Lugano and its surroundings will surprise you with all their natural beauties and attractions. Discover Estival Jazz, one of Europe’s most unique free festivals which, for the past 36 years, has featured amazing performances in the square from remarkable big names on the International music scene.
Two weekends, some fifteen concerts and two packed squares: Estival Jazz is a meeting place for internationally-acclaimed artists and young emerging talents who grace the stage and entertain audiences with their fabulous live performances.
During the course of its long history, Estival Jazz has hosted all the big names in the world of jazz and pop including greats of the calibre of Dizzy Gillespie, Dollar Brand, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cesaria Evora, Al Jarreau, Youssou N’Dour, Wynton Marsalis, Cheb Mami, Oscar de Leon, Van Morrison, Bobby McFerrin, Herbie Hancock, BB King, Friedrich Gulda, Chick Corea and Manhattan Transfer, to mention but a few.
The first two evenings, 4 and 5 July, will be held in Mendrisio (Piazzale alla Valle), where the music will range from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, thanks to the energizing jazz-fusion of the Trokers (considered the best Mexican band of its kind) and the Island rhythms of the Toguna (hailing from La Réunion), with their mix of reggae, soul and Rock. There will also be a medley of music for all tastes including classical music, pure jazz and blues.
The second weekend of Estival, scheduled to be held from 10 to 12 July, will include three evenings in Lugano (Piazza Riforma) featuring a carousel of voices, melodies and sounds from the US to Europe, by way of Africa. The event will kick-off with one of the hottest talents of the moment, Gregory Porter, this year’s Grammy Award winner for the “Best Vocal Jazz Album”. Among the countless musicians, look out for the likes of fabulous Irish artist Sinead O’Connor; Sum Ra, one of the most original personalities in jazz; Liv Warfield, Prince’s protege and the new star of American Soul and Rhythm&Blues and to end on a high note, world-renowned Youssou N’Dour and his Super Etoile de Dakar.
