It’s the end of an era. Our story is coming to a close with Vol. XII, A L’ARME! will be celebrating its last edition—its grand finale. For more than a decade, the festival has offered new perspectives on jazz and experimental music, paved the way for undreamed-of collaborations, and influenced a generation of listeners. These achievements will outlast the festival. A L’ARME! is disappearing only to live on forever—in our memories, as an attitude, as a space for possibilities. 

Since 2012, the festival has held a magnifying glass up to the latest trends and amplified contrasts. The vision of its founders – Karina Mertin and Louis Rastig – has made it an international point of reference for transdisciplinary improvisation with a lineup of music, art, and performances that have captured the spirit of the times and always remained ahead of the curve. In 2023, the Europe Jazz Network presented A L’ARME with the Award for Adventurous Programming – and that’s just the latest example of the festival’s prestigious reputation, which extends well beyond Berlin. 

The final chapter will begin on August 8 at Radialsystem, right on the banks of the Spree. It will be a tale of encounters and evolution, transgression and transformation. Keiji Haino represents the festival’s unique approach of presenting artists from various perspectives and in different constellations: he will perform twice at the festival – once accompanied by a baritone sax and drums, and once as a soloist with just a guitar and a microphone. At an electric bass summit, Caspar Brötzmann and Farida Amadou will continue the festival’s tradition of musical first encounters between renowned artists. Legends like Mette Rasmussen and Paal Nilssen-Love, who have become A L’ARME! residents over the years, will perform in new formations again. The final evening will be dedicated to Monika Döring and will feature a line-up filled with innovation and energy in honor of the legendary concert organizer.
 
A L’ARME! is grounds for testing the limits of what’s possible aesthetically and socially. A festival for anything but the status quo or a false sense of security. It pushes the boundaries between improvisation, experimentation, noise, and performance to tear them down. And now, A L’ARME will do this to itself, with Vol. XII, we will have one last chance to make room for something new.

We have two double tickets to give away, one for 08.08 and one for 09.08!
Follow @bpigs and @alarmefestival on social media and email us the best performance or edition of the A L'ARME festival to be in the drawing. 

A L’ARME! is a boutique festival; get your ticket before they are all sold out here.