Festival History

The magic of the Baloise Session -

since 1986

The Baloise Session in Basel has been writing music history for 37 years. Musical legends like Miles Davis, Nina Simone, Ray Charles or James Brown have enriched our festival. But also stars of today Eric Clapton, Elton John, P!nk or Alicia Keys have set the magical and intimate concert hall of the Baloise Session «on fire».

Donavon Frankenreiter at BALOISE SESSION 2016 — Donavon Frankenreiter | Singer-Songwriter

Monty Alexander at BALOISE SESSION 2014 — Monty Alexander

Charles Bradley at BALOISE SESSION 2014 — Charles Bradley

Our festival has evolved from a regional jazz, blues and gospel concert venue to an international music festival. That's a long time and there are some exciting stories to tell about it. If you have the time and inclination to get to know our history better, then browse through our stories here.

OUR HISTORY - SINCE 1986

2020-2021 2016 2015 2013 2012 2011 2010 2007 2006 2005 1999 1998 1995 1988 1986

breakthrough with international star Miles Davis

1988

Miles Davis at Baloise Session 1988

The national breakthrough came when jazz legend Miles Davis performed at the festival in 1988. Music lovers from all over Switzerland came to Basel and experts in the music scene discovered the festival. Claude Nobs, one of the founders of the Montreux Jazz Festival, was so enthusiastic about the festival that he immediately decided to become a patron.