Madison Reporter

Madison College Big Band toured Southern Germany this summer, performing at Wittelsbacher Castle in Friedberg, visiting historic sites, and interacting with Wisconsin-German sister communities.

The concerts celebrated longstanding relationships between Dane County and Kassel County, Madison and Freiburg, as well as the 20th anniversary of the relationship between La Crosse, Wisconsin and Friedberg, Germany.

The touring group of 24 musicians and four support staff were led by Jamie Kember, Director, and Tammy Gibbs, International Education Manager.

During the June 26-July 8 tour, the band performed at various locations including the Orpheum in Nuremberg. They connected with sister communities and visited historic sites such as Neuschwanstein Castle, UNESCO World Heritage Site Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, and Dachau concentration camp.

The band traveled to Madison’s sister city, Freiburg im Breisgau for a performance and Independence Day celebration on July 4th. The celebration included a joint performance with the Jazzhaus Jugendorchester. The tour ended with two performances in Dane County’s sister county Landkreis Kassel.

“Madison College Big Band made amazing connections with people throughout Southern Germany with music as our vehicle,” Kember said. “All the communities we connected with were eager to share what makes their community unique, and everyone provided us incredible support and opportunities to share an art form that was born and raised in America: Jazz.”

Madison College Big Band holds performances throughout the year on Madison College campuses and community venues. They welcome Madison College students and community members to participate.