Music fills the air at
Hessen Jazz festival in Idstein
By Peter Jaeger,
Stars and Stripes
Peter Jaeger / Stars and Stripes
A soprano saxophone wails in a modern combo at last year's Hessen Jazz festival in
Idstein, Germany. Every year during the first weekend in August, Idstein becomes the
center of jazz in Germany. |
The strains of “Basin Street Blues” are answered by a riff
from “Milestones” from around a corner. In the distance, the sound of a
Dixieland band bounces off medieval castle walls. From a nearby square, a metallic trumpet
solo calls for attention as happy feet tap the beat.
But there is more than music in the air. The smell of grilling
bratwurst mingles with the aroma of pizza and nasi goreng. Glasses filled with
golden beer and golden wines glisten under the high August sun. Half-timbered houses look
down on a friendly crowd. Entertainment mixes with excitement for the spectators, who sit
under umbrellas and tents, some listening intently with serious faces, others watching
relaxed, talking and consuming a wurst and a beer.
For three days in August — Aug. 3-5 this year — the small
town of Idstein becomes the center of the German jazz scene with a festival called Hessen
Jazz. This year, 600 musicians in 75 bands will play on 12 stages in the center of the
town in the German state of Hesse. Last year, more than 30,000 jazz enthusiasts turned out
to listen to the music and enjoy a wide variety of musical styles, from traditional
Dixieland to modern jazz, from swing to groove.
Peter Jaeger / Stars and Stripes
A true jazz fan shows his buttons representing 16 years of the Hessen Jazz festival in
Idstein. The buttons act as entrance tickets to the open-air event. |
This year’s theme is “Jazz Meets Classic,” and among
the bands scheduled to perform are Jonathan’s Dixie Drivers, Hootin’ the Blues,
Fat Cat and The Swing Kings, Griesheim Connection II, Orquesta Salsamania, Caravan Big
Band and Groove Juice.
There will also be special events for children, including games, a
magic show, theater presentations and a “Jazz for Kids” performance in the town
center on the final two days.
All the attractions are within walking distance, only minutes away
from each other. Parking is available at several sites around the town, with a shuttle bus
available to carry spectators into town.
Peter Jaeger / Stars and Stripes
The Bourbon Street Ramblers' tuba player performs. |
Where: Idstein is about 15 miles north of
Wiesbaden on the A-3 autobahn. Use Exit 45.
When: Show times are 8 to midnight on Aug. 3, 1
p.m. to midnight on Aug. 4, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 5.
Admission: A button which serves as ticket costs
12 marks (about $5.35) for all three days or for Saturday and Sunday. A button for Sunday
only costs 7 marks. Children under 12 are free. Tickets can be purchased at street
barriers set up as entrances to the festival.
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