JazzAscona: Introducing Fred Wesley, the funk legend

The spotlight is entirely on Fred Wesley (8:00 p.m., New Orleans Stage), a funk legend and longtime trombonist for James Brown, a key figure in defining that powerful and unmistakable sound. Live — with the band Generations — is a sure thing: groove, stage presence, and a musical history you can really feel.

Alongside him, there’s room for newcomers: the Molotow Brass Orkestar makes its debut (8:30 p.m., Elvezia Stage), a rousing ensemble that blends Brass Band sounds and Balkan rhythms (with a second performance the following day), and the Silvan Zingg Quartet feat. Peter Verhas (9:30 p.m., Blue LLama Terrace): boogie-woogie, swing, and great chemistry, for a concert that focuses on energy and audience interaction.

From New Orleans, NOJO5 feat. Glen David Andrews (9:45 p.m., Stage Seven).

Outside Ascona, the festival stops in Orselina with The Jungle Jazz Band (9:00 p.m., Orselina Park), while Gambarogno offers one of the most evocative experiences: the Jazz cruise on the lake with Frog & Henry (departures between 6:55 p.m. and 7:40 p.m., returning to Ascona at 11:15 p.m.): live music on board and a journey between the two shores of Lake Verbano.

Todays picks

• Frog & Henry – Boat Cruise (18:55 partenze Gambarogno / rientro 23:15 da Ascona)

• Ali Affleck and The Traveling Janes (18:30, B&Borgo)

• The Rag Messengers (18:30, Tucano Bar)

• Fred Wesley Generations (20:00, Stage New Orleans)

• Molotow Brass Orkestar (20:30, Stage Elvezia)

• Silvan Zingg Quartet feat. Peter Verhas (21:30, Blue LLama Terrace)

• NOJO5 feat. Glen David Andrews (21:45, Stage Seven)

• Zaltron & Lopez Hot Duo (22:00, Piazzale Elvezia)

• The Jungle Jazz Band (21:00, Parco di Orselina)