Even when most Swiss spend their holidays somewhere at a beach or are visiting a far away country, the Country Music fans can enjoy live concerts. Klewenalp, which is located above the lake of Lucerne, is doing its 10th yearly festival. You can only reach the place by cable car but it awards you with a fantastic view on the lake.

Artists like Christine Albert, Flaco Jimenez, Brady Seals, BR 549, Heather Myles, Lee Roy Parnell or David Ball performed up on Klewenalp. In 2004 Marty Stuart was the main act without doubt. The promoter also organised a press conference, where we got some insight news about Marty. „My first two CD’s were from the Beatles and Johnny Cash. The Beatles touched my head but Johnny Cash touched my heart.“

Marty Stuart and his three fellow musicians demonstrated their skills on the instruments impressivly. 90 minutes of rocky and smooth country tunes were carried over the mountain peaks down towards the lake. Marty and his mates had great fun which ended up in 4 encores. The show was an excellent award for the people already showing up on Friday.

But it wouldn't be an Open-Air without some rain. Friday the water came down before and after the show so that there was not much impact to the listeners. Saturday, while Billy Yates was on, some more of the precious liquid came down from heaven. But people knew were they were going and carried their raincoats and wore their warm cloths.

Because of the 10-years jubilee, many extra events were planned during the day. A local line dance team showed us what you can learn in just one year and gave a nice demonstration. A Mexican Indian group danced to their drums and captured the attention of the audience. Something quite unique was the „Swiss Country All Stars-Band" composed of well known Swiss Country artists. Each of them sang two of their own songs and also joined in for the grand final. The musicians and the audience had great fun during this show, which was a proof of the good releationship among the artists.

Something real good was the second last show on Saturday evening. It was the "Country Special“ with P.J. Dell, Scarlet and Billy Yates with the Extended Stars 'n' Bars band. P.J. Dell did a special George Strait tribute by chosing 5 beautiful George Strait songs.

The two American artists in this show block performed for the first time in Europe. Scarlet is just 16 but has a clear and strong voice like Leann Rimes or Natalie Maines. She started with „Redneck Women“ of Gretchen Wilson literally pulling the people from wherever they were right in front of the stage. It was fantastic to see this young talent who certainly has the potential for a big star.

„Too Much Country“ for Nashville is probably Billy Yates but he certainly isn't for Switzerland. The former artist of a major label and Grammy winner brought perfect country music right out of Nashville. He presented sound Country Rock but also very emotional ballades. Let us hope his debut concert in Switzerland will be followed by many more in the future.

Looking at the Klewenalp Festival 2004 as a whole it was a great success. In a unique environment people had a fun weekend with Western food, good Country Music and a lot of different types of entertainment. I am sure, those who came this year will be back next year.