Behind the scenes at the International Dixieland Festival, rehearsals, calls, and scheduling are already in full swing, long before 2027 even sees its first note. Top-class bands and soloists from Germany and abroad will once again turn Dresden into one huge jazz stage for a week next year and attract audiences from near and far, including visitors from overseas, to the Saxon state capital. Alongside a top-tier line-up, 2027 also brings new venues and new program formats. So for those who have known the festival for years, nothing is being taken away: the familiar events are back on the bill. The full program will be announced and advance ticket sales will begin at the end of October. And, of course, with the small caveat that every seasoned festivalgoer already reads along like an extra line in the program: a few things may still change, which comes with the territory, just as brass does in a big band. What highlights are in store? Here’s a little preview:
Gospel in the Royal Palace
Whit Monday, 17 May 2027 | Chapel of the Royal Palace
There has not been a gospel concert at the festival since 1992. Now it returns, for the first time in the newly opened chapel of the Royal Palace. The Thomas Stelzer Gospel Crew, with Bernita Bush and Bernd Kleinow, brings gospel and spirituals to life; the evening is a nod to Chris Barber.
Riverboat Shuffle / Special riverboat cruise
Thursday, 20 May 2027 / Friday, 21 May 2027 | Terrassenufer
The world’s oldest and largest fleet of paddle steamers passes the Elbe Castles with top bands from the traditional jazz scene, heading past the Blue Wonder toward Pillnitz. If you miss Thursday, you can catch it up on Friday with the smaller special cruise. Seats tend to sell out quickly.
Brass Band Berlin
Friday, 21 May 2027 | Kulturpalast Dresden
Ten leading musicians from Berlin orchestras become, under Thomas Hoffmann, a band with a compulsory license to jazz it up. Wagner and Bach meet Goodman and Basie, and in between Hoffmann types the typewriter on a real typewriter. A show between cabaret and classical music, with standing ovations.
Prohibition Party – 1920s theme party
Saturday, 22 May 2027 | Parkhotel Dresden
Admission is only with your own porcelain cup, just as in the speakeasies of American Prohibition. The evening begins in the spirit of that era, until the alcohol ban is laid to rest and live jazz, burlesque, Charleston, and Lindy Hop take over. 1920s dress code welcome.
