Baar gripped by jazz fever at the weekend

The "Jazz im Sommer" open-air festival attracted many visitors – and demonstrated why it has become such a crowd-pleaser.
 

The "Jazz im Sommer" open-air festival last Saturday brought plenty of rhythm, emotion, and good cheer to the centre of Baar, next to the Rathus-Schüür, with four bands performing. The audience was treated to top-notch entertainment ranging from swing and vocal street jazz to blues and reggae.

The now-traditional open-air festival "Jazz im Sommer," which takes place every year in the centre of Baar on the second weekend of July, has become a crowd-pleaser with regional appeal, thanks to excellent organisation and a high level of musicianship. Jazz fever took hold in Baar – under glorious summer weather with sweltering temperatures.

Despite, or perhaps because of, the holiday season, the festival organisers experienced an impressive turnout - primarily from loyal visitors from Baar. From 12:30 pm until late in the evening, the audience enjoyed a festival filled with captivating music. From groovy swing and vocal street jazz to New Orleans sounds, blues, and Creole jazz, all the way to energetic gypsy sounds and Afro-fusion reggae, there was something for everyone. The organisers were proud to present four bands from jazz, blues, and related styles again this year. Food and drinks were also available.

The Killin’ Jivers kicked things off on the covered stage with swing and vocal street jazz. The six-member band captivated the audience with sounds reminiscent of 1930s jazz. This jazz isn't just for listening, but especially for dancing. Several listeners seized the opportunity and took to the dance floor, despite the heat.

Roland Schleiss, a member of the Music Commission and thereby partly responsible for the music programme, emphasised: "Our goal is to provide cultural highlights for the entire community, including jazz enthusiasts. A high level of musicianship, first-class sound, and a professional technical team are very important to us."

He added: "We are particularly proud of the performance by our locally based, seven-member Zug-based group, the Chicago Swing Collective. Some of the band members hail from the Zug area and bring a strong regional connection to the group's music."

The Chicago Swing Collective provided a great atmosphere and cool sound.
The Killin’ Jivers put on a great show for the audience.
Only the sunny spots weren't in high demand     
Food and drinks were available.       Photos: Mathias Blattmann
 

The "Jazz in Summer" open-air festival is more than just music - it's culture in action, a chance to connect, and a contribution to the cultural diversity of the Canton of Zug. The Zug-based Chicago Swing Collective captivated the audience with fresh swing and timeless jazz. The seven young musicians reinterpreted classics of the genre, transforming jazz into a rousing, danceable sound. Lively arrangements and powerful horn sections provided energy and groove, with singer and bandleader Anna Vogt taking centre stage with her multi-faceted voice and stylistic versatility.