Swingin', Singin', & Dreamin' in Switzerland...

Looking for tickets in Montreux...

So much is happening so fast these days at times I don't know where to begin the stories. I have been living in Switzerland for the last month and it's such a small country that I've been able to travel around it quite a bit. There are 3 distinct Swiss areas: the German part, the Italian part, and the French part. As a result most Swiss speak all three languages and use English to bridge any gaps. It seems to work for them. I've spent time in each section. It's that saying yes thing... keeps me movin', but occasionally gets me into trouble. Everyone has a favorite part of the land, based on how "open-minded" the people are there. Outside looking in... they're pretty much just Swiss with language and food differences. Perhaps that sounds more simple than it really is, but those are the bare bones. I'll just leave it at that for now.

My singing post in Basel.

I know I'm looking pretty wild at the moment. I had a home-dying job gone awry and just decided to live with it. My Basel post is outside the post office in the main marketplace. The acoustics are wonderful! The rule breaker in me is going wild here 'cause the Swiss have many rules. I am only supposed to sing in one spot for 30 mins. before changing posts. I think this is because certain street musicians (someone told me they're beggars with instruments) play just three songs and stick a cup in your face. Oops! My repertoire, however, is quite large and I never ask for anything. I have a cute little bag which sits near by. My philosophy is the money takes care of itself. I sing to spread my Katt-joy and whatever I need is provided by the day's end. Often times people put bills directly into my hands. I always end up talking with someone who is inspired by my life and music. Also, musicians keep inviting me to join them for projects. One very cool artist, Hilarius, has been doing a mixture of street playing and concerts for 30 years! He calls me Meow and has taken it upon himself to advise me. He also wishes to work on a gig or 2 together. It's all very cool. Amazing!!!

Hilarius surrounded by his paintings with an instrument he made .

Montreux, home to the world famous Jazz festival.

Lake Geneva, backdrop to the festival. I want one of these watercraft thingies!!!

I have dreamed of one day being at Montreux. It was surreal when I road my bicycle down the road and started seeing signs of the Jazz Festival. Kinda bittersweet actually, because there's not so much jazz anymore. The big names in jazz this year are Herbie Hancock, Return to Forever with Chic Corea & the Gang, and a lump of jazzers thrown in for Quincy's 75th Anniversary Celebration. The headliners are big radio names like Lenny Kravitz, Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, Gnarls Barkley or music icons Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen, Joan Baez, & Roberta Flack. Obviously these people will sell tickets. It's just a wee sad that the big jazz radio names are absent from the roster, but many of them are in Switzerland this summer where there are festivals all over the place. Diana Ross even headlines at one. It's so beautiful here with trees and lakes everywhere. There's no mystery why people want to hang out in the summer.

Montreux Jazz Cafe has free concerts nightly.

Gavin, Mark, & John... Englishmen in Switzerland.

My haven is in Vevey about 10km from Montreux. Vevey is the home of Nestle, the hideaway for Shania Twain, and the final resting place of Charlie Chaplin. Mark is a guitarist who has been living here for 8 years. He's got a few connections and is working on some of my songs so we may get to perform them on one of the festivals stages. Cross your fingers & toes! Gavin and John belong to the Nestle family. John stole my heart right before he transferred to the Ukraine. Dammit!!!

After my first absinthe. Happy Kitty!!!