Old heroes, beautiful women, explosive divas: In its 51st year, the Montreux Jazz Festival is once again completely fearless.
Old and new, history and modernity: the Montreux Jazz Festival is relying on its successful philosophy for the program presentation in the time-honored Théâtre du Jorat in Mézières VD. To set the mood, Belgian electric rockers Warhaus play under the mighty ceiling beams of the over 100-year-old wooden palace.
Dazzling line-up
Contrasts also characterize the program. Stars such as Lauryn Hill (41), Macy Gray (49), Pete Doherty (38), Beth Ditto (36) and Grace Jones (69) are among the most dazzling figures in the music business with their escapades. And among the most unpredictable.
But festival director Mathieu Jaton (41) knows no fear. "I'm not afraid of Grace Jones, I love her," he says. Personally, the 80s icon ("Slave to the Rhythm") is a very nice person. "I'm particularly looking forward to seeing her because she doesn't tour anymore. Her appearances are very rare."
An experience - even for the stars
Jaton also relies on the original idea of festival founder Claude Nobs (†77) for other explosive personalities: "Claude wanted to offer the stars an experience like a five-star hotel. They repay this with exceptional concerts."
Highlights this year will include attractive soul women such as Beyoncé sister Solange Knowles (30), Erykah Badu (46) and Emeli Sandé (29). But old heroes such as Bryan Ferry (71), beach boy Brian Wilson (74) and Tom Jones (76, "Delilah") will also be coming to Lake Geneva.
Afraid of the claws of the legendary Welsh tiger? Not an issue for Jaton, of course: "I'm looking forward to Tom Jones the most. He is my personal highlight."
51ST MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL
June 30 to July 15, 2017
TICKETS
