Jazzascona Festival 2010 Focuses on New Standards

JazzAscona - taking place in Ascona, Switzerland, from June 24 to July 4, 2010 - stands out for its unique program and is today one of the major world events devoted to historical styles of jazz-an eleven-day multi-faceted musical marathon, but also an opportunity to vacation and relax in the grandiose Lake Maggiore setting, just south of the Swiss Alps.

The theme of the 26th edition is New Standards, updating an extraordinary, often-forgotten collection of jazz classics. New compositions, led by young musicians, will be presented alongside evenings devoted to the great swing, Brazilian, and vocal standards. One of the stars of this year's edition will be renowned French guitar player Bireli Lagrene, who will give two concerts, on July 2 & 3, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Django Reinhardt's birth.

Other tributes include an homage to Louis Prima by Ray Gelato's Giants, on June 25, and to the legendary Rosemary Clooney by New York vocalist and bassist Nicki Parrott and renowned trombonist Warren Vach, on June 28. The 2010 Ascona Jazz Award will be given to the great drummers Shannon Powell and Herlin Riley. Both from New Orleans, Riley and Powell are perfect expressions of the rich rhythms and musical soul of the Crescent City, at the crossroad of traditional and contemporary.

The program, under the artistic direction of Nicolas Gilliet, will feature more than 200 concerts and 300 artists, as well as a series of special events: gospel masses, jam sessions, exhibits, conferences, films, and much more.

The LINEUP includes Bireli Lagrene, Ray Gelato, Paula Morelenbaum & SWR Big Band, Niki Haris & Wycliffe Gordon, Warren Vach, Jay Leonhart, Howard Alden, John Allred, Mickey Roker, the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, The Dixie Cups, Catherine Russell, Susie Arioli, China Moses, Sammy Rimington, Wendell Brunious, Gordon Edwards (the founder and leader with Steve Gadd of the legendary 1970s band Stuff), and many others.
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/news.php?id=53588