Yesterday, Sunday, the finale of the 50th INTERNATIONAL DIXIELAND FESTIVAL rang out across Dresden, the European capital of Dixieland. Until the official closing, which took place on Dresden’s Neumarkt until around 7:00 p.m., tens of thousands of visitors were still listening to the festival’s jazz sounds. At 4:00 p.m., the traditional Dixieland parade through Dresden’s Old Town began on Terrassenufer, accompanied this year by ten bands and soloists as well as many other parade acts. Already in the morning, just under 4,000 guests attended the open-air gala at the Junge Garde open-air stage in the Großer Garten.
Following the festival opening last Sunday at Dresden Zoo with more than 6,000 visitors, sold-out concerts and exceptionally well-attended free-admission events, as well as a record attendance on the closing Sunday for the parade and the other open-air stages, the 50th INTERNATIONAL DIXIELAND FESTIVAL attracted well over 400,000 visitors.
The 50th INTERNATIONAL DIXIELAND FESTIVAL was a complete success, with more than 400,000 visitors. Due to coronavirus restrictions, the anniversary edition of the Dixieland Festival could only take place on the third attempt.
Enthusiastic visitors at more than 40 events
Whether it was the jazz mile, a club concert, a festive gala, a Dixieland ABC for children, or a spontaneous street concert; from party atmosphere with bratwurst and beer to acclaimed jam sessions and exquisitely performed first-class jazz in the city’s concert halls – the 50th INTERNATIONAL DIXIELAND FESTIVAL in Dresden thrilled visitors from near and far over eight days with excellent, “handmade” music.
The varied programme featured 42 events for young and old alike, for dancing and singing along as well as for breathless enjoyment of top-class music. On the 35 stages across the city, audiences were able to experience 42 bands and soloists from ten nations. In total, 280 musicians took part. Around 250 hours of music – more than 130 of them free of charge – were presented during the festival.
A spectacular culmination of an unparalleled career
The 50th INTERNATIONAL DIXIELAND FESTIVAL was also the spectacular culmination of an unparalleled life’s work. Joachim Schlese, who was among the founders of the festival in 1971 and has since transformed it into the world’s largest festival for traditional jazz, is ending his active career with the anniversary edition. “50 years as artistic director, 50 festivals without interruption - Joachim Schlese has created something that has no equal in the world. He has unquestionably earned his place in jazz history. Our team will always honor his legacy and will proudly continue the INTERNATIONAL DIXIELAND FESTIVAL,” said festival spokesperson Hendrik Meyer.
We would like to thank from the bottom of our hearts everyone involved on, behind, and alongside the stages who made this unforgettable anniversary party possible in the first place. We are equally grateful to our wonderful audience for its loyalty and passion.
Photo recap 2022
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