So, who is going to venture out this year?

I just went and booked for the 11-14 July. Just the hotel, nothing else.

The only thing advertised so far is Sting and thats long since sold out. He is also playing at the Locarno Moon and Stars concert.

I'm not really fussed if it's a weak lineup as last year I had a great time without seeing any listed bands.

The complete program of the 45th Montreux Jazz Festival will be released on April 14, 2011, at 10am.

Maybe I can meet some more EF'ers....

Already looking forward to it! Hopefully I'll still be in the country by that time! I've been looking forward to it for a long time now. How is it set up? is there more than one outdoor venue? If I just go to Montreux, will I be able to hear the musicians without buying a ticket (for the ones that require a ticket)?
Can't wait!

You will be out of luck hearing the major acts for free. They are all indoors but there are some outdoor events. See the main site: http://www.montreuxjazz.com/2011/en/...l/festival_map

most of the main acts these days at montreux aren't really worth seeing as they're just in it to fill their boots with CHF.

what's really fun imho is walking around montreux during the festival seeing the smaller acts doing it for the fun of it.

Last year, some surprisingly decent up and coming acts played for free (Fanfarlo and Drums, to name a couple), so it's definitely worth going, even if you're not going to any of the paying gigs.

We saw quite a few gigs last year and had a ball! It was fantastic watching Julian Casablancas attempting to get the Swiss to mosh (it didn't happen )and Ben Harper playing until they kicked him off stage as he loved the acoustics in the room. We're willing to pay the extra purely because love seeing bands in more intimate settings than we'd ever be able to see in Australia. We're waiting until the full program comes out but we'll probably be around

I usually head to the Jazz Cafe and watch the free live bands. great atmosphere there.

love the jazz cafe and the free acts are the best ones. last year we saw a couple of really young bands that were pretty good. as for sting- you'd have to pay me to see him, he bothers me a good bit but i'm hopîng the lineup this year isnt the year 1998 revisited like it was last year. its great to have a bit of nostalgia but enough is enough. still a fun place to go, though.

We will more than likely heading down there at some point as we had a great time last year. Would highly recommend buying ice cream or a cocktail served in a coconut and having a wander along the lake front and enjoying all the free performances.

I have no idea how much truth there is to the following but the rumours I've heard include the following main acts in addition to the already confirmed Sting:
Deep Purple
Arcade Fire
BB King
The Vaccines
Ziggy Marley
Robert Randolph and the Family Band
Paul Simon
Jimmy Cliff
Carlos Santana & John McLaughlin

We'll know for sure in another 3 days when more details are announced by the organisers.

Sting is sold out.

Deep Purple are 'apparently confirmed' for 16th July. They are becoming an almost permanent fixture now.

Already attended at the BB King concert in Perugia...

I was thinking to go for Santa&McLaughlin

arcade fire is officially confirmed for 10 july.

Just seeing Deep Purple and Carlos Santana & John McLaughlin would be worth the tickets. Shame Gary Moore (R.I.P.) won't be there this year, to see him, Steve Morse and John McLaughlin would be close to seeing my top three guitarists of all time in the space of a week. Maybe Gurthrie Govan will show up instead...

Deep Purple have announced the rest of their tour today. Some dates are supported by Iggy & The Stooges. Most dates are with a full orchestra.

Should be confirmed in a couple of days.

They obviously didn't get my email asking them to change to a Friday or Saturday night I bet they'll be fantastic...sigh

Tickets are on sale now..

I just got my tickets.

I'm definitely keen for Arcade Fire. The rest looks fairly lame

The tickets are usually outrageously expensive yes?

Edit: Shiez I didnt see Prince Paul and Afrika Bambada. That would be ace

There are still 19 tickets left for Arcade Fire (who also have James Vincent McMorrow on the same bill) a snip at CHF 240 each! Standing tickets are a more affordable CHF 95.

I wouldnt feel right sitting down watching Arcade fire to be honest. Unless im watching jazz or classical or sting :P there would be no way im sitting