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The success story of this open-air concert series—which began as a loosely organized event in Nuremberg’s Luitpoldhain park—kicked off in 2011 with bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff & Band and continued in 2015 with Wolfgang Haffner’s friends and musical companions: Viktoria Tolstoy, Roger Cicero, Max Mutzke, and Nils Landgren. The event subsequently established itself as a biennial jazz festival under the name “Stars im Luitpoldhain.”

Wolfgang Haffner—a native Franconian and star drummer—serves as the driving force and artistic soul of "Stars im Luitpoldhain." Over the course of a stage career spanning five decades, he has performed alongside a host of renowned artists, including Die Fantastischen Vier, Pat Metheny, Konstantin Wecker, and Stefanie Heinzmann; saxophonist Klaus Doldinger and jazz trumpeter Till Brönner; the bands Nightmares On Wax and De-Phazz (with vocalist Pat Appleton); Clueso; and saxophone icon Bill Evans—to name just a few. In recent years, he has successfully invited many of these exceptional musicians to perform as guests at "Stars im Luitpoldhain." Each year, the German All Star Big Band, under the musical direction of Jörg Achim Keller, rounds out the musical experience, supporting the featured soloists with their virtuosity.

Set against the impressive backdrop of Nuremberg’s Luitpoldhain, "Stars im Luitpoldhain" offers an unforgettable experience for both the performing musicians and the audience. Attendance figures now hover around 40,000—and the trend continues to rise. The event remains free of charge for all attendees.
 

Solo-Star: Thomas Quasthoff 
Accompanied by the German All Star Big Band under the musical direction of Jörg Achim Keller 
On drums: Wolfgang Haffner

Photos: Uwe Niklas

Solo stars: Klaus Doldinger, Nils Landgren, Max Mutzke, Roger Cicero, Thomas Herr, Viktoria Tolstoy
Accompanied by the German All Star Big Band under the musical direction of Jörg Achim Keller
On drums: Wolfgang Haffner

Photos: Uwe Niklas

Solo stars: Nils Landgren, Stefanie Heinzmann, Thomas Quasthoff, Till Brönner, Wolfgang Niedecken
Accompanied by the German All Star Big Band under the musical direction of Jörg Achim Keller
On drums: Wolfgang Haffner

Photos: Uwe Niklas

Solo stars: Bill Evans, Clueso, De-Phazz, Max Mutzke, Nightmares on Wax, Thomas Quasthoff
Accompanied by the German All Star Big Band under the musical direction of Jörg Achim Keller
On drums: Wolfgang Haffner

Photos: Uwe Niklas

Solo stars: Cassandra Steen, Ivan Lins, Max Mutzke, Mezzoforte, Nightmares on Wax, Nils Landgren, Thomas Quasthoff
Accompanied by the German All Star Big Band under the musical direction of Jörg Achim Keller
On drums: Wolfgang Haffner

Photos: Uwe Niklas

Solo stars: 4 Wheel Drive, Ida Sand, Ivan Lins, Randy Brecker, DJ Shantel
Accompanied by the German All Star Big Band under the musical direction of Jörg Achim Keller
On drums: Wolfgang Haffner

Photos: Uwe Niklas

Solo stars: Viktoria Tolstoy, Torsten Goods, Mezzoforte, Laith Al-Deen
Accompanied by the German All Star Big Band under the musical direction of Jörg Achim Keller
On drums: Wolfgang Haffner