Beyond the standout lineup on the stages of the 18th Jazzablanca, held from July 3 to 12, 2025, the entire host city pulsed with the sounds of jazz. With his brass band, American trombonist Glen David Andrews brought the spirit of New Orleans to the streets of Casablanca, much to the delight of residents of all ages. Who says jazz only appeals to a niche crowd—seasoned listeners, nostalgic souls disconnected from today's music, or connoisseurs who recognize it as a highbrow genre? Over two vibrant weekends during the 18th edition of Jazzablanca (July 3–12, 2025), now expanded into a ten-day celebration, the organizers proved that jazz knows no boundaries. Far from the cliché of jazz as an elitist art form or a museum relic, this year's edition turned the genre into a living, breathing experience. Firmly rooted in the present and the urban energy of Casablanca, it became a moment of connection and celebration, shared by festival-goers and residents alike. Beyond the stages at Scene 21, Casa Anfa in Anfa Park, and the free stage at the Arab League Park, locals also enjoyed pop-up performances by New Orleans trombonist Glen David Andrews and his band. Their «brass band in the city» tour brought music directly into the heart of Casablanca. With its new two-weekend format, Jazzablanca made it clear: jazz is meant to be celebrated—anywhere, anytime. On July 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, and 12, Glen David Andrews and his jubilant ensemble brought a distinctly New Orleans spirit to Casablanca, turning the city into a stage. From New Orleans to Casablanca: A Shared Tradition of Street Music From the iconic Rick's Café to the Central Market, through the medina and past the Hassan II Mosque, the Ain Diab coast, and the El Hank lighthouse, American and Afro-Creole jazz—born in the streets of New Orleans—naturally found a home in Casablanca. Glen David Andrews and his troupe at Jazzablanca 2025 for the brass band in the city / DR. The city, after all, has its own tradition of brass bands, especially in its oldest neighborhoods. In the medina, this musical moment became a heartfelt gathering for passersby and residents alike, young and old. Until the late 20th century and even into the early 2000s, this kind of street performance was a regular feature of joyful events—births, circumcisions, weddings. With a spontaneous, participatory spirit, these processions would swell as they moved through the streets, spreading joy and rhythm. This improvisational tradition is still very much alive in Casablanca's cultural DNA. At a festival deliberately open to musical crossovers, local traditions merged with global influences. Glen David Andrews, immersed in the sounds of gospel, funk, blues, and R&B, brought a spiritual energy to his performances in public spaces. His trombone danced with saxophones, percussion, and vocals in a powerful expression of joy and communion. Intended to be inclusive and accessible, this musical experience transcended genres. Rather than opposing worlds, it created a seamless dialogue, where street culture met soul, and Casablanca met New Orleans, in a celebration of rhythm, resilience, and shared heritage.
