Hope for a Roaring Jazz Weekend: Dixieland Festival Dresden Overcomes Adversity to Entertain 400K Fans
Anticipates Mass Gathering of Over Two Hundred Thousand Dixieland Music Enthusiasts in Dresden's Festival - Anticipates Hordes of Thousands of Enthusiasts for Dixieland Festival Dresden
Get ready, jazz lovers! This year's International Dixieland Festival Dresden is set to bring the groove starting this weekend, with over 400,000 anticipated attendees. With 42 bands hailing from seven countries ready to perform, the German city is gearing up to solidify its European Dixieland throne. Whether you're a jazz fanatic, a family with kids, or just looking for a good time, there's something here for everyone!
But, just before the music started, some concerns arose. In light of potential terror threats, Dresden City has imposed stricter safety measures on open-air events, setting the festival's organizers back a hefty 120,000 euros. To keep the party alive, the festival organizers had to trim the program and welcome voluntary contributions at the open-air stages to cover the additional costs.
Now, in a call to action, organizers are urging political decision-makers to take responsibility for anti-terror measures, offer financial support, and address liability issues to ensure a solid future for the festival. The organizers believe that the state should bear the burden of these safety precautions. This year, the Jazz Mile on Prager Street may be a bit scaled down, but the majority of bands will still take the stage.
The Saxon Festival Association views the event as much more than just a jazz festival. Since its inception 52 years ago, it's served as a sanctuary of peace and joy, offering a diverse program that caters to kids, families, dancers, party-goers, and those with disabilities. Highlights include the Riverboat Shuffle on the Elbe steamers, the final street parade of the bands, and of course, the phenomenal music itself.
Get ready to step back in time to the roaring twenties with the "1923 Prohibition Party" on May 17, complete with a live performance from the Norwegian band "Swing'it." Dressing up in 1920s/1930s attire is strongly encouraged.
Two unique concerts will serve as birthday celebrations for local formations: the Blue Wonder Jazzband, turning 50, and the Elb Meadow Ramblers, celebrating their 70th anniversary. A true testament to the enduring spirit of jazz in Dresden!
Dating back to its premiere in 1971 with just six bands in the Kulturpalast, the Dixieland Festival Dresden has become a beacon in the jazz world. Even before the Berlin Wall fell, its reputation in the West was unmatched. Today, it's staged as an immense folk festival that includes events for young fans such as the "Dixieland ABC for Children." From 1998 onwards, concerts for people with disabilities have been organized in Altleuben, growing into a thriving neighborhood festival.
- The organizers of the International Dixieland Festival Dresden are appealing to political decision-makers to solidify the festival's future by addressing liability issues and offering financial support for anti-terror measures.
- Despite the financial setbacks due to heightened safety measures, the festival will still feature 42 bands from seven countries, promising a diverse program that caters to all music lovers.
- As part of the entertainment, a unique concert will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Elb Meadow Ramblers and the 50th anniversary of the Blue Wonder Jazzband, showcasing the enduring spirit of jazz in Dresden.
- Jazz fans in Dresden are encouraged to step back in time at the "1923 Prohibition Party" on May 17, where the Norwegian band "Swing'it" will perform and attendees are invited to dress in 1920s/1930s attire.
