Sessions Manouches 2026: A new Gypsy Jazz Festival takes over Fribourg
From June 24 to 27, 2026, Fribourg transforms into a vibrant stage dedicated to swing. Blending tradition and modernity, this festival invites the public to discover the world of Gypsy Jazz through a series of exceptional concerts in the city’s most iconic venues.
Voyage Hotclub: The essence of the project
At the heart of this program lies the Voyage Hotclub project, led by violinist Eva Slongo and American guitarist Jimmy Grant. This group embodies an artistic bridge between Europe and the United States, blending the legacy of Django Reinhardt with contemporary influences.
While they form the core of the project, Eva and Jimmy build their performances across the globe like a musical travelogue. Their flexibility allows them to adapt their arrangements of original compositions and standards, ranging from intimate duos to quintets, by inviting talented musicians met throughout their travels.
The “SESSIONS MANOUCHES” festival is built around this dynamic of international exchange, inviting renowned soloists to share their technical expertise and artistic vision. The group will take over downtown Fribourg, making swing resonate in iconic venues: Le Phénix, Le Cintra, Le Korso, Le Strap, and Le Tunnel.
Concert Schedule
Wednesday, June 24: Opening Night at Le Cintra
The festival begins with an immersion into the synergy of the founding duo.
- The Musicians: Eva Slongo (violin) and Jimmy Grant (guitar). A refined dialogue that sets the festival’s aesthetic foundation.
- The Venue: Le Cintra hosts this opening concert at 8:30 PM, followed by a spontaneous jam session open to all musicians and workshop students.
Thursday, June 25: Swing Elegance at Le Korso
An evening dedicated to charm and melodic interaction.
- The Musicians: The talented Tatiana Eva-Marie, from New York, joins Eva, Jimmy, and Manu Hagmann. Her voice and stage presence bring a touch of magic to swing standards.
- The Venue: The Korso hall offers the perfect setting for this concert where vocals and instrumentation respond to each other with brilliance starting at 8:30 PM.
Friday, June 26: Intensity and Drive at Le Strap
The festival picks up momentum with the arrival of a top-tier rhythm section.
- The Musicians: Double bassist Manu Hagmann and guitarist Charles Fréchette join the lineup. An ensemble focused on collective energy and swing precision.
- Events: A Lunch Concert at noon at Le Phénix for a preview at 12:30 PM, followed by the main evening concert at Le Strap at 8:30 PM, an iconic club on the Fribourg scene.
Saturday, June 27: Grand Finale Quintet at Le Tunnel
The festival’s highlight in the historic Basse-Ville district.
- The Musicians: Sophie Lüssi brings her unique vision of jazz violin, forming a Violin Summit with Eva Slongo! The violinists, along with Jimmy Grant, will be supported by Zarek Silberschmidt (guitar) and Gianni Narduzzi (double bass) for an explosive finale.
- The Highlight: The evening begins at 5:00 PM with the workshop students’ public performance, followed by the closing Quintet concert with all the evening’s soloists.
The Intensive Workshop: Passing on the Passion
Alongside the concerts, the festival offers a Gypsy Jazz workshop for those wishing to deepen their practice. This educational component takes place at Centre Le Phénix and offers a rare opportunity to learn directly from the guest soloists.
- Content: Instrumental masterclasses, group workshops, vocal technique, scat, and stage presence.
- Instructors: All concert musicians will participate in the workshops as guest instructors.
- Audience: Musicians and singers passionate about Gypsy swing, all skill levels.
- Philosophy: Close-knit guidance to encourage exchange and technical progress in a supportive environment.