Lucerne Hosts Huge Music Festival

Blue Balls Festival Is One of Switzerland's Top 10 Summer Events

Jul 16, 2007

From Elvis Costello to David Gray, this year's Blue Balls Festival promises to rock. For nine days, dozens of musicians will perform on the shores of Lake Lucerne.

Elvis Costello, Damien Rice, David Gray, Seal, Steely Dan and Badly Drawn Boy are just a few of the numerous acts playing at the Blue Balls Festival on the shores of Lake Lucerne from July 20 through 28.

As one of the top 10 summer events in Switzerland, the Blue Balls Festival attracts about 100,000 visitors who enjoy more than 60 events and soak up the atmosphere that includes traditional Swiss food and drink. Music styles include blues, R&B, funk, jazz, rap, world music, rock, pop and soul and take place at venues: the KKL Culture and Convention Center, the Club at the Schweizerhof Hotel and the Outdoor Pavilion..

Along with those listed above, other performers include Bebel Gilberto, Ayo, Tiziano Ferro, Rickie Lee Jones, Starsailor, Calexico, Archive, Gianna Nannini, Candy Dulfer & Friends, Elvis Costello with Allen Toussaint Band & Horns featuring Steve Nieve.

While many of the top acts take place at the KKL Culture and Convention Center, “the Piazza stage holds the promise of many discoveries to be made - Jason Mraz, Ash Grunwald, Alice Jago or Morgan Finlay, and many more.” In addition to the concerts, music-themed film and photo exhibits will be held on the patios.

The Outdoor Pavilion by the Lake by constructed in 1908 and features the Swiss national Radio DRS 3's Swiss Top platform which will present Swiss Top Acts at 6 each evening. “This means summer festival fun at its most relaxed, when Swiss indie, rock, electro, dialect, pop and hip hop as well as international bands take the stage,” according to a Blue Balls press release. “We especially recommend the exclusive Opening Session with Michael von der Heide & Guests.”

The Schweizerhof Hotel is where the stars stay. “On the Piazza, the Swinger Club will kick off the evening, inviting you to enjoy the view of the lake and the calm before the storm,” Blue Balls says. “Later on, from 11 p.m., the in-crowd will gather here to celebrate all the way into the wee hours. Long, sweltering nights are guaranteed by hot acts such as Heavytones, Matt Boroff, Boppin B, Les Babacools, Abuela Coca, Turnip Greens, Toro Ensamble, El Gran Silencio and The AllStars.”

While it may be a little late for most people to get to Switzerland for this year’s festival, the annual music event is one to keep in the back of your mind for years to come. For hotel information, contact the Lucerne Tourist Board: +41 (0)41 227 17 17.

The copyright of the article Lucerne Hosts Huge Music Festival in Switzerland Travel is owned by Bridget Lux. Permission to republish Lucerne Hosts Huge Music Festival in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.