Devotion (Third Man Records, 2023) and The Light Of the Mind (RR Gems Records, 2024). The Ibiza-based multi-instrumentalist interweaves modal jazz in the tradition of John Coltrane with spiritual post-bop, free improvisation and sonic depth. Her compositions are tailor-made for her fellow musicians and impressively showcase their individual strengths. Grossmann creates a dense, meditative atmosphere on stage, as can be heard most recently on the live album MGQ live at King Georg, Cologne. At Moods, the quartet will present their latest album Breaktrough, which will be released at the end of September 2025 - and prove that they play even more vividly live than in the studio.

Composition

Hammond organ

muralim

Album Release «pony»

For Zurich-based band Muralim, music is a matter of the heart and soul. It&#x27;s those moments when you forget everything else and can just be in the present. Their melodies are catchy yet sophisticated. The grooves invite you to tap your feet, and their enthusiasm fills the air above the stage with excitement. The quintet consists of saxophonist Mauro Reimann, guitarist Joachim Frey, pianist Tim Bond, bassist Elias Kirchgraber, and drummer Martin Maron. They met while studying at the Zurich University of the Arts. There, they quickly attracted attention and were featured in the &quot;Best of Swiss Jazz Bachelors&quot; series. Although Mauro Reimann writes the band&#x27;s music, it is ultimately not a solo effort. When the band jams together, the pieces evolve through the influence of all the band members. The result is music that is hard to resist.

SPECIAL: The President’s Holy Groove Jam 

Altsaxophon

Zurich Jazz Orchestra feat. Melissa Aldana

At the end of the year, the Zurich Jazz Orchestra presents the Grammy-nominated Blue Note artist Melissa Aldana - one of the most innovative and independent jazz musicians on the international scene. Born in Santiago de Chile, the saxophonist comes from a family of musicians: her father and grandfather were both saxophonists. She began playing the saxophone at the age of six under her father&#x27;s guidance. Initially influenced by Charlie Parker and Cannonball Adderley on the alto saxophone, she switched to the tenor saxophone after hearing Sonny Rollins. As a teenager, she played in jazz clubs in Santiago and was invited by pianist Danilo Pérez to perform at the Panama Jazz Festival in 2005. She later moved to the USA to study at Berklee College of Music. She released her debut album &quot;Free Fall“ in 2010. At the age of just 24, she was the first instrumentalist and first South American musician to win the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. The Washington Post praised her as representing a new sense of possibility and a new direction in jazz. Her album Visions (2019) earned her a Grammy nomination in the Best Improvised Jazz Solo category. Nate Chinen (NPR Music) called it one of the best jazz albums of the year and praised Aldana&#x27;s ability to combine technical brilliance with a rich emotional palette. The concert program she is presenting with the Zurich Jazz Orchestra at Moods was written entirely by her. One part was arranged by Jim McNeely for the HR Big Band, the other by Ed Partyka especially for the ZJO and its soloists.

Baritone Saxophone

Trombone

Bassposaune

Shantel & Bucovina Club Soundsystem

Shantel &amp; Bucovina Club Soundsystem bring the full energy of club culture and dance parties live on stage. The analog meets the digital, the east meets the west. With a pulsating spectacle where acoustic is mixed with electronica and beats, you will dance to Balkan Pop, Global Bass, Diaspora Beats, Turkish Psychedelica and Electro to the point of no return.

Ilan Jamon

Global Beats way beyond the Balkan borders: with the BalkanEkstra Parti there are no stops for Oriental sounds or Arabian rhythms – what’s important is the motto: danceable! Where the journey will take us through the night is unclear, but one thing is certain: dancing until the hips hurt, the feet burn and the stars dissolve with the dawn.

Style Bakery feat. Lou Kaena / Jule X / BIGZIS

Renowned acts present their songs in unique versions developed especially for this evening. Raw and unpolished. Hosted by the outstanding collective Jonny Ive, Pablo, Toni Schiavano and Flo Reichle. The December edition features three extraordinary characters: Lou Kaena is an important new voice in Swiss rap. Directly from Wiedikon, she brings French-language lyrics to the stage that deal with sexism, self-image and social expectations - personal, powerful and poetic. It is no coincidence that her collaboration redwhite with Soukey and Ella E became the anthem of the Women&#x27;s National Team 2025. Jule X, the exceptional talent from Bern, has been providing a breath of fresh air with his Vokuhila Mafia for a few years now. His sound is electronic and playful - an unmistakable mix of pop, techno, punk and rap that dissolves genre boundaries with a wink. Big Zis has stood for independence and artistic unyieldingness for over twenty years. She is considered one of the most influential exponents of Swiss rap: lyrically and musically uncompromising, politically clear. Her flow is unmistakable - direct and razor-sharp. She has been a regular on the Style Bakery stage for years and the evenings with her are real highlights. And don&#x27;t forget: Hand-picked vocalists also freestyle with the band. The band and MCs rock each other to unimagined heights and improvise the unheard-of.

Host

Raphael Jost's Swingin' Christmas für Familien

Christmas and jazz - it&#x27;s a tradition. And so are the Swingin&#x27; Christmas concerts by Raphael Jost and his band, which have been a firm fixture of the festive season for many people for over 10 years and ensure sold-out halls. Raphael Jost is that rarest of birds, the British saxophonist Will Vinson, who lives in New York, once said. A singer and songwriter with a great voice and at the same time a pianist whose skills enable him to share the stage with the best. Jost, who has already won the Swiss Jazz Award for his debut album, sees himself as a modern crooner. He leads through the evening with humor and without too much kitsch. Swinging classics such as Let It Snow and Winter Wonderland are joined by his own songs, JingleBells gets a pinch of Brad Mehldau and Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer becomes a sleigh ride to New Orleans. The program leaves plenty of room for solos and at the same time impresses with sophisticated and original arrangements. Singer Stefanie Suhner combines jazz and soul in her magnificent voice and has already toured with Udo Jürgens and Pepe Lienhard, among others. The horn section features the two outstanding soloists Bastien Rieser on trumpet and Christoph Grab on tenor sax. Jost&#x27;s long-time companion Raphael Walser on double bass and the renowned drummer Elmar Frey form the rhythm section. The six musicians are united by their irrepressible joy of playing and their love of the jazz tradition. They inspire the audience with a lot of energy, groove and lively interplay - and ensure a swinging Christmas. - 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.

Raphael Jost's Swingin' Christmas

teilbestuhlt / partially seated

Christmas and jazz - it&#x27;s a tradition. And so are the Swingin&#x27; Christmas concerts by Raphael Jost and his band, which have been a firm fixture of the festive season for many people for over 10 years and ensure sold-out halls. Raphael Jost is that rarest of birds, the British saxophonist Will Vinson, who lives in New York, once said. A singer and songwriter with a great voice and at the same time a pianist whose skills enable him to share the stage with the best. Jost, who has already won the Swiss Jazz Award for his debut album, sees himself as a modern crooner. He leads through the evening with humor and without too much kitsch. Swinging classics such as Let It Snow and Winter Wonderland are joined by his own songs, JingleBells gets a pinch of Brad Mehldau and Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer becomes a sleigh ride to New Orleans. The program leaves plenty of room for solos and at the same time impresses with sophisticated and original arrangements. Singer Stefanie Suhner combines jazz and soul in her magnificent voice and has already toured with Udo Jürgens and Pepe Lienhard, among others. The horn section features the two outstanding soloists Bastien Rieser on trumpet and Christoph Grab on tenor sax. Jost&#x27;s long-time companion Raphael Walser on double bass and the renowned drummer Elmar Frey form the rhythm section. The six musicians are united by their irrepressible joy of playing and their love of the jazz tradition. They inspire the audience with a lot of energy, groove and lively interplay - and ensure a swinging Christmas.

Lindy Hop Crashkurs by Tanzwolke

One hour before Raphael Jost&#x27;s invites you to dance with Swingin&#x27; Christmas, interested visitors can brush up their skills at the free Lindy Hop crash course. A free course from Tanzwolke for newcomers and beginners. We approve of your suitable outfits. Let&#x27;s dance!

Lindy Hop Dancing Night

Galliano

Spirit Music Society & Moods present

“It&#x27;s hard to say whether it was an idea or if it just happened...” Whatever the reason, in 2023, Rob Gallagher announced: Galliano are back! Formed in London&#x27;s underground clubs and warehouse parties in the late 1980s and making their debut with the Acid Jazz label in 1988, Galliano emerged from a culture encompassing music, dance, fashion, art, design, and literature. “They were the first group to really make the connection between club and jazz culture – the opening line to a space that would later include groups from The Comet is Coming to Ezra Collective,&quot; explained Galliano&#x27;s long-time supporter, Gilles Peterson. Three decades later, Galliano are back with their new album, Halfway Somewhere, released on Peterson&#x27;s label, Brownswood Recordings. Their unmistakable blend of astral jazz, cosmic funk, conscious soul, dub reggae and dancefloor rhythms is as sharp as ever!

V.I.P. Session by JUR Records - DIGITAL (UK) INSIDEMAN (Bassdrive)

JUR Records invites you to the V.I.P. Session: Get ready for a wild night of dancing with renowned DJs and a hefty dose of Drum’n’Bass. For this VIP Session, we’re bringing two true heavyweights of the international Drum &amp; Bass scene to Moods! DIGITAL (UK) Digital has been one of the most influential figures in Drum &amp; Bass and Jungle since the 90s. His sound is deeply rooted in soundsystem culture and dub, with releases on iconic labels such as Metalheadz, 31 Records, V Recordings and many more. Classics like Deadline, Waterhouse Dub or Phantom Force continue to shape the scene to this day. Expect powerful, rolling, roots-inspired vibes! INSIDEMAN (Bassdrive) Insideman hosts his weekly show on the legendary station Bassdrive and also convinces as a producer, with releases on Rebel Music, Influence Records and Locked Up. His sets stand for a refined selection, driving rollers and authentic club energy. Look forward to a night full of Jungle pressure, dub flavour and deep rolling breaks – joined by our locals Toni Caetta, Nemelia, Trice, Frog U and Darius D!

Disk Jockey

Los Dos Engros

Every year, the Moods program begins with the Los Dos en Gros invasion. Ten friends get together to set Han Sue Lee&#x27;s jungle blues fantasies to music, animate dance legs and drum in the still young year. After 27 years, Tischhauser&#x27;s evening services have become history and so the long time as Nightliner in the Schiffbau of the Schauspielhaus comes to an end. The louder and longer the En Gros will groove and move, the louder the swamp blues will be. Swamp Blues gabbers, Boogie trash is a fact. Let&#x27;s dance into 2026 and melt into a Rio Grande with plenty of power.

Herr Wempe aka DJ Soulsonic

Mr. Wempe plays music with soul: blues, rhythm&#x27;n&#x27;blues, jazz, soul, funk from all over the world. He also works as a music editor at the radio station Open Broadcas. Get dressed &amp; put on your dancin&#x27; shoes!

Accordion

James Brown Tribute Show

The same procedure as every year: the SoulVision Allstars are back with their James Brown Tribute Show! Since 2007 - shortly after James Brown left us for the big stage - this top-notch band of Swiss musicians has ensured that the works of the «Godfather of Soul» are not forgotten. Building on the hits and lesser-known pearls, and with boundless energy on stage, the band delivers a powerful mix of Funk, Soul, and Hip Hop. An evening not only for nostalgics and dyed-in-the-wool Funksters, but also generally for all of those who want to get those hips a-shaking to swing in the New Year.

Cavaliere Spruzzi (Monorecords)

The man for funk in Zurich for 4 decades. Who doesn&#x27;t remember the legendary Cool Mondays? Smoky afternoons in THE record store in Zurich on Froschaugasse? Or the Real Funk for Real People series at Moods? Cavaliere Spruzzi is back! You better put on your dancing shoes!

Orgel

Erika Stucky – STUCKY FINGERS

&quot;Sticky Fingers&quot; is widely regarded as one of the Rolling Stones&#x27; finest albums. According to Rolling Stone magazine, it ranks 64th among the 500 greatest albums. However, that doesn&#x27;t mean it can&#x27;t be improved upon. Certainly differently, though. That brings us to our point: if you slip slightly on the keyboard, &quot;Sticky&quot; becomes &quot;Stucky.&quot; Erika Stucky dares to try this in her new program. Stucky is known for her cover versions. She delves into the essence of a song, tinkering not only with its structure but also its soul. With her unmistakable voice, humor, and poetic subversion, Stucky sheds new light on the legendary album. She weaves jazz interludes, cabaret charm, and a hint of rock aesthetics into a kaleidoscopic, cinematic stage production. In this project, Stucky is joined by two renowned English musicians: Terry Edwards and Paul Cuddeford. Edwards plays the saxophone, trumpet, bass, and melodica and gained musical experience with Madness, Tindersticks, and Nick Cave, to name a few. Guitarist Paul Cuddeford&#x27;s musical résumé is equally impressive. He has played with the crème de la crème of the British music scene, including Bob Geldof and Sir Tom Jones. Together, they will breathe new life into hits such as &quot;Brown Sugar&quot; and bring &quot;Stucky Fingers&quot; to life.

Film Projection

SPECIAL: The President’s New Year’s Groove Jam 

The JazzBaragge Wednesday Jam provides an important platform for the Swiss jazz jam scene. As a musical prelude to the start of the year, the audience can expect hot grooves, rousing solos, catchy shout parts paired with a powerful, expressive voice. The raw playfulness with pulsating energy should inspire jam musicians on the first day of 2025 in a passionate, hypnotic and ecstatic manner. The JazzBaragge Wednesday Jam is supported by the non-profit organization JazzBaragge. There is no advance booking for JazzBaragge, only box office.

Türköz, Sartorius, Blöchlinger

Three people in free fall, with open ears and a radical zest for playing. This description fits the trio of Türköz, Sartorius, and Blöchlinger perfectly. Seeing them perform live is an unforgettable experience. The three musicians skillfully combine their strengths. Saadet Türköz&#x27;s voice connects us to our origins and innermost desires. Julian Sartorius provides a sensitive supporting framework with his drumming, and Lino Blöchlinger uses the saxophone and flute as vibrating, far-reaching sensors. An evening with them is a journey of discovery into the secrets behind sounds that seem to function according to their own laws. It is a solemn dissolution of supposed cultural boundaries. Rhythm, noise, and poetry. Soft layers and sharp edges resonate with a juicy thrust through space.

Bass Saxophon

Zabranjeno Pušenje

With their revolutionary approach and unconventional ideas, Zabranjeno Pušenje brought a breath of fresh air to the music scene - and to social life - back in 1980. Since then, the band has released twelve studio albums and six live and compilation albums. And they still deliver the same, if not an even stronger sound and spirit as at the beginning of their career. The current, perfectly rehearsed line-up consists of Davor Sučić, also known as Sejo Sexon, Robert Boldižar, Toni Lović, Branko Trajkov, also known as Trak, Dejan Orešković, also known as Klo, and Anđela Zebec. New to the team is the multiple Porin award-winning composer and harmonica virtuoso Tomislav Goluban, who enriches the ensemble with his unique style. Today, Zabranjeno Pušenje enjoys a cult status that extends far beyond the borders of the Balkans. Their fan base unites generations who love their unmistakable mix of humor, socially critical lyrics and the authentic spirit of Sarajevo. From legendary classics to the latest songs full of satire, charm and energy. The musicians convince with spontaneity, joy of playing and a closeness to the audience that few can match. Zabranjeno Pušenje is a legend that lives, inspires and connects - for over four decades!

The BalkanEkstra Parti doesn&#x27;t stop at oriental sounds or Arabic rhythms - the main thing is to dance! rrWith 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!

Violin

Terreirinho Adalu

Terreirinho is a family event organized by Adalu; a warm and welcoming place where children can discover Brazil&#x27;s rich culture in a playful way. Through workshops, stories, dance, and rhythm, Brazil&#x27;s cultural roots are explored and a connection with its origins is established. A space full of joy, encounter, and transformation for children and families who want to experience the authenticity and beauty of Brazilian culture. The workshops will be held in Portuguese and German. 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.: Percussion workshop for children (ages 6-12) with Wellington Soares 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.: Dance of the playful body “Cortejo Brincante” (ages 2-12) with Diana Vieira 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.: Brazilian stories for children (ages 2-12) with Andrea Zemp Nascimento

Perkussion-Workshop – Wellington Soares

At the percussion workshop with Wellington Soares, children discover the world of rhythms through playful experimentation. Using drums, rattles and body movements, they learn to make music, listen and express themselves creatively. The workshop promotes motor skills, coordination and team spirit - all in a lively, musical space full of joy. Wellington Soares is an experienced percussionist with a career spanning decades who has played for renowned Brazilian artists such as Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil and Rappa. With his expertise, he inspires children to discover the fun of making music together and to develop their musical skills through play.

Workshop «Cortejo do Corpo Brincante» – Diana Vieira

At the Cortejo do Corpo Brincante workshop, children and families immerse themselves in the lively rhythms and dances of Brazil. Through playful experiences and creative movement, they discover the world of Afro-Brazilian traditions. This space is designed to encourage each child&#x27;s body awareness, imagination and expression in a safe and inspiring atmosphere. Diana Vieira is a Brazilian dancer, educator and founder of Movimento Corpo Plural. With over 10 years of experience, she develops projects that combine body awareness and cultural identity, inviting children to experience the authentic beauty of Brazilian dance through movement and shared play.

Workshop zur brasilianischen Volkskultur «É o tambor de crioula» – Andréa Zemp Nascimento

With Andréa Zemp Nascimento, the children and their parents immerse themselves in the world of tambor de crioula. Through storytelling according to Sonia Rosa, co-author of the children&#x27;s book É o tambor de crioula, the participants experience traditional dances, Brazilian games and the cultural diversity of Afro-Brazilian roots. Andréa is a poet, art and play educator and architect with training in media art and cultural mediation in Zurich. She brings her passion for Brazilian culture and creative education to this inspiring experience.

Terreiro Adalu

Adalu & Moods present 

Terreiro Adalu is a place of connection to the roots of Brazilian culture. Dedicated to the magic of samba, the rhythmic batucada and the powerful presence - in the cultural Terreiro of Adalu, the community is at home: here people meet, clap, sing and experience the magic of the moment. Samba is a healing, the atmosphere is magical - who makes this possible are the guests. The aim is to overcome stereotypes and promote inclusion through the power of the ancestors to create a profound, warm and unifying cultural experience. This is where singing and community come together in a circle, because this is where life becomes more beautiful. The samba rite is an expression of identity, a movement of transformation and self-empowerment. Come with an open heart, experience all of this with us - and be part of a vibrant, communal samba circle, singing, dancing and celebrating the power of culture together! 19:45 - 20:15: Viktor von Karma (Crash course Samba no Pé) 20:30 - 22:00: Coletivo Raizes do Samba &amp; Neya Castro - Set 1 (Roda de Samba) 22:00 - 22:30: Sonic Sisters - Set 1 (DJ) 22:30 - 00:00: Coletivo Raizes do Samba &amp; Neya Castro - Set 2 00:00 - 02:00: Sonic Sisters - Set 2 (DJ)

Viktor von Karma

Viktor von Karma holds a Master&#x27;s degree in Teaching and Coaching of Dance Professionals from the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). His journey began in Brazil, where he started out in dance education. Today he lives in Zurich and offers courses in company, contemporary dance, improvisation, samba and funk. His crash course is an unconventional opportunity to get to know this popular Brazilian dance form. Afterwards, you can put what you have learned directly into practice during a live samba round.

Coletivo Raizes do Samba & Neya Castro

The Coletivo Raízes do Samba consists of Brazilian musicians residing in Switzerland, including members from Basel and Zurich. The group lives the true spirit of samba and combines the authenticity of Brazilian music with infectious energy and warm interaction with the European audience. With impressive performances at events such as the Kaserne Basel, the Klosterberg Fest Basel and the Lutry Festival, the Coletivo has thrilled both audiences and the press with its musical quality and the lively atmosphere of its shows. Neya Castro is a singer and songwriter who carries the spirit of Samba de Raiz with her powerful voice and vibrant energy. When Neya sings, the music connects people and brings the tradition of samba to life. Her art is full of ancestral power, truthfulness and joy.

Sonic Sisters

Adalu & Moods present Warm Up & Afterparty

The Sonic Sisters - Mishka, Bimba, SLB, NRG, Amaraota and JR the G - stand for bass-heavy bangers and pure energy behind the decks. What unites them? A love of music and the ambition to make the scene more diverse, louder and more female.

Michael Flury & Lukas Langenegger: Songs for Peace

Lukas Langenegger and Michael Flury dedicate themselves to the roots of jazz and folk music as well as protest songs against warmongering, the anti-war songs. Using historical instrumentation with banjo, trombone and voice, they give old songs and thoughts a new effect in our present.

Garn

Release Tour «Loopwheel»

Garn is not just a band; it is an ode to the euphoria of life, an echo of cinematic images and extensive travels. Marc Stucki on saxophone, Urs Müller on guitar, Fabian M Müller on piano, Claude Meier on bass, and Christoph Steiner on drums—together they weave a harmoniously rich and earthy tapestry of sound. Their music is a warm thermal spring in the rugged mountain landscape of the Swiss Alps, where one oscillates between the extremes of nature – from the icy snow to the warming spring. Their rehearsals are filled with passionate debates that imbue their music with a unique depth and a certain defiance. Each concert is an invitation to close your eyes and surrender completely to the flow of sound.

Banjo

The Joe Haider Jazz Orchestra

Joe Haider fills more than one exciting chapter in the history of jazz. He has been active as a jazz pianist, composer, arranger and teacher for over 60 years. The German musician has also left his mark in Switzerland, having directed the Swiss Jazz School in Bern from 1984 to 1995. Now the maestro is turning 90 – and still playing. To celebrate, Haider has treated himself to a tour with the Joe Haider Jazz Orchestra. He is accompanied by twelve Swiss jazz musicians with whom he has played in various projects over the last three decades. That being said, Haider does not see these concerts as a farewell to the stage. Rather, it is a thank you to all his fellow musicians, the audience and all those who have supported him over the years.

Bass Clarinet

Alto Clarinet

Lea Lu & Juan Medina with Nils Wogram & Alejandra Lopez

«Vergel»

The Zurich singer-songwriter meets the flamenco guitarist Juan Medina - an encounter between the two musicians in which the musical worlds of folk, flamenco and jazz merge - something new is created. Already at their second meeting, Lea and Juan began to write songs and inspiration bubbled up. This resulted in their debut album Vergel, which means something like: It will be released in January on the Spanish label Satelite K and christened at Moods. The songs are about new beginnings, curiosity about life and the sun of January. Music that moves and touches the hearts of the audience. Juan&#x27;s virtuoso playing style meets Lea&#x27;s minimalist singer-songwriter arrangements: Her soft velvety voice flies over the raw energy of Juan&#x27;s guitar. Open harmonies between flamenco and jazz form the basic framework, above which Lea&#x27;s dancing, velvety voice floats. For the release concert, Lea and Juan are joined by jazz trombonist Nils Wogram, who enriches their songs with his playful and rhythmic style.

Kit Sebastian

jazzhane & Moods present

London-based duo Kit Sebastian (aka Kit Martin and Merve Erdem) captivate their audiences with moments of pure pop bliss, timeless nostalgia and seductive complexity. Their unique sounds weave a psychedelic tapestry of global influences, vintage synths and melancholy élan from the beaches of Bahia to the streets of Istanbul and Paris. A joyous expression of vibrant grooves and sophisticated lyricism that transcends boundaries, borders and social-cultural preconceptions. Their latest album “New Internationale” was released in Sept 2024 via Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder record label and it served as a neat summary of the sounds and styles that have long tantalised the duo—French pop and Anatolian psych, vintage Tropicália and early rock ’n’ roll, with breezes of soul and prog blowing through the open windows of the pair’s collective imagination.

Floor Tom

«Fatal Footsteps» & «Sur un air de Charleston» vertont von Constanza Pellicci & Steve Buchanan

IOIC, Filmpodium & Moods present

The prime example of a contagious dance from the Roaring Twenties that played a significant role in the emergence of youth culture is the Charleston. The Charleston dance craze was a phenomenon that sent young people into boundless euphoria and older generations into fear and terror. We are showing two short films and a feature film that deal with the Charleston craze in a humorous way. In ‘Fatal Footsteps’, comedian Charley Bowers plays, as he almost always does, a young man with a monomania, this time his determination to win a dance competition. He practises obsessively, drawing elaborate dance diagrams on the floor, but his style looks less like Charleston and more like a St Vitus&#x27; dance. Sur un air de Charleston by French director Jean Renoir is a surreal, erotic satire in which the world is turned upside down and a local white girl in run-down Paris teaches a futuristic African ethnologist how to dance the Charleston. The two short films are set to music by Argentine singer and dancer Constanza Pellicci and American singer and multi-instrumentalist Steve Buchanan, using an instrument developed by Buchanan that allows music and dance to interact, combining rhythms live while tap dancing to the samples in real time. The body is used as a sequencer, interacting and adapting the beat to the sample tracks. The result is an extraordinary experience between movement and sound that effortlessly transcends the boundaries between music and dance itself.

«Skinner’s Dress Suit» vertont von Camila Nebbia, John Edwards, Hamid Drake

In the newly restored feature film Skinner&#x27;s Dress Suit, the protagonist Skinner has a lowly job that doesn&#x27;t quite match the image his adoring wife has of him. This exuberant comedy about domestic customs from a bygone era, when husbands went to work and wives went shopping, is nevertheless a delight, thanks in particular to the stars Reginald Denny and Laura La Plante and the motif of infectious dancing that runs throughout the film. In the film&#x27;s highlight, the two cause a sensation at an elegant soirée with the latest dance craze, the Savannah Shuffle... For the first time, three international greats of jazz and free improvisation come together in a trio for the feature film: Argentine saxophonist Camila Nebbia, described by Jazz.pt magazine as ‘one of the most important saxophonists of our time’; British double bassist John Edwards, one of the most sought-after bassists around; and American drummer and percussionist Hamid Drake, who incorporates Afro-Cuban, Indian and African percussion instruments and influences into his drumming and has worked with numerous jazz greats such as trumpeter Don Cherry, pianist Herbie Hancock, saxophonist Pharoah Sanders and bassist William Parker. If you&#x27;re not afraid of these infectious dances, we recommend attending the afternoon dance workshop led by Alessandra Hitz and then hitting the dance floor after the silent film programme to show off the moves you&#x27;ve learned to the music of DJ Robin. The event is being held in collaboration with the Zurich Silent Film Festival, which is organised by Filmpodium and the IOIC – Institute of Incoherent Cinematography.

Elec. Tap Dance

Voodoo Trio

Michael Bucher, Patrick Sommer, Lionel Friedli

With his latest coup, guitarist Michael Bucher stirs up big emotions and dangerous grooves. The Voodoo Trio is behind it all. With this new lineup, Bucher moves hypnotically between rhythmic conciseness and grandiose clouds of sound; between urgency and looseness; and between speed and emphasis. The focus is on the simultaneity of accessibility and depth, as well as spontaneity and awareness of form. Alongside Bucher are the two Voodoo magicians, Patrick Sommer (bass) and Lionel Friedli (drums), who also work their magic. Together, they impress with their exuberant joy of playing, rousing groove euphoria, and interactive energy. They don&#x27;t get bogged down in their improvisations but instead arrive at sensible ideas without unnecessary banter. Bucher has composed a varied repertoire for this group, characterized by an absence of nerdy over-complexity. The Voodoo Trio sparks enthusiasm wherever jazz lives and thrives. In other words, they engage in a wide-awake and independent dialogue with tradition. The Voodoo Trio has something to say and does so in a language anyone who loves jazz can understand.

Dumama

Kay Zhang – ANCESTRAL ROOTS

South African musician, sonic poet, and cultural researcher Gugulethu Duma (aka Dumama) criticizes and deconstructs archaic modes of representation of South African sonic and performance culture. As a storyteller and lyricist she weaves together childhood songs, stories and personal memories with electronic hues and gestures, experimenting with the divide between traditional oral culture and futuristic, globally oriented poetics in her embodiment of an African technological consciousness. For her performances and recordings, she predominantly works with voice, uHadi (a traditional Xhosa bow instrument), live vocal effected loops, processors, field recordings and distortions. This event was co-curated by Tracy September. Tracy September is a musician, performer, and music researcher born in South Africa and based in Zürich. Drawing from jazz, traditional Xhosa singing, and electronic experimentation, her work explores memory, spirit, and protest through improvisation. Tracy weaves voice, electronics, texts, archives, and field recordings into storytelling rooted in ritual and community. She also composes for film, theatre, and dance, performs with the band Black Pitch, and DJs under the alias youngseptember.

Mark Guiliana plays MARK

Ever since the first day he picked up a pair of drumsticks, Mark Guiliana has been instinctively exploring and absorbing the music and rhythms that have been ever-present in his life. Fast forward to the present day and he has earned a formidable reputation as a world-class drummer, composer and thinker at the forefront of contemporary jazz and beyond. Guiliana’s artistry defies convention, weaving together a musical output beyond jazz with the ultimate goal of creating compelling musical narratives. Guiliana’s new album “MARK”, represents an introspective voyage into his creative depths. On the record, Mark performs solo on a wide array of devices; you can hear his quintessential grooves intermixed with intriguing percussive soundscapes, sublime tapestries of synthesisers and fragments of spoken word. “MARK” is an album that peels back the layers of Guiliana’s experiences, reflections, and the wisdom gleaned from a life immersed in music. It transcends genres and defies categorisation, floating in the boundless space of pure expression. Through music and through life, Mark looks into the mirror and asks eternal questions of identity and growth: who am I, where am I going and what do I stand for?

Zurich Jazz Orchestra playing Rob McConnell

Rob McConnell (1935–2010) was a Canadian trombonist, composer, and arranger. He is best known for founding and leading the Grammy Award-winning big band The Boss Brass from 1967 to 1999. Rob McConnell&#x27;s big band music is firmly rooted in the jazz tradition, but offers clever interpretations of well-known jazz standards, challenging ensemble passages (for the musicians) and exciting ones (for the audience), as well as plenty of space for the orchestra&#x27;s soloists. Other hallmarks of Rob McConnell&#x27;s music are the expanded instrumentation (eleven brass instruments, including two French horns) and the subtle humor that runs through all his compositions. Ed Partyka met Rob in 1989, and the two remained in contact until Rob McConnell&#x27;s death. Partyka recalls: “He was an incredibly warm and funny person, which you can also hear in his compositions. In my opinion, he was also an underrated soloist on the valve trombone, surpassed in expression and virtuosity only by Bob Brookmeyer.”

Horn (Cornet)

The Last Show: Lilly Martin's Farewell to the Stage

Passionate blues and soul are Lilly Martin&#x27;s trademark. A native New Yorker from a family of Cuban artists, she has lived in Switzerland for years, shaping the local blues scene all the while. She has played at all the country&#x27;s renowned blues and jazz festivals, released several successful solo albums, and won a Swiss Blues Award in 2020. But now it&#x27;s time to call it a day: Martin is saying goodbye to the stage. She has chosen Moods for her final performance, which is a great honour for us. Together with her band, she will perform her urban blues and soul, characterised by the musical diversity of her origins, one last time. This is a live finale not to be missed.

V.I.P. Session by JUR Records - DIGITAL (UK) INSIDEMAN (Bassdrive)

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