As one of the larger financial centers for all of Europe, Geneva is a city that attracts a rather broad array of visitors every year. Some come to do business, of course, but the rest come to enjoy the hotel accommodations and all that the city has to offer. The locals are very cosmopolitan, and pretty well-versed in world history as well as world culture, and they tend to like outdoor activities, taking advantage of the temperate weather here. Winters are typically snowy, and skiing is a prime attraction here, and the rest of the time there is a potpourri of choices. Because of the cultured population, music festivals are at a premium, and for live music, it’s hard to beat.
Geneva’s Fete de la Musique is one of the big events in the city, and is also a major music festival for the rest of the world. Those fortunate enough to be traveling here in June can enjoy a three-day music festival that is one of the largest in the world. It truly has something for everyone, with 50 stages that have a constantly-rotating lineup of everything under the sun, from classical to hiphop. There are plenty of local acts, along with some stunning international acts that represent the best in their genre. Plan on using the city’s public transport during this time, since the roads are blocked off to make room for the music and the crowds.
For the more esoteric tastes, there is the Akouphene festival , which happens for four days in September. Here, the focus is on music that crosses over into other genres, from Brutism rock, experimental, and noise rock, and way, way beyond. This is one of the most exciting festivals for those who are deep into the eclectic, and have a taste for the ultimate in modern. European art tastes tend toward the remix and mash-up these days, and these new genres are some of the most exciting experiments from young and adventurous world musicians.
Those who like performance mixed in with their live music should try to attend the La Batie Festival. The focus here is more theatrically-based, with a big emphasis on the visual arts. Again, this is something that represents contemporary trends for mixing genre and playing with form, and demonstrates some of the best artistic minds working today.
There is plenty more where this came from, and those looking to discover the music scene in Geneva don’t have to wait for festivals. Live music is heard in clubs, pubs, and performance spaces all around town.
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