For the 30th edition, eight orchestras will play exclusively traditional jazz throughout the village during a festive weekend.
A gala evening at the Mageva Hall in the Palais will close the festival with a performance by a talented orchestra, followed by the awards ceremony.
A gala evening at the Mageva Hall in the Palais will close the festival with a performance by a talented orchestra, followed by the awards ceremony.
Detailed program for 2026:
The 2026 edition features a competition between eight orchestras that are regulars at the Megève Jazz Contest and have already finished on the podium, performing in different locations around the village.
A jury of professionals will award its prizes, and the audience will award theirs.
Friday, July 10
4:00-5:00 p.m. – Winning orchestra of the 2025 Megève Jazz Contest, “Happy Six Warmers” – Village Square
5:00 p.m. – Welcome for the eight orchestras – Megève Tourisme Amphitheater / Welcome reception with personalities, orchestras, and volunteers
5:30 p.m. - Be-bop dance demonstration with dancers from the Temple du Swing in Paris – Megève Tourisme Amphitheater
7:00-8:00 p.m. – Winning band of the Megève Jazz Contest 2025, “Happy Six Warmers” – Village Square
Between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. – Off-program concerts by the bands – partner restaurants.
Saturday, July 11
10:30–11:30 a.m. – Be-bop lessons with teachers from Le Temple du Swing – Village Square – *Tickets on sale at the venue
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – Winner of the Megève Jazz Contest 2025, the Happy Six Warmers orchestra – Village Square
Between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. - Off-stage concerts by the bands - partner restaurants
2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Be-bop lessons with teachers from the Temple du Swing – Village Square – *Tickets on sale at the venue
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Winning band of the Megève Jazz Contest 2025 “Happy Six Warmers” – Village Square
4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Contest with public voting, featuring eight New Orleans jazz bands – Four stages (Megève Tourisme Amphitheater, Maison de la Montagne neighborhood, St Paul neighborhood, Place Gérard Morand)
4:30-8:30 p.m. - Be-bop dance demonstration with dancers from the Temple du Swing in front of the 4 stages (Megève Tourisme Amphitheater, Maison de la Montagne district, St Paul district, Place Gérard Morand)
Between 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. - Off-stage concerts by the bands - partner restaurants
Sunday, July 12
Starting at 11:45 a.m. - All orchestras jam session while walking through the streets of the village
Departure at 11:45 a.m. from the Morand Allard Foundation, Rue de la Poste, Rue d'Arly, Rue St François, Place Gérard Morand, Rue Charles Feige – Arrival at 12:30 p.m. at Place du Village
2:00-3:00 p.m. - Be-bop lessons with teachers from the Temple du Swing – Village Square – *Tickets on sale at the venue
3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - Competition with public voting for the eight New Orleans jazz bands - Four stages (Megève Tourisme Amphitheater, Maison de la Montagne neighborhood, St. Paul neighborhood, Place Gérard Morand)
3pm-6:30pm - Be-bop dance demonstration with dancers from the Temple du Swing in front of the 4 stages (Megève Tourisme Amphitheater, Maison de la Montagne district, St Paul district, Place Gérard Morand)
8pm - MEGEVE JAZZ CONTEST 30TH ANNIVERSARY GALA EVENING with The …………………. (to be confirmed) followed by the announcement of the results and the awards ceremony - Salle Mageva, Le Palais, €25 (tickets on sale at Megève Tourisme).
In case of rain, the program will be modified; information available at Megève Tourisme.
*Be-bop lessons: €10/1 lesson, €18/2 lessons, €28/3 lessons. Tickets available on site.
Sunday, July 12
Starting at 11:45 a.m. - All orchestras jam session while walking through the streets of the village
Departure at 11:45 a.m. from the Morand Allard Foundation, Rue de la Poste, Rue d'Arly, Rue St François, Place Gérard Morand, Rue Charles Feige – Arrival at 12:30 p.m. at Place du Village
2:00-3:00 p.m. - Be-bop lessons with teachers from the Temple du Swing – Village Square – *Tickets on sale at the venue
3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - Competition with public voting for the eight New Orleans jazz bands - Four stages (Megève Tourisme Amphitheater, Maison de la Montagne neighborhood, St. Paul neighborhood, Place Gérard Morand)
3pm-6:30pm - Be-bop dance demonstration with dancers from the Temple du Swing in front of the 4 stages (Megève Tourisme Amphitheater, Maison de la Montagne district, St Paul district, Place Gérard Morand)
8pm - MEGEVE JAZZ CONTEST 30TH ANNIVERSARY GALA EVENING with The …………………. (to be confirmed) followed by the announcement of the results and the awards ceremony - Salle Mageva, Le Palais, €25 (tickets on sale at Megève Tourisme).
In case of rain, the program will be modified; information available at Megève Tourisme.
*Be-bop lessons: €10/1 lesson, €18/2 lessons, €28/3 lessons. Tickets available on site.
Presentation of the PARTICIPATING ORCHESTRAS:
** ANTHRACITE JAZZ BAND ** France
Text pending
** BLUE MOUNTAIN JAZZ BAND ** Switzerland
Text pending
** CAPTAIN FLAPSCAT ** France
Text pending
** DEBRECEN DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND ** Hungary
The band was founded 42 years ago by Zoltán Gyarmati.
Since its creation, the DEBRECEN DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND has received numerous invitations in Hungary and abroad, and has regularly participated in the Debreceni Jazz Napok festival since 1985.
The band members are still proud today to have successfully represented Hungary at the European Broadcasting Union festival in Tonder (Denmark) in 1987, just two years after their creation, and to have been able to travel to Berlin in 1989.
In 1987, they successfully represented Hungary at the European Broadcasting Union Festival in Tonder, Denmark, and in 1989 they were able to travel to the great European old-timer music festival, the Dixieland Festival in Dresden (and again in 2024).
During its 42 years of existence, the band has given more than 1,200 concerts and has enjoyed great success in almost every country in Europe and twice in the United States, the birthplace of jazz, notably in New Orleans. The band has enjoyed great success twice in Megève. It is, of course, a regular guest at various jazz and Dixieland festivals in Hungary.
The DEBRECEN DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND has given numerous memorable concerts with renowned guest artists (such as Champion Jack Dupree, Michael White, Eric Alexander, Olivier Franc, Benoit Flamesnil, etc.).
The band's repertoire includes arrangements and adaptations of Dixieland classics, as well as original compositions by the members, but also pieces of different styles played in the Dixieland style (klezmer, hot jazz, modern compositions).
The current members of the band are:
István Gyarmathy, clarinet, conductor; János Kovács, trumpet/vocals, artistic director; Marietta Mária Kovács, violin/vocals; Dániel Tóth, trombone; Sándor Tikász, banjo/guitar/vocals; Imre Kerekes, tuba.
** FIVE IN THE MOOD ** France
FIVE IN THE MOOD, an orchestra from Bordeaux, discovered the Megève Jazz Contest in 2014 with the help and support of Poumy Arnaud, artistic director of the MJC. For the FITM musicians, all classically trained, it was love at first sight for this New Orleans style of music, which is not taught at the conservatory. Seeming simple in its composition, but also very complex in its interpretation, this music captivated and inspired the musicians of FITM.
It was also love at first sight for Megève, its inhabitants, and its exceptional audience.
Since 2014, without interruption, even during lockdown, the FITM has been playing jazz on the weekend of July 14 in Megève. It must be acknowledged that this regular participation has been made possible thanks to the determination and motivation of its conductor, who is originally from Megève and never misses an opportunity to return to share his passion for music.
** NEW CHOCOLATE DANDIES ** France
Text pending
** RIVE DROITE RIVE GAUCHE SWINGBAND ** France
The group RIVE DROITE RIVE GAUCHE SWINGBAND was created 18 years ago and is composed of amateur musicians who love jazz and have been playing this music since their youth in addition to their professional activities. They have rubbed shoulders and played with many amateur and professional musicians, such as Maitre Maxime Saury, who was their guest for many years.
Their repertoire adapts to different venues, from clubs, restaurants, beaches, and street performances to concerts. They have already performed at the Palais des Congrès in Le Touquet and on stage at the Hot Club in Le Havre.
The group has created a non-profit association called the Association pour le Développement du Jazz Authentique (ADJA) with the aim of promoting the values of traditional jazz based on swing, improvisation, and themes drawn from the standards of the great composers of the 1900s, played by jazz icons such as Armstrong, Fats Waller, and Duke Ellington.
Through this association, they organize jazz cruises for audiences who love this joyful, rhythmic, danceable music.
They have created unforgettable memories, for example by playing at several events at the Cirque d' Hiver Bouglione and receiving three invitations to perform at the famous Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh. They also traveled to Chicago, where the orchestra was invited to spend a week playing at the Alliance Française and the renowned Merit School, which trains children from low-income families in all aspects of music.
** SHREVEPORT RHYTHM ** Germany
SHREVEPORT RHYTHM, founded in 2008, is highly regarded by fans, the press, and the media as Hamburg's best Hot Jazz and Swing quartet.
The four musicians quickly developed their own fresh and entertaining style, which is appreciated by a growing number of fans.
Their music covers the best of Hot Jazz from the 1920s to Swing from the 1930s and 1940s, as well as a few Jive classics. What really sets the band apart from many other jazz bands is that once on stage, the four musicians always create an enthusiastic atmosphere shared by both the audience and the band.
Thanks to their youth, SHREVEPORT RHYTHM also successfully appeals to the younger generation of live music listeners. The band's winning formula reflects the diverse experiences gained by all the musicians over the past decades with several other bands, performing at numerous international festivals and jazz clubs across Europe and the United States, notably in New York and New Orleans.
Line-up: Helge Sachs: saxophone, clarinet, vocals; Markus Pohle: piano, vocals; Andreas Nolte: guitar; Matthias Friedel: drums.
OFF festival:
*** HAPPY SIX WARMERS ***
This isn't the first time that the HAPPY SIX WARMERS Orchestra has played at the Megève Jazz Contest. In fact, since 2010, this group of friends who have been jazz lovers since middle school have already participated several times.
The group's roots grew in eastern France and were strengthened by additions from the north in 2016 (Les “Wild Cats”) and then from the south in 2023, giving rise to the HAPPY SIX WARMERS.
This orchestra reinterprets the melodies of the golden age of swing in the 1930s and 1940s with the Armstrong-Bechet encounters.
The musicians have had the opportunity to play with groups such as the Hot Antic Jazz Band, Gunhild Carling, the Sidney Bechet Memories, and others.
This year, their sole objective is to get Megève swinging!
The HAPPY SIX WARMERS won first prize at the Megève Jazz Contest and the Audience Award in 2025.
SUMMARY OF ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCES - CONCERTS IN RESTAURANTS
FRIDAY, JULY 10 - 8:00 PM
Pending
SATURDAY, JULY 11 - 12:30 PM
Pending
SATURDAY, JULY 11 - 8:30 PM
Pending
** POUMY ARNAUD**
POUMY ARNAUD, French musician, was Sidney Bechet's last drummer. He was also an honorary citizen of New Orleans since 1996 and Claude Luter's drummer.
To keep Sidney Bechet's memory alive, in 1999 he created “The Sidney Bechet Memory All Stars” with musicians who accompanied the jazzman from 1949 to 1959. Their last album was recorded in New Orleans at Pearl Harbor.
POUMY ARNAUD, a regular visitor to Megève since 1939, revived the jazz club “Les Cinq Rues” from 1969 to 1972.
Wanting to enliven the village with the sound of jazz, he created the Megève Jazz Festival at the request of Gérard Morand, mayor of Megève, and Alain Bompard, then president of the tourist office, and served as its artistic director from 1987
as well as the Megève Jazz Contest in 1994 to kick off the summer season, continuing until 2018 when his orchestra gave its last concert in the village square.
To bring together art, sport, and music, the French skating team, led by Philippe Pelissier, held several galas at the Palais with the Sidney Bechet Memory All Stars orchestra performing live.
In 2023, Megève paid tribute to POUMY ARNAUD with a revival of the Jazz Contest.
Since then, Megève has continued to celebrate jazz every weekend from July 14 with a new edition of the Megève Jazz Contest.
The 2026 edition features a competition between eight orchestras that are regulars at the Megève Jazz Contest and have already finished on the podium, performing in different locations around the village.
A jury of professionals will award its prizes, and the audience will award theirs.
Friday, July 10
4:00-5:00 p.m. – Winning orchestra of the 2025 Megève Jazz Contest, “Happy Six Warmers” – Village Square
5:00 p.m. – Welcome for the eight orchestras – Megève Tourisme Amphitheater / Welcome reception with personalities, orchestras, and volunteers
5:30 p.m. - Be-bop dance demonstration with dancers from the Temple du Swing in Paris – Megève Tourisme Amphitheater
7:00-8:00 p.m. – Winning band of the Megève Jazz Contest 2025, “Happy Six Warmers” – Village Square
Between 8:00 and 10:00 p.m. – Off-program concerts by the bands – partner restaurants.
Saturday, July 11
10:30–11:30 a.m. – Be-bop lessons with teachers from Le Temple du Swing – Village Square – *Tickets on sale at the venue
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – Winner of the Megève Jazz Contest 2025, the Happy Six Warmers orchestra – Village Square
Between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. - Off-stage concerts by the bands - partner restaurants
2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Be-bop lessons with teachers from the Temple du Swing – Village Square – *Tickets on sale at the venue
3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Winning band of the Megève Jazz Contest 2025 “Happy Six Warmers” – Village Square
4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Contest with public voting, featuring eight New Orleans jazz bands – Four stages (Megève Tourisme Amphitheater, Maison de la Montagne neighborhood, St Paul neighborhood, Place Gérard Morand)
4:30-8:30 p.m. - Be-bop dance demonstration with dancers from the Temple du Swing in front of the 4 stages (Megève Tourisme Amphitheater, Maison de la Montagne district, St Paul district, Place Gérard Morand)
Between 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. - Off-stage concerts by the bands - partner restaurants
Sunday, July 12
Starting at 11:45 a.m. - All orchestras jam session while walking through the streets of the village
Departure at 11:45 a.m. from the Morand Allard Foundation, Rue de la Poste, Rue d'Arly, Rue St François, Place Gérard Morand, Rue Charles Feige – Arrival at 12:30 p.m. at Place du Village
2:00-3:00 p.m. - Be-bop lessons with teachers from the Temple du Swing – Village Square – *Tickets on sale at the venue
3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - Competition with public voting for the eight New Orleans jazz bands - Four stages (Megève Tourisme Amphitheater, Maison de la Montagne neighborhood, St. Paul neighborhood, Place Gérard Morand)
3pm-6:30pm - Be-bop dance demonstration with dancers from the Temple du Swing in front of the 4 stages (Megève Tourisme Amphitheater, Maison de la Montagne district, St Paul district, Place Gérard Morand)
8pm - MEGEVE JAZZ CONTEST 30TH ANNIVERSARY GALA EVENING with The …………………. (to be confirmed) followed by the announcement of the results and the awards ceremony - Salle Mageva, Le Palais, €25 (tickets on sale at Megève Tourisme).
In case of rain, the program will be modified; information available at Megève Tourisme.
*Be-bop lessons: €10/1 lesson, €18/2 lessons, €28/3 lessons. Tickets available on site.
Sunday, July 12
Starting at 11:45 a.m. - All orchestras jam session while walking through the streets of the village
Departure at 11:45 a.m. from the Morand Allard Foundation, Rue de la Poste, Rue d'Arly, Rue St François, Place Gérard Morand, Rue Charles Feige – Arrival at 12:30 p.m. at Place du Village
2:00-3:00 p.m. - Be-bop lessons with teachers from the Temple du Swing – Village Square – *Tickets on sale at the venue
3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. - Competition with public voting for the eight New Orleans jazz bands - Four stages (Megève Tourisme Amphitheater, Maison de la Montagne neighborhood, St. Paul neighborhood, Place Gérard Morand)
3pm-6:30pm - Be-bop dance demonstration with dancers from the Temple du Swing in front of the 4 stages (Megève Tourisme Amphitheater, Maison de la Montagne district, St Paul district, Place Gérard Morand)
8pm - MEGEVE JAZZ CONTEST 30TH ANNIVERSARY GALA EVENING with The …………………. (to be confirmed) followed by the announcement of the results and the awards ceremony - Salle Mageva, Le Palais, €25 (tickets on sale at Megève Tourisme).
In case of rain, the program will be modified; information available at Megève Tourisme.
*Be-bop lessons: €10/1 lesson, €18/2 lessons, €28/3 lessons. Tickets available on site.
Presentation of the PARTICIPATING ORCHESTRAS:
** ANTHRACITE JAZZ BAND ** France
Text pending
** BLUE MOUNTAIN JAZZ BAND ** Switzerland
Text pending
** CAPTAIN FLAPSCAT ** France
Text pending
** DEBRECEN DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND ** Hungary
The band was founded 42 years ago by Zoltán Gyarmati.
Since its creation, the DEBRECEN DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND has received numerous invitations in Hungary and abroad, and has regularly participated in the Debreceni Jazz Napok festival since 1985.
The band members are still proud today to have successfully represented Hungary at the European Broadcasting Union festival in Tonder (Denmark) in 1987, just two years after their creation, and to have been able to travel to Berlin in 1989.
In 1987, they successfully represented Hungary at the European Broadcasting Union Festival in Tonder, Denmark, and in 1989 they were able to travel to the great European old-timer music festival, the Dixieland Festival in Dresden (and again in 2024).
During its 42 years of existence, the band has given more than 1,200 concerts and has enjoyed great success in almost every country in Europe and twice in the United States, the birthplace of jazz, notably in New Orleans. The band has enjoyed great success twice in Megève. It is, of course, a regular guest at various jazz and Dixieland festivals in Hungary.
The DEBRECEN DIXIELAND JAZZ BAND has given numerous memorable concerts with renowned guest artists (such as Champion Jack Dupree, Michael White, Eric Alexander, Olivier Franc, Benoit Flamesnil, etc.).
The band's repertoire includes arrangements and adaptations of Dixieland classics, as well as original compositions by the members, but also pieces of different styles played in the Dixieland style (klezmer, hot jazz, modern compositions).
The current members of the band are:
István Gyarmathy, clarinet, conductor; János Kovács, trumpet/vocals, artistic director; Marietta Mária Kovács, violin/vocals; Dániel Tóth, trombone; Sándor Tikász, banjo/guitar/vocals; Imre Kerekes, tuba.
** FIVE IN THE MOOD ** France
FIVE IN THE MOOD, an orchestra from Bordeaux, discovered the Megève Jazz Contest in 2014 with the help and support of Poumy Arnaud, artistic director of the MJC. For the FITM musicians, all classically trained, it was love at first sight for this New Orleans style of music, which is not taught at the conservatory. Seeming simple in its composition, but also very complex in its interpretation, this music captivated and inspired the musicians of FITM.
It was also love at first sight for Megève, its inhabitants, and its exceptional audience.
Since 2014, without interruption, even during lockdown, the FITM has been playing jazz on the weekend of July 14 in Megève. It must be acknowledged that this regular participation has been made possible thanks to the determination and motivation of its conductor, who is originally from Megève and never misses an opportunity to return to share his passion for music.
** NEW CHOCOLATE DANDIES ** France
Text pending
** RIVE DROITE RIVE GAUCHE SWINGBAND ** France
The group RIVE DROITE RIVE GAUCHE SWINGBAND was created 18 years ago and is composed of amateur musicians who love jazz and have been playing this music since their youth in addition to their professional activities. They have rubbed shoulders and played with many amateur and professional musicians, such as Maitre Maxime Saury, who was their guest for many years.
Their repertoire adapts to different venues, from clubs, restaurants, beaches, and street performances to concerts. They have already performed at the Palais des Congrès in Le Touquet and on stage at the Hot Club in Le Havre.
The group has created a non-profit association called the Association pour le Développement du Jazz Authentique (ADJA) with the aim of promoting the values of traditional jazz based on swing, improvisation, and themes drawn from the standards of the great composers of the 1900s, played by jazz icons such as Armstrong, Fats Waller, and Duke Ellington.
Through this association, they organize jazz cruises for audiences who love this joyful, rhythmic, danceable music.
They have created unforgettable memories, for example by playing at several events at the Cirque d' Hiver Bouglione and receiving three invitations to perform at the famous Caledonian Hotel in Edinburgh. They also traveled to Chicago, where the orchestra was invited to spend a week playing at the Alliance Française and the renowned Merit School, which trains children from low-income families in all aspects of music.
** SHREVEPORT RHYTHM ** Germany
SHREVEPORT RHYTHM, founded in 2008, is highly regarded by fans, the press, and the media as Hamburg's best Hot Jazz and Swing quartet.
The four musicians quickly developed their own fresh and entertaining style, which is appreciated by a growing number of fans.
Their music covers the best of Hot Jazz from the 1920s to Swing from the 1930s and 1940s, as well as a few Jive classics. What really sets the band apart from many other jazz bands is that once on stage, the four musicians always create an enthusiastic atmosphere shared by both the audience and the band.
Thanks to their youth, SHREVEPORT RHYTHM also successfully appeals to the younger generation of live music listeners. The band's winning formula reflects the diverse experiences gained by all the musicians over the past decades with several other bands, performing at numerous international festivals and jazz clubs across Europe and the United States, notably in New York and New Orleans.
Line-up: Helge Sachs: saxophone, clarinet, vocals; Markus Pohle: piano, vocals; Andreas Nolte: guitar; Matthias Friedel: drums.
OFF festival:
*** HAPPY SIX WARMERS ***
This isn't the first time that the HAPPY SIX WARMERS Orchestra has played at the Megève Jazz Contest. In fact, since 2010, this group of friends who have been jazz lovers since middle school have already participated several times.
The group's roots grew in eastern France and were strengthened by additions from the north in 2016 (Les “Wild Cats”) and then from the south in 2023, giving rise to the HAPPY SIX WARMERS.
This orchestra reinterprets the melodies of the golden age of swing in the 1930s and 1940s with the Armstrong-Bechet encounters.
The musicians have had the opportunity to play with groups such as the Hot Antic Jazz Band, Gunhild Carling, the Sidney Bechet Memories, and others.
This year, their sole objective is to get Megève swinging!
The HAPPY SIX WARMERS won first prize at the Megève Jazz Contest and the Audience Award in 2025.
SUMMARY OF ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCES - CONCERTS IN RESTAURANTS
FRIDAY, JULY 10 - 8:00 PM
Pending
SATURDAY, JULY 11 - 12:30 PM
Pending
SATURDAY, JULY 11 - 8:30 PM
Pending
** POUMY ARNAUD**
POUMY ARNAUD, French musician, was Sidney Bechet's last drummer. He was also an honorary citizen of New Orleans since 1996 and Claude Luter's drummer.
To keep Sidney Bechet's memory alive, in 1999 he created “The Sidney Bechet Memory All Stars” with musicians who accompanied the jazzman from 1949 to 1959. Their last album was recorded in New Orleans at Pearl Harbor.
POUMY ARNAUD, a regular visitor to Megève since 1939, revived the jazz club “Les Cinq Rues” from 1969 to 1972.
Wanting to enliven the village with the sound of jazz, he created the Megève Jazz Festival at the request of Gérard Morand, mayor of Megève, and Alain Bompard, then president of the tourist office, and served as its artistic director from 1987
as well as the Megève Jazz Contest in 1994 to kick off the summer season, continuing until 2018 when his orchestra gave its last concert in the village square.
To bring together art, sport, and music, the French skating team, led by Philippe Pelissier, held several galas at the Palais with the Sidney Bechet Memory All Stars orchestra performing live.
In 2023, Megève paid tribute to POUMY ARNAUD with a revival of the Jazz Contest.
Since then, Megève has continued to celebrate jazz every weekend from July 14 with a new edition of the Megève Jazz Contest.
