50th birthday Party
KLAS LINDQUIST CELEBRATES 50TH BIRTHDAY WITH A JAZZ EXTRAVAGANZA AT FASCHING
A Career Spanning Over Three Decades Takes Center Stage on May 6, 2025
Stockholm, Sweden – Klas Lindquist, the celebrated Swedish alto saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, and arranger, will commemorate his 50th birthday with a dazzling concert at Fasching on May 6, 2025, at 8:00 PM. This isn’t just a concert—it’s a personal milestone, a love letter to the music that’s shaped his life and a chance to share the stage with friends and peers from the thirty plus years of his career.
Klas’ musical journey began in 1987 in Molndal when his mother purchased his first saxophone. Influenced by the music of Charlie Parker, Johnny Hodges, and Zoot in “The Muppet Show”, he bravely attended his first jam session, playing “My Little Suede Shoes.” When the drummer went to the ride cymbal on the bridge, Klas’ life changed. “It felt like I was flying,” he said. His devotion to that feeling is apparent in every aspect of his music, perhaps most notably in the leading of his much acclaimed Nonet.
The Nonet was formed in 2007, an avenue for Klas to arrange and compose, and has resulted in 3 albums, the most recent, “Alternative Source of Energy” was named Best Jazz Album of the Year by the Readers of OrkesterJournalen in 2023. Leading a large ensemble requires a great deal of hard work, patience and fortitude, and Klas’ efforts in this arena were recently recognized by the Laila and Charles Gavatin Foundation when they awarded him their Jazz Prize in 2024, specifically for his bandleading efforts.
Klas’ 50th Birthday Extravaganza will feature an all-star lineup of musicians who have played with Klas throughout his illustrious career. The evening will kick off with the quartet from his most recent album Handle With Care—Leo Lindberg (piano), Niklas Fernqvist (bass), and Daniel Fredriksson (drums)—joined by Klas on saxophone and clarinet. The celebration will escalate with the dynamic Klas Lindquist Nonet, a nine-piece ensemble known for its big, bold sound. Adding to the excitement, special guests include American Jazz sensation, vocalist and pianist Champian Fulton, as well as Klas’s longtime collaborator, the exceptional trombonist and pianist Ulf Johansson Werre.
This event will also serve as the premiere of a new repertoire crafted in collaboration with Champian Fulton, set to be performed later in 2025 at New York’s legendary Birdland Jazz Club.
“Celebrating 50 years with this incredible party feels like a dream,” said Klas Lindquist. “It’s an honor to share the stage with friends who have inspired me throughout my life. I can’t wait to bring this music to Fasching.”
From his early days as a standout talent to his current role as a jazz statesman, Klas Lindquist has amassed a legacy of excellence. His collaborations with Jazz giants, leadership of acclaimed ensembles, and award-winning compositions have solidified his place as one of Sweden’s most celebrated musicians. Join us on May 6 to celebrate 50 years of life and over 30 years of music with an artist whose impact resonates far beyond the stage.
Fasching, Stockholm’s premier jazz venue located at Kungsgatan 63, will host this milestone event. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the concert beginning at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available now at www.fasching.se and are expected to sell out quickly.
Tickets and more info here