Ascona Jazz Festival
Ascona Jazz Festival, or Jazz Ascona, is an annual Jazz Festival held in Ascona, Switzerland. The 10-day festival, from late June to early July takes place on the Swiss shores of Lake Maggiore and is devoted to historical styles of jazz and in particular to the music of New Orleans. Under the artistic direction of Nicolas Gilliet, Jazz Ascona features more than 200 concerts and 300 artists, and specials events such as: gospel choirs, jam sessions, exhibits, conferences, and films. Considered one of the most important European Jazz Festivals, Jazz Ascona attracts enthusiasts[1] from all over the globe.
Ascona Jazz Award
Established in 2006, the Ascona Jazz Awards recognizes individuals from the jazz world who distinguished themselves during the previous year or during their artistic career. The award is presented annually during the Jazz Ascona festival and is supported by the Municipality of Ascona.
2006 Pepe Lienhard, Big band director, Switzerland Lillian Boutté, singer and World Ambassor of New Orleans Music (Special Award)
2007 Red Holloway, saxophonist, US Father Jerome Ledoux (Special Award)
2008 Donald Harrison, saxophonist and Mardi Gras Indian Big Chief
2009[2] Rossano Sportiello, pianist, Italy
2010 Shannon Powell and Herlin Riley, drummers, US
2011 Uncle Lionel Batiste, singer, Grand Marshal and bass drummer, US, and Paul Kuhn, singer, pianist, Germany,
2012 Irma Thomas, singer, US
2013 Gerald French, drummer, US
2014 Stephen Perry, President and CEO New Orleans Visitors & Convention Bureau, US
2015 Irvin Mayfield, trumpetist, composer, band leader, US
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