Dane County Board Welcomes Return of Renowned German Jazz Trio

May 29, 2026
Erickson.Chuck@danecounty.gov
County Board

DANE COUNTY, Wis. — Dane County is once again welcoming world-class jazz musicians from its sister county of Kassel, Germany, for a series of performances in early June 2026. The Edgar Knecht Trio, led by acclaimed pianist Edgar Knecht and joined by drummer Tobias Schulte and bassist Till Spohr, will perform across Dane County and the region as part of the ongoing Kassel–Dane Sister County Partnership, with support from DANE Arts.

This year's tour will feature the trio's newest project, Colours of Europe, a celebration of European cultural diversity that transforms folk songs from France, Austria, Italy, Spain, and Germany into melodically moving ballads and rhythmically rousing grooves.

“The Edgar Knecht Trio brings a distinct sound that blends classical music, jazz, and world music traditions in a way audiences here have come to love,” said Supervisor Chuck Erickson (District 23), who has long been active in the Kassel–Dane relationship and chair of the Kassel–Dane Task Force. “Their return is another great chapter in our partnership with Kassel, and I encourage anyone who appreciates exceptional live music to come out for one of their performances.”

2026 Tour Dates:

• Sunday, June 7, 2026 | 5 p.m. | Allen Centennial Garden, UW–Madison (outdoor concert) — FREE
• Monday, June 8, 2026 | 7 p.m. | Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, 1584 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee — FREE
• Thursday, June 11, 2026 | 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. | Token Creek Concert Barn, 4037 WI-19, DeForest (indoor concert) — paid tickets required

The Kassel–Dane Sister County Partnership began in 2007, when the two counties entered into a formal agreement designed to exchange ideas and build partnerships in areas including renewable energy, regional transportation, workforce training, and continuing education. Over the years, the relationship has supported a wide range of cultural exchanges, from artists and photographers to musicians and orchestras. Five artists have been sent to the modern art fair doumenta, which is held in Kassel every five years.

The Edgar Knecht Trio previously toured Dane County in 2016 and 2019, with past performances at the Stoughton Opera House, First Congregational Church, the Madison College Big Band's Mitby Theater, the Waunakee High School PAC, and the Oregon High School PAC. Additionally, the Trio has jointly performed with the Madison College Big Band and the chamber music group, “Con Vivo!.” Finally, the Edgar Knecht Trio has provided workshops and clinics with the Sun Prairie High School Jazz Ensemble and the Madison College Big Band.

For more information about the trio and their Colours of Europe project, visit: www.edgarknecht.com  

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About the Dane County Board of Supervisors: The Dane County Board of Supervisors is the legislative and policymaking body of Dane County government. Composed of 37 supervisors elected to represent each county district, the county board’s mission is to effectively represent the people of Dane County, providing services that secure the blessings of freedom, ensure domestic tranquility, promote the general welfare, and perfect the forms of government. Learn more about the county board at https://board.danecounty.gov/.