Zibeledixie with the Longstreet Jazzband

Description

"At the Zibelemärit (November 23, 2026), the Longstreet Jazzband celebrates their 65th anniversary at the Mahogany Hall. The Longstreet Jazzband was founded in spring 1961 by a few young, jazz enthusiast Bernese. After a rather difficult start (with the musical / technical equipment not yet very advanced at that time), the young jazz musicians soon gained some recognition through hard practice and were heard at concerts and festivals here and there.
By the late sixties, the band gained momentum through a series of joint performances with the famous New Orleans clarinetist Albert Nicholas. Additionally, LSJB participated successfully (and was awarded) at the Zurich Amateur Jazz Festival.
The year 1968 played a particularly important role in the band's history, as the Longstreet Jazzclub was founded then. In the Mahogany Hall, a venue provided by the city of Bern, the club (now restructured as Verein Mahogany Hall) has since organized three to four concerts per week for its approximately 1500 members and friends.
In the early seventies, the Longstreet Jazzband transformed into an orchestra active on a national level. Guest performances in all major Swiss cities and appearances at almost all jazz festivals were regular features. The Longstreet musicians especially enjoy playing jazz in Western Switzerland.
The LSJB has always maintained its independent style, although over the years, several veteran members left the orchestra and new musicians had to be integrated. Some former members are particularly noteworthy:

• For 25 years, the Bommeli brothers, Ueli on banjo and Pesche on bass, shaped the image of the orchestra.
• An important figure in the musical development of Longstreet was their first pianist, Chlöisu Friedli (known among other things for his legendary Sünneli Blues).
• Res Künzle, beloved as the “Pianist with the Cigar,” unfortunately had to leave the orchestra for health reasons.
• Menk Grossniklaus, who for years delighted audiences with his saxophone and humor.

Highlights

• 65th anniversary of the Longstreet Jazzband
• Performance at the Mahogany Hall
• Part of the Zibelemärit on November 23, 2026

General Information

The Longstreet Jazzband celebrates its 65th anniversary with a concert at the Mahogany Hall during the Zibelemärit. Founded in 1961, the band has established a solid place in the jazz scene over the years and regularly performs in Western Switzerland.

Location

Klösterlistutz 18, 3013 Bern, Switzerland

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