2005 - The pre-history
First tentative steps at the Kronenhof’s Wine Cellar with Othella Dallas. We thought it would probably be her last concert. How wrong we were.
Summer is a time for enjoying the things you love, which for many of us is music. If you love jazz, and especially enjoy it amidst beautiful alpine scenery or within stylishly chic venues, then St. Moritz in July is the place to be.
The Festival da Jazz runs the whole month and features a rich and talented array of world-famous jazz greats as well as emerging artists. Gigs are played across an eclectic range of venues and outdoor locations that make use of the beautiful scenery and acoustics nature provides.
Every day there’s a new flavour of jazz to sample, an energetic collision of delightfully different styles, from established acts full of old souls to young up-and-comers, who play in front of the kind of easy-going, friendly crowd that only jazz attracts. There’s something special about letting go in such a beautiful place, and enjoying melody after melody as it meanders its way over the neighbouring alpine lakes, forest slopes or through the evening crowd in one of St. Moritz’s unforgettable venues.
And on the venues, there are plenty to choose from. From the cult status of the effortlessly cool Dracula Club, to the grandiose atmosphere of the legendary Sunny Bar, the lakeside stage at Lej Da Staz and the magical woodland location of Taiswald.
Enjoy as many unique moments as there are notes in a guitarist’s improvisation, and celebrate your favourite music in a place that truly does it justice.
First tentative steps at the Kronenhof’s Wine Cellar with Othella Dallas. We thought it would probably be her last concert. How wrong we were.
A first concert series at the Wine Cellar. Hazy Osterwald plays his last concert ever, together with Dani Felber.
Rolf Sachs grants asylum to the festival at the Dracula Club. George Gruntz opens the concert series “Jazz & Wine” in this “holy” vault.
The name “Festival da Jazz” is born. The first real festival. 13 concerts in association with the Kulm Hotel.
26 concerts already. Despite the economic crisis, Lexus comes on board and the Hauser’s Terrace features brunch concerts.
The festival becomes more international. Big acts like “Manhatten Transfer” capture the audience. A perfect mix: Sophie Hunger, Paul Kuhn, Brad Mehldau and many more.
Hellmi Beerli enables a concert by Ahmad Jamal – a great moment. And more highlights: Till Brönner, Klaus Doldinger, Al di Meola, Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour. First “Free Midnight Concerts” at the Miles Davis Lounge.
47 concerts already. Thanks to Franzoli the Brasserie Dracula is a great hit. Spectacular concert moments with Dee Dee Bridgewater, Nigel Kennedy, Richard Galliano, Dianna Reeves and many more.
Chick Corea and Al Jarreau honour the festival. For the first time the (meanwhile) very popular Open Air on Muottas Muragl takes place. And in addition: Randy Crawford, Fazil Say, Take 6 and of course Othella Dallas.
Dave Grusin turns 80 and celebrates the occasion with three concerts. Pepe Lienhard crams his big band into the Dracula, and they fit (just). And: Patti Austin, Dave Holland, Jimmy Cliff, Meshell Ndegeocello, Mike Stern, John Scofield.
Bobby McFerrin gives lessons instead of singing. Dee Dee Bridgewater and Irvin Mayfield enchant the audience. And Candy Dulfer does it open air, just behind the Dracula.
Altogether 50 concerts. And a novelty: Apero-Concerts on Hauser’s Terrace. Great moments with Iiro Rantala and Ulf Wakenius, with Marcus Miller, Dianne Krall, The Rad Trads and many more.
For the anniversary, the festival returns to Kronenhof, where it all started, and some other splendid concert venues on a small “tour de charme”.
Norah Jones came around, and Ludovico Einaudi drew a mega-crown to the first ever "Lej da Jazz" concert.
Still new stages are being explored. Mystic sounds along Alp Grüm take us along. And always some Helge Schneider at the end.
Riding between two waves we can pull of a Festival despite the pandemic. A little shorter and with a focus on local acts.
Even a mask mandate and Covid-checks can't stop our guests. Angélique Kidjo enchanting the Stazersee. First edition of the New Generation #JazzLab by Jaguar.
Finally back at our main stage, our beloved Dracula Club. A perfect summer accompanied by a perfect Line-Up.
The Festival da Jazz St. Moritz welcomed fans to a free concert with the James Gruntz Duo. Hardly anyone expected so many music fans to partake.