Kinsey Rose
The smell of leather fringes and barbecue sauce is in the air when the Albisgütli inn at the foot of the Uetliberg once again becomes a Swiss country music stronghold. The 39th International Country Music Festival will take place here from January 31 to March 2, 2025.
Cowboy hats and western boots are the order of the day as the first guitar sounds whirr through the night. Once again, Albi Matter, the festival's long-standing program director, has put together a first-class program: It kicks off with a bang on January 31: Kinsey Rose & Band and Buddy Jewell & EU Band from the USA bring authentic Nashville sound to the stage. Buddy Jewell, known for his No. 1 hits such as "Help Pour Out The Rain", will also thrill the audience on the following day, February 1, together with Phoenix Mendoza & the Josh Leo Band.
A special highlight awaits guests on February 7 and 8 with Tim Watson, the "Fiddleman", who will captivate the audience with his virtuoso violin skills and his band. The performance by the Krüger Brothers on February 20 promises to be no less exciting. The musicians, who come from Switzerland and live in the USA, are regarded as true legends of the country music scene.
"I Got A Problem" - the latest hit from Drake Milligan.
Fans of modern country music will be marking February 21 and 22 in red on their calendars. Drake Milligan, who is considered one of the hottest newcomers from Nashville, will be performing with his band on these days. His energetic shows promise to be a real highlight of the festival.
But there will also be plenty of local artists. For example, Roger & The Wild Horses on February 7, the Nashville Rebels on February 14 and Florian Fox & Band on February 21 will be providing the atmosphere. Florian Fox, the "Swiss Johnny Cash", was recently named "Entertainer of the Year" in Texas - a very promising talent.
The crowning finale on February 28 and March 1 will be the performances of Twitty & Lynn from the USA, grandchildren of the famous country duo Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty. Together with the Swiss acts Tobey Lucas & Band and the up-and-coming Amber Rae & Band, they will bring the festival to a fitting close.
Between the concerts, visitors can enjoy the authentic country atmosphere in the Albisgütli, with western wear, country accessories and a CD store.
Classic food and beverages will be available, and on Sundays an American breakfast will tempt early risers.