From 9 to 11 June 2017 the first edition of the Music Days in Steffisburg took place. In the middle of the village square during 3 days 13 bands performed. The purpose of the organizers to revive Steffisburg definitively succeeded. For that matter summer showed its best side. A really great and relaxed weekend.
The festival
The first edition of the Music Days took place in the middle of Steffisburg on the village square. Bus no. 1 from Thun directly stopps in front of the festival entrance. You couldn’t get there any easier. The Music Days are based on the Elite Openair in Langnau, which takes place since 2011. Paying admission is no obligation. With buying a culture or sponsor wristband you support the festival though and make an event like this possible at all.
The food and drinks area was covered. Next to a food and crêpes stand, there of course were drinks and beer stands. My favourite was the Steffisbrot (with chicken filled pita bread). It was delicious. It was quickly gone, so there was no time for a photo ;-). When it was so super hot on Sunday, the organisers even gave away free water to the audience.
Opposite the entrance there was the round arch stage standing, which created together with the trees a beautiful ambience. Directly next to it was a merchandise stand.
Day 1: Friday
All sporty I was biking to Steffisburg right after work. Of course you could take busses, even extra busses if necessary. But with this weather you could easily take the bike 😉 With me my Nikon.
Soon the third EP will follow
The first endition of the Music Days was kicked off by The Two Romans. The two brothers Samuele and Mattia presented with their band among others the new songs, which will be released on a third EP in September (already released: Waves & Forest).
Originally from Rom the two of them are living in Switzerland already several years. That’s where the name “The Two Romans” is coming from. With their folk-pop and the charming, wild manner they got the audience into after work mood.
Young as well as old let them electrify and thrill. When Samuele jumped off stage then, messing with the kids at the barrier, they sure were happy.
Language stay in Steffisburg
The later the evening got, the more crowded the village square was. Panda Lux, who had travelled the furthest of the three bands, were surprised about the big audience. Never came so many people to listen to the St. Galle band before, when they went just anywhere.
Here at canton Bern it felt like a language stay to them. That’s why they tried to give the audience an understanding of their language, their dialect, St. Galle German.
Even though not everyone might know Panda Lux yet, the band is already together for 10 years. Until 2013 they were still called Lakeside Runners. With their debut album “Versailles” they tour now through Switzerland. Their very distinct songs, a mix of indie rock and mainstream pop include simple, but meaningful lyrics. They are in German by the way and not in St. Galle dialect 😉 Did you catch an earworm like “Oben” or “Glanz”, you barely get rid of it.
They are not shy either: Frontman Silvan also jumped off stage, but into the middle of the audience. He played with the audience the game then, hunkering down to finally jump up again, continuing jumping and dancing.
Wild final with Death By Chocolate
The first day finally ended with the concert of Biel rock band Death By Chocolate. The atmosphere vibes rose during each concert and finally hit its peak. Especially in the front rows it became quite wild. I was especially looking forward to them that evenin as I hadn’t seen them live in ages. And I hadn’t heard the new songs live yet since their release.
Death By Chocolate came with their backup drummer, who they only had played for the second time. You wouldn’t really realize it though. When Death By Chocolate will tour Germany as a support of Vintage Trouble from 11-29 June 2017, he’ll be part of it too.
Death By Chocolate played a great, energetic concert like one is used to it by the band. Next to known songs they of course also played new songs from their in March released album “Crooked For You”. So far my fave CH album in 2017. Have a listen to it.
So the first festival day was quickly over again. The concerts were followed by some after show parties at clubs in Steffisburg. But you know me, I usually miss these.
Infos about the festival and bands you can find via these links
www.music-days.ch
www.thetworomans.com
www.pandalux.ch
www.deathbychocolate.ch
