5 things to look forward to for this year’s Montreux Jazz Festival
Coming in full swing for the 53rd time, the Montreux Jazz Festival is an experience a music enthusiast must not miss.
The Montreux Jazz Festival, dubbed to be “one of the best” in Europe, will also be welcoming other genres such as blues, rock and some electro and pop music to give the world-renowned festivity a bit more variety. From June 28 to July 13, experience a range of music with these acts and activities all encompassed in an awe-inspiring setting.
A unique setup for an extraordinary show by THE Elton John
Elton John takes the spotlight this year as he bids the stage farewell with his last tour. The British legend has only recently been portrayed in the box office smash biopic ‘Rocketman’ starring Taron Egerton. It is safe to say he is going all out for this year’s Montreux Jazz Festival, with an extensive stage production for long-time fans and general festival-goers to enjoy. Audiences will experience over 50 years of a visual voyage from this superstar as John performs his timeless hits and well-loved tracks. To make things more special? It is also the first ever open-air concert of this magnitude in a Montreux stadium.
ANITA BAKER. / Photo from Albumism
JOAN BAEZ. / Photo by IBL/REX/Shutterstock (9451777i)
The curtain also calls for Anita Baker and Joan Baez
Both ladies have held wonderful memories of the Montreux Jazz Festival. For Baker, it was a performance in 1986 alongside George Duke and The Al Jarreau band. For Baez, it was a jam session with B.B. King three years later. Now on their 60s and 70s, Baker and Baez will make Montreux one of the final stops of their illustrious career. Baker’s famous, sultry and unique voice remains extremely popular in the scene with over 50 sold-out concerts as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award honour; while Baez’s unique style is legendary, with over 35 discs recorded through the years.
Eleven festival stages await goers at the two-week festival
A jazz lab, jazz train, a jazz boat, yes, ALL THAT JAZZ. Eleven festival stages are ready to cater to jazz lovers all around the area. Primarily located at the Lake Geneva shoreline, these range from outdoor to indoor, day or night, and even the entire day. Don’t forget to check if these would require an extra ticket (payant) or free access (gratuit). Some also run on selected days, so be sure to check out the programme if you want to catch on a specific act in the festival!
LEWIS CAPALDI / Photo by Planet Radio
JESSIE REYEZ / Photo by much.com
DERMOT KENNEDY / Photo
Up and coming millennial artists are taking over, too
The tradition of soul, feel-good music lives in the younger artists. The Montreux Music Festival will be introducing three emerging performers – Scottish songwriter Lewis Capaldi, Canadian singer Jessie Reyez and Irish musician Dermot Kennedy. Who knows? Their hits just might make it to the playlist of your summer.
Get your jazz on in La Coupole
The festival is an immersive, learning experience too – from jazz workshops to jam sessions, you’ll make the most out of the festival with activities packed for you. The Montreux Jazz Workshop allows the attendee to go behind the scenes with selected artists; the Montreux Jazz Awards showcases sixteen talents through live performances to be judged by both public and professional individuals and Jam Sessions allow fearless musicians join other artists in the programme of the festival! Also, snag the opportunity to learn from Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, an American trumpet player who will mentor budding young artists selected by the Festival at the Montreux Jazz Academy!
See you in the summer!
More information
http://montreuxjazzfestival.com