We look forward to seeing everyone at our welcome party on Thursday, getting those feet warmed up by none other than our unstoppable friends from Freiburg, Germany – The Killin’ Jivers! They are renowned for bringing the spirited and lively swing culture of the 1930s into the modern era. Drawing inspiration from jazz comedy acts like Slim and Slam and the vocal street jazz of The Cats and the Fiddle, they infuse their performances with humor and energy.
This concert is organised by Jazz Society Stuttgart in cooperation with SwingKultur Stuttgart.
Special: Taster Class Dips & Drags by Karin & Minn
Thursday, from 07:00 pm to 07:30 pm at Museumsfoyer Dürnitz - free of charge
Start into the festival weekend with a few fancy tricks taught by Karin & Minn. This class invites all Lindy dancers intermediate and up who can dance their swing outs with eyes closed. You will learn a few dips and drags that will make you shine on any social dance.
The Hard Facts again
Time: Taster Class 07:00 - 07:30 pm, Party 07:30 - 11:00 pm
So we all get to bed early enough to be fully recovered for the great Festival weekend ahead of us :-).
Venue: Museumsfoyer Dürnitz im Alten Schloss, Schillerplatz 1, 70173 Stuttgart
A spectacular evening awaits you as two fantastic swing dance bands will take the stage together: Laney and the Snappy Rhythm Gang & Linda Kyei Swing Combo! Step back in time to the golden age of swing as infectious rhythms and captivating melodies transform the ballroom into a time capsule of musical magic.
These two Stuttgart-based ensembles, now performing on major stages near and far, come together in their hometown to celebrate 20 years of SwingKultur. Expect an electrifying night where the musicians inspire each other to new heights, with a few special guests joining in along the way. Both bands will play their hottest tunes, seamlessly blending their sounds until the lines between them begin to blur. In a grand and exhilarating finale, all musicians will take the stage together for an unforgettable performance. This unique double feature is a one-of-a-kind experience not to be missed!
At the turn tables: DJ Lord Arnas
Additionally to the double band feature we’ll give your ears a special treat Friday night: DJ Lord Arnas will be at the turn tables! A traveling swing dance teacher and jazz enthusiast, he knows how to prevent dance crowds from taking a break. Many big name events like Herräng Dance Camp, Rock That Swing Festival, ILHC Europe and The Snowball cover his reputation as a great DJ with an incredible taste in dance music.
Panel Talk feat. The Smile Trio
Before the party we will hold a panel talk from 7:00 to 8:00 pm at “Thouretsaal” featuring The Smile Trio and a few guests speaking about this beloved culture we’re all hooked by, addressing African influences into Afro-American dances of the swing genre! Grab a seat and seize the opportunity to hear these three exciting artists share their thoughts and experiences. The panel talk is included in your Friday party ticket.
The Hard Facts
Time: Panel Talk 07:00 to 08:00 pm @Thouretsaal, Party 08:00 pm to 02:00 am @kleiner Kursaal
Venue: Kleiner Kursaal/Thouretsaal (Königsplatz 1, 70372 Stuttgart)
Saturday night is when “Großer Kursaal” will be packed with all those stompin’ feet, slidin’ shoes and wiggling knees of yours. The party will take place in the big ballroom so everyone can be sure to find a spot on the (burning hot) dancefloor.
Now, if you want to dance until your feet burn, you will need a band that is on fire! Who would be better at this than VOJTECH HAVELKA & HIS MELODY MAKERS? This well known big band is a synonym for authentic interpretation of popular music of the swing era. The musicians' thorough jazz style is compounded by their sense of humor, show and understanding. This time the band is lead by Vojtech Havelka.
At the turn tables: DJ Kaiser L
Meet Thomas Leiser, better known as Kaiser L, a familiar face in Frankfurt’s music scene for decades. A true vinyl junkie with a sharp ear for vintage grooves, he’s been getting dance floors swinging since the early 2000s with nights like Rock before Elvis and Swing 'n' Dine, beloved by Lindy Hop and Boogie Woogie fans alike. Hooked on the voice of Louis Armstrong as a kid, Kaiser L started collecting jazz and swing records around 1974 – and he’s stuck with vinyl ever since. His sets are a joyful journey through Afro-American-rooted sounds from the 1920s to the 1970s.
The Hard Facts
Time: 08:00 pm to 02:00 am
Venue: Großer Kursaal (Königsplatz 1, 70372 Stuttgart)
Right before the party there will be an open level class in the ballroom by The Smile Trio from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. This class will be included in your Saturday party ticket. More info on the class coming soon!