Last summer, the legendary pianist Chucho Valdés released "Cuba & Beyond," an album celebrating 60 years since his debut recording, "Jazz Nocturno" (1964). Over six decades, Valdés has made an immeasurable impact on Afro-Cuban music, revolutionizing it by blending this traditional genre with jazz, rock, and classical elements. We can say that each visit of the founder of the legendary group Irakere to the shores of the Leman is an honor and a celebration for the unparalleled quality of his performances. It’s a privilege to welcome him back with his Royal Quartet to open the 42nd edition on the Chapiteau stage.

KNOBIL opens a gateway to a colorful, glittering world where punk spirit meets French chanson and jazz. In this project, Louise Knobil, a double bassist, singer, and composer based in Lausanne, unveils fresh and original music. Influenced by Esperanza Spalding, Charles Mingus, and Boris Vian, she skillfully sets the scene for her inner world—sensitive and offbeat—touching on themes from polyamory to pesto pasta. Delicate, witty, and sharp, her lyrics unravel with lyricism over bold melodies in solid compositions, played with her “knodisciples”: Chloé Marsigny on bass clarinet and effects, and Vincent Andreae on drums.