Get ready for the 51st annual Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, one of the highlights of the international music calendar. Baroque Access has all the details
Since its inception in 1967, the Montreux Jazz Festival has grown considerably, and because of its popularity it now takes place all year round. But every year, come early July, the annual two-week summer event draws the crowds from every corner of the globe to come and enjoy jazz music in an unsurpassed environment.
Held on the shores of Lake Geneva, the Montreux Jazz Festival offers a chance to immerse oneself in jazz music in an idyllic setting. Originally created 51 years ago, the event is one of the most sought-after music festivals in Europe and the rest of the world. And it has never lost its personal touch, an opportunity to communicate with some of the biggest artists of their time. While jazz and blues remain the roots of this exciting event, other music styles are found here too. In fact, the festival has hosted the likes of Nina Simone, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, Prince, Leonard Cohen, Stevie Wonder and David Bowie.
This year is no exception. Herbie Hancock, The Pet Shop Boys, Tom Jones, Brian Ferry, George Benson and other celebrity musicians all form part of the prestigious line-up of artists to perform in 2017. Aside from special events, there are also lots of free programs, providing opportunities for emerging artists to shine. These include afternoon Music in the Park performances on an open-air stage and various workshops that continue to the wee hours at numerous after-show events. Throughout the day and night, the lakeside promenades are packed with people enjoying the variety of food stands… this is an unsurpassed summer music event.
The program for the 51st edition of the Montreux Jazz Festival offers a unique look into young talent and heralds the return of pop sensations and R&B royalty. While it takes place year-round, the Montreux Jazz Café is a world of discovery for those who are as passionate about fine dining as they are about music. This carefully selected group of restaurants offers contemporary cuisine inspired by the festival – dine on the famous BB Burger, Ella’s Cheesecake and Coquelet façon Quincy Jones. Relive a musical odyssey that spans more than half a century at these comfortable cafes.
2017 Montreux Jazz Festival Programme Highlights
30 June
Max Richter
Nicholas Jarr
Theo Croker
Jacques
Alt-J
1 July
Phoenix
Sarah McKenzie
Ramsyy Lewis Quintet
Maggie Lawrence
Lukas Graham
2 July
Herbie Hancock
Chilly Gonzales
Jon Cleary
Romare
Bonobo
3 July
Pet Shop Boys
Beth Ditto
Mare Nostrum
Dua Lipe
4 July
Lianne La Havas
Fleet Foxes
Kevin Morby
Skye & Ross Trio
5 July
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Usher & The Roots
Gucci Mane
Marialy Pacheco & Joo Kraus
6 July
Lauren Hill
Peter Doherty
Tash Sultana
7 July
Macy Gray
Tom Jones
Youngr
The 1975
8 July
John Newman
Grace Jones
Fourplay
Wolfgang Muthspiel Quintet
9 July
Brian Ferry
Kery James
10 July
The Kills
Kasabian
Paradis
11 July
Solange
The Lemon Twigs
Davy Knowles Solo Acoustic
12 July
London Grammar
Yello
13 July
George Benson
James Hunter
14 July
The Lumineers
The Bloody Beetroots Live
15 July
Youssou N’dor
Noa Duo
Charlie Cunningham