Here we are — it’s June!!! It is one of our favorite month not only because here in Switzerland it’s the Summer’s solstice but also because this year on June 14th we observed the women’s march for equality followed by Juneteenth the same month.
Alright but the reason for us to be psyched for this month is THE SUMMER EVENT of the Swiss Riviera… The one and only Montreux Jazz Festival(MJF)!! 2019 rings the 53rd edition of this gem of a festival! Come on guys… Please tell me you know about it?! I mean it’s a premium high-caliber festival that brings fancy folks together. Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” was coined after the band came to play at Montreux and witnessed the tragic event of the Casino burning! But even if you aren’t familiar with this story, you can’t say you’ve never heard of the International Swiss festival that hosted Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald and Quincy Jones just to name a few… Or can you?!?
Speaking of Quincy Jones… brace yourself — he is one of the person behind the success of the festival. indeed, as said by himself, late Claude Nobs — the pioneer founder of ‘ledit’ Festival was like a brother to him. So hereafter is part of the formula behind Montreux Jazz Festival’s success — Claude Nobs’ hard work & vision coupled to Quincy Jones’ meticulousness & expertise! I guess the fact that the event takes place by the shores of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) and its wonderful vista plays a role in the festival’s triumph! Don’t tell everyone but even for us at LeCircles it remains our favorite premium festival in the region!
Therefore, work isn’t really work over here… Don’t get me wrong — business is still conducted very seriously and we still run all over the place in order to make sure everything and everyone is all set for a great experience, artists and visitors alike! But hell yeah feels good after putting several hours of work to have a drink at Montreux Palace’s Funky Claude Bar or just by the lake at one of the short-lived terraces. What about the concerts?! Well this year’s favorites were definitely Elton John’s farewell show, Janet Jackson’s comeback, Janelle Monae who came to slay and obviously Quincy Jones’ soundtrack of the 80s which closed a Quincy Jones’ tour around Europe.
Maybe next year you will be part of the family — may it be on the artist’s side and if not… you ought to be one of MJF’s guests! For both endeavors just remember that LeCircles hooked you up on the trend! Oh yeah… the anecdote is that the city even named one of its main streets after late Claude!
Odonym after MJF’s founder Claude, Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux VD, Switzerland. ©LeCircles
Setting of the event — shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux VD, Switzerland. ©LeCircles
Auditorium Stravinski’s Hall (B4) 2m2c , Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux VD, Switzerland. ©LeCircles
Elton John’s farewell’s concert at the Stadium La Saussaz, Montreux Jazz Festival 2019, Montreux VD, Switzerland. ©LeCircles
Janet Jackson at Auditorium Stravinski Concert Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival 2019, Montreux VD, Switzerland. ©LeCircles
Janelle Monae’s Powerful show at Auditorium Stravinski Concert Hall, Montreux Jazz Festival 2019, Montreux VD, Switzerland. ©LeCircles
VIP Area — 3 main paying stages’ lineup (peep the Gems at Stravinski), Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux VD, Switzerland. ©LeCircles
Quincy Jones’ closing concert of the Montreux Jazz Festival 2019, Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux VD, Switzerland. ©LeCircles
Iconic MJF sculpture by the docks, Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux VD, Switzerland. ©LeCircles