Dani Büchi, festival director, on a promising line-up and other attractions.
Series: Festival Summer 2017 | Episode 13 : Moon&Stars
Moon&Stars boss Dani Büchi
You took over the festival this year. What is special about this year?
It's our first edition of Moon&Stars, so we have a lot planned. We've been working hard over the last few months and are delighted to be able to present visitors with a completely new Moon&Stars. We have managed to put together a very broad and varied line-up with many highlights. The 9 days in July have it all: this year, for the first time, there will be a large festival area open to everyone with numerous attractions, including a food festival. A second stage will also be set up in Piazza Piccola, where national and international newcomers will play. The journey to Ticino has been shortened by around 30 minutes thanks to the new Gotthard tunnel, which is why we can now also offer a night train to Basel, Bern and Zurich after each concert. The SBB tickets are available with the Moon&Stars ticket with a 20 percent discount. A visit to Moon&Stars is therefore also worthwhile for just one evening. What is guaranteed to remain is the unique and unforgettable charm of the Piazza Grande, Lake Maggiore and Locarno itself.
Which acts are you particularly proud of?
We have managed to put together a beautiful and well-rounded program. There is something for every taste: from Zucchero to Söhne Mannheims, Gölä, Sting and Imagine Dragons. Just to name a few. The first evening already has it all: with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis we were able to sign up international superstars. Before that, Italian rappers J-Ax and Fedez, currently the hottest duo from Italy, will be playing. They are sure to get the Piazza Grande shaking.
What criteria did you use to put together the line-up?
Moon&Stars has to offer something for all visitors from Ticino and German-speaking Switzerland. We also wanted a mixture of international and national acts.
What else is on offer apart from the music?
This year, for the first time, Moon&Stars offers a large festival area with numerous attractions that are also accessible without a ticket. Between the lake and the Piazza Grande there is a food festival with numerous food trucks, a Ferris wheel and various bars with cozy places to spend a nice summer evening. There is also a second stage, the Piazza Piccola, where national and international newcomers will be playing.
Festivals don't have a dress code. But is there anything you should bear in mind when it comes to clothing and outfits?
You should dress as you would like to spend a beautiful summer evening in Ticino, which will hopefully be remembered for a long time.
The Piazza Grande in Locarno is transformed into a festival site
What moment are you personally looking forward to the most?
I'm happy when the Piazza Grande is full to the last seat and the audience can enjoy great concerts. That feeling is priceless. But the performance by Italian superstar Zucchero together with US artist LP is guaranteed to be a highlight. Personally, I'm particularly looking forward to Imagine Dragons. That will be great.
What's the best experience you've already had with the festival?
I've only experienced the festival as a visitor so far. A concert on the Piazza Grande has been part of my fixed summer program for years. I have fond memories of performances by Jamiroquai, Coldplay and Lenny Kravitz.
How would you describe your festival in a tweet (max. 140 characters)?
Promising line-up at a unique location with a new festival site. Lake, summer, sun and music. #Thiswillbeforgettable #Don'tmissit
Founding year: 2004
Number of visitors:10'000 per evening
Biggest acts: Jamiroquai, Sting, Tom Odell, Amy Macdonald
Best way to get there: Public transport. The SBB will provide extra trains each evening.
Number of stages: 2
Website: moonandstars.ch
