‘A milestone’: 99% sell-out for Baloise Session 2017

German singer-songwriters Tim Bendzko and Max Giesinger tonight bring a successful 2017 edition of Baloise Session to a close, with the Swiss festival just missing selling out after having welcomed more than 15,400 people to Basel’s Messeplatz over its ten days.

The indoor festival, which takes place in an “intimate club-like setting by candlelight”, this year ran from 21 October to 9 November, with its traditional series of themed shows this year featuring ‘Electronic Cosmos, ‘Pop Superstars’, German- and Icelandic-themed nights and two “Evenings with…” Alicia Keys.

In addition to Keys’ (pictured) two shows, highlights included well-received performances by Chris Rea, Nelly Furtado, Goldfrapp, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, Imelda May, Madness and Kool & the Gang.

“The two appearances by Alicia Keys were the realisation of a long-held dream”

CEO Beatrice Stimmerman says she is “delighted by the success of our 2017 edition. “For us, the two appearances by Alicia Keys were the realisation of a long-held dream,” she explains. “With feeling, power and soul, [she] raised goosebumps among the audience in our intimate club-like setting. A real milestone in our 32-year festival history!”

She continues: “Lots of music fans around the world followed the concert live over the online live-streaming platform ARTE Concert, and the performance by Kool & the Gang was also streamed live. This extends the international reach of Baloise Session.”

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