Invitation on Junifest in Slovakia

Time runs like wild horse. It isn't so much time ago, what I wrote about Festivals and it's already here. Junifest. It's national beer festival, this year it will be already 5 year anniversary.

Date     June, 13. - 22. 2008,
Time     04 pm. - 02 am
Place: Bratislava, Incheba Expo

DATE	ACTIVITIES	PERFORMERS
June, 13. 2008	Country Festival in Bratislava	Allan Mikušek, Kamelot (CZ), Nový Rownák, Veslári - Peter & The Rowers, Tanečná skupina Cloggshow, Rasťo a Lujza, etc.
June, 14. 2008	Casting MISS JUNIFEST 2008 in Košice
	Concerts in Bratislava	Senzus, František Nedvěd (CZ), Taktici, Party Lounge, Lenka Ferenčíková & Band
June, 15. 2008	Casting MISS JUNIFEST 2008 in Prešov
	Golden brassband and Akcent show + Golden Violins and Lúčnica in Bratislava	Jadranka, Martin Jakubec a Akcent Live, folklore band Jánošík, Golden Violins and soloists of folklore band Lúčnica, DH Maguranka, DH Záhorienka, DH Buckovanka, Oľga Szabová, Stano Vitáloš, Zdeno Sychra, etc.
June, 16. 2008	Casting MISS JUNIFEST 2008 in Bratislava
	Rock Stage in Bratislava	Judas Priest
	Junifest Top Dance Party in Bratislava	top DJ Marco V from the Netherlands, Slovak and Czech DJ-s Milan Lieskovsky, Robert Burian, Michael C
	Judas Priest After Party in Bratislava	Judas Priest
June, 17. 2008	Casting MISS JUNIFEST 2008 in Trnava
	Concerts in Bratislava	Bukasový Masív, Horkýže Slíže, Big Deal, REA - Kristína Botlóová, Paťa Jurtová, Eva Pšenková + band + guest Barbora Šulíková
June, 18. 2008	Casting MISS JUNIFEST 2008 in Nitra
	Concerts in Bratislava	rock legendary band OLYMPIC (CZ), Robo Šimko & band, R.A.D.O., Stará Škola - The old school band
June, 19. 2008	Casting MISS JUNIFEST 2008 in Trenčín
	Concerts in Bratislava	Tublatanka, Fleret CZ), Setback, Waterflow (NL,SK), etc.
June, 20. 2008	Casting MISS JUNIFEST 2008 in Žilina
	Concerts in Bratislava	Gladiátor, Terne Čhave (CZ), Kmeťo Band, Rockarolla, Arccus, etc.
June, 21. 2008	Junifest Fitness & Aerobic Party in Bratislava
	Casting MISS JUNIFEST 2008 in Banská Bystrica
	Concerts in Bratislava	Nocadeň, Aya, James Evans & Band (GB), Anka Repková a Prorock, Barbora Šulíková & Band, Fredy's Dance Group, Thierry and friends, etc.

As you can see, the program is very rich. Performers will be representants of Slovak, Czech and also foreign popular music scene.

I think, the main croyd-puller of the program will be Olympic. This band is music icon of Czechoslovak pop scene. This legendary band is already on rock scene from 1963. Its show will be June, 18. and I believe, it will be again huge success.

Also fans of hard rock music will find something for them, on Monday June, 16. there will concert of heavy-metal legend, music band Judas Priest in Expo Arena Incheby. Other appearances :
of rock bands (Interitus, Heed a Kreyson)
of heavy metal bands (Sexit and others)

It will be the first time, what you can visit also electronic dance music JUNIFEST TOP DANCE PARTY with special guest, Dutch DJ MARCO V. Besides also the best Slovak DJ-s: Milan Lieskovsky, Robert Burian, from Czech Republic Michael C.

All Sunday (June, 15. 2008) will belong to older generation and for everybody, who likes folklore, brassbands a public music.

In program named Akcent Parada and Zlatá Dychovka (Golden Brassband). In the end of Sunday show, there will be show of Orchestra Golden Violins and soloists of excellence folklore band Lúčnica.

This year, the first time there will be medial beauty competition MISS JUNIFEST 2008. Shows of finalists from each Slovak region will be part of program and there will be also spectator votes.

Each day, in Junifest will be cut a Slovak records, beer and other competitions, tombola, games and many more atractions!

Waldemar Matuska III

     Many his songs became popular and most of them I have on LP or single. I listen them as small child and maybe I was one of his youngest fans. I have still photo album with all news and photos of him. And also singles and albums. Maybe thanks him I prefer men with beard. :o)

I remember that day, when my mother brought news and said: “See there, Walda emigrated to US. Listen his LP Osm lásek, what there he said:” And I wasn’t able to understand why? He was popular, he had many possibilities to travel abroad. I was his fan so much. I switched on LP and listened what he said: Sometimes people ask me, if whether I would like to go visit US. Well I would go and in the moment again back. I prefer this my land.” I was so young, maybe I wasn’t able to understand all reasons. From that time I listened his songs many time but something was broken inside of me.

When he returned after Velvet Revolution, I saw other man. I know, nobody can be still young. He looked like broken and ill old man, without that sparks in his eyes, without charm smile. There was different person. It’s a pity, but I like to sing his songs henceforward and when I sing them, Matuska still looks like I remember him (before his leaving). I wish him so many happiness, much health and good luck.

Discography:
1965 – Zpívá Waldemar Matuška
1967 – Osm lásek Waldemara Matušky

1967 – Waldemar Matuška
1971 – Lidové písně z celého světa

1971 – Waldemar Matuška 1966 / (CD r.v.1990)
1971 – Jo ho ho - Waldemar Matuška zpívá písně o moři
1973 – Láska nebeská
1974 – Johoho (reedition)
1975 – Kluci do nepohody
1977 – Co děláš, to dělej rád
1980 – Suvenýr - Waldemar Matuška a jeho 12 nej...
1980 – Suvenýr
1982 – Waldemar
1985 – The Country Door Is Always Open
1990 – Waldemar Matuška (1966-1971)
1990 – Waldemar a Olga – Niagara
1991 – Co neodnesl čas
1996 – Waldemar - Lidové písně z celého světa + 10x Bonus
1996 – Nebeskej kovboj + 8x Bonus
1996 – Sbohem, lásko + 8x Bonus

1997 – Jo ho ho + 8x Bonus
1997 – Waldemar Matuška a Jeho 23 suvenýrů
1997 – Jsem svým pánem + 6x Bonus
1997 – Láska nebeská (reedition CD)
1998 – To všechno odnes čas
1999 – Osm lásek Waldemara Matušky + 7x Bonus
1999 – Síň slávy (cd 1)
1999 – Síň slávy (cd 2)
2000 – Kluci do nepohody (reedition)
2000 – Portrét hvězd – Waldemar Matuška
2000 – S čertem si hrát (with Eva Pilarová)
2000 – To nejlepší
2001 – Suvenýr (reedition)
2002 – Co neodnesl čas (Největší TV hity)
2007 – Slávik z Madridu (Největší hity)


Albums recorded in US:
Teče voda, teče
Niagara
Merry Christmas

Filmography:
1960 – Sedmý kontinent
1963 – Der Andere neben dir
1964 – Limonádový Joe aneb Konská opera

1964 – Kdyby tisíc klarinetů

1966 – Dýmky
1966 – Fantom Morrisvillu
1966 – Revue v mlze
1966 – Smrt zo oponou
1967 – Tajemství Viléma Storitze
1967 – Hotel pro cizince
1967 – Ta naše písnička česká
1967 – 1968 – Píseň pro Rudlofa III
1968 – Všichni dobrí rodáci
1971 – Kam slunce nechodí
1973 – Noc na Karlštejne

1977 – Talíře nad Velkým Malíkovem
1980 – Trhák

2004 – Český Woodstock

Čert ví


Santa Lucia


Santiano


Hříšník a fláma

Waldemar Matuska II

     In Czechoslovakia, there was very popular competition named Zlatý slavík (Golden Warbler). Waldemar won it twice, in 1962 and 1987, and few times he was on second position.

His popularity grew up.

As he said one time, he had never acted, but life brought him these experiences and he created unforgettable characters in various movies (Patrik in Kdyby tisíc klarinetů – 1964, Kojot Kid in Limonádový Joe – 1964, Cyprian ambassador in Noc na Karlštejne – 1973) and in serials (Píseň pro Rudolfa III, etc.).

He left with Eva Pilarová Semafor and started in theatre Rokoko and here he was actor of dramas named Labyrint světa, Drak je drak, Filosofova historie and recitals Rokokokoktejl and Osm lásek Waldemara Matušky. Eva Pilarová very early returned to Semafor, but Waldemar got new partners. He sang with Marta Kubišová, Helena Vondráčková, Karel Gott, Jitka Zelenková, Hana Hegerová, Václav Neckář, etc.). From this period are hit such as To se nikdo nedoví, Tisíc mil, Úžasná láska and Jen se s písničkou smát (all with Helena Vondráčková), Červencové ráno, Nech tu lásku spát, Píseň za paddle,Víc nechtěl by snad ani D’Artagnan and Píseň Ofélie (all with Marta Kubišová), Tak aby ste to vědela (with Hana Hegerová), Mám malý stan (with Karel Štedrý), Co z toho mám(with Karel Gott).

1970’s came and Waldemar brought hit by hit. It was for example Jó třešně zrály, Růže z Texasu, Sedm dostavníků, Mrholí, Kladivo, Divoké koně, Píseň pro Kristínku, Buď pořád se mnou, Slávici z Madridu, Sbohem lásko, Už koníček pádí, Pojď se mnou lásko má, Tuhle rundu platím já.

In the beginning of 70’s he sang folksongs and he release album Waldemar Matuška zpívá lidové písně z celého světa, from folksong from various countries of the world. In this time also was recorded album with marine evergreens Johoho (most popular songs were Má láska je za velkou louží, Námořníckej bál, Santiano, Hříšník a fláma, Čas chvátá, Kvetou lípy).

In Rokoko he had met his love Olga Blechova, who sang with him hits such as Míle, Vítr to ví, Žít jen žít. In 1976 he married Olga. They sang together from that time to today.

From period in turning point 60 and 70-teen, Waldemar had hits Krysař, Ráno, Bůh ví odkud já tuhle písničku znám, Až se můj čas ponachýlí, Asi do věží, etc.

He presented himself on different festivals and competitions, such as Bratislavská Lýra (He was on the first position with song Pláňka and few years on third position with songs To se nikdo nedoví, Don diri don, Už modrej činžák zhas), Dečínska kotva, Zlatý klíč.

In 1976 he with Olga came to music band K.T.O. (Kamarádi Táborových Ohňů – Friends of Campfires). From this period came many famous songs, for example Co děláš to dělej ríd, Kluci do nepohody, Jezebel Jen se hádej, Má co chtěla, Léta pádí, Tam nad tou hrází, Září bílej sníh, etc.

His popularity in Czechoslovakia was so high; it gave him chance to have concerts abroad (UK, India, Iraq, Kuvajt, Cuba, US, Canada). He took this chance and in 1986 he left Czechoslovakia and emigrated to US. He stayed in Saint Petersburg, Florida and there he lives up to this day.

Communist prohibited to play his songs and stopped to release his album Jsem svým pánem.

He received US nationality. He showed for fellow-countrymen in US and recorded other albums.

After Velvet Revolution in 1898 he came back and had more concerts. His songs are still popular.

He is still living in Florida and at times he visit Czech Republic. Matuška songs were so popular and evidence thereof is establish of Waldemar Matuška Revival Band.

Píseň pro Kristínku


Ach, ta láska nebeská


Po starých zámeckých schodech


Harfa

Waldemar Matuska I

     What all in the field of music we could lose if he would stay in glasshouse? And what so nice glass products we lost, when he decided to go on singer’s road? I hope you agree with me, the second decision was that right. His unforgettable songs Jo třešně zrály, Tereza or Růže z Texasu are known in all generations of country fans in our countries (Slovakia, Czech).

Maybe you would be surprised that two states have some authority to consider him an own. He was born on June 2, 1932 in Košice. All youth he lived with three brothers in center of Prague. He inherited his talent of his mother, who was operetta singer in Vienna theatre scene. Despite this fact, he wasn’t accepted in school band and he hadn’t good rating of singing at school. This fact didn’t stop him to show with various bands and he had be able to play on many music instruments (for example guitar, violin, banjo, harmonica, etc.)

He finished studies and worked as glassmaker only short time, but during that time he had shows with different bands.

The first success was with band Matrosov. In 1950 he tried happiness in State band of songs and dances, from that he went to Reduta and there he established band Mambo Kvintet.

In 1960 he was first time in recording studio and he recorded his first song Suvenýr (Souvenir).

He came to theatre Semafor (Divadla SEdmi MAlých FORem - Theatres of Seven Short Forms), where very early he became star. His colleges were besides Jiří Grossmann, Miloslav Šimek, Jiří Suchý, Jiří Šlitr, Karel Štedrý, Miluška Voborníková, Eva Pilarová, etc.

The first dramas were Člověk z půdy, Zuzana je zase sama doma, Taková ztráta krve. With these dramas there also became hits as Árie měsíce, Klokočí, To všechno vodnes čas and Píseň pro Zuzanu. He sang alone and also duets. Popular duets were with Karel Štedrý (Takový je život, Opilá bílá myška), with Jiří Suchý (Píseň o koni, Kočka na okně).

In 1961 there Eva Pilarová came and she created famous duo with him. Their song Ach ta láska nebeská was Song of the Year 1962. Other famous duets with Eva were Tam za vodou v rákosí, Pozvání, S čertem si hrát, Dnes v noci etc.

This popularity open him the doors to radio and television. I can tell you programs Revue pro banjo, Pijácka romance, Kam slunce nechodí.

Růže z Texasu


Slavici z Madridu


Tisíc mil


Divoký koně

Taxmeni

     Sometimes you can see stagecoach, how goes through long plains, some other time military jeep. Every time there are same passengers – Taxmeni. The modern country band.

We can meet the band on Czech scene already three decades. The first time it was in turning point 60 and 70-teen. Taxmeni started their repertoire by melodies of traditional country music, but how the time went, they released with their own production. They are representative of military country style.

Past members of the bands The Plainsmen and Stonewall Jackson established the band Taxmeni in the autumn 1970. Their first show was in February 1971. In that time, the band stayed between folk and bluegrass styles. They won some amateurish competitions and festivals, and also one year of Porta.

I think I don't need to explain, why they changed the name from English (Taxmeni) to Czech (Krajánci). Ok, I explain it once again. In the Czechoslovakia, thanks to political pressure, all music bands, if they wanted to present themselves, they had to change name to Czech.

The first hit was Řeka velkých přání from 1975 and their first album named Z pastvin velkoměsta. From this album there are still very popular songs Dědečkovy hodiny, Zamkněte bránu a zavřete dům, Kopec bot.

Thanks to strong pressure, they stopped their music activities in 1979. Practically, they started with their shows again only in the second part of 80-teen, when political climate came liberalize.

In 1990 they released single Guadalcanal in Supraphon production (recording studio).
Many music albums were in Panthon production (recording studio). The most expressive album is album Zlatá éra (Golden Era) where are also songs Hledaný muž, Baltimore, Dlouhý černý závoj, Dvě řádky stop.

Very popular are series Calamity Jane. From traditional style, they step by step went to modern conception.

Repertoire of Taxmeni is rich and very various. They set to music stories about nationality, hardiness, men’s honor, moral tenet. In their songs we can see not only classic western topics, but also stories of Czechoslovak legionnaires or soldiers from period of the Second World War.

The band has already more than 2500 concerts. They had shows also in abroad; they had huge success in Poland and Slovakia.

Basic member is Jaroslav Čvančara, who wrote book about history of the band Taxmeni named Taxmeni aneb Hledání country grálu. Jaroslav is head member and player on 5 strings banjo.

Other members are:
Vratislav (Vráťa) Vyskočil – head singer
Luděk Kodrle – drums
Václav Dumek – bass guitar
Jindra Vrbenský – keyboard
Karel Mrkvička – guitar
Milan Krištof – solo guitar

Last year they came again to show in Country Lodenica. It was success, again. They have many fans here and I’m one of them.

Discography:
1975 – Krajánci
1978 – Z pastvin velkoměsta
1980 – Krajánci – L.Sobota - T. Holý – Bambini di Praga B. Kulínského
1981 – Přijď mezi nás
1990 – Calamity Jane 1
1990 - Guadalcanal
1991 – Lilie skautská
1991 – Nebeští jezdci – Taxmeni, Roger Latzgo
1991 – Country aréna – Taxmeni 20 let
1992 – Country bál
1993 – Potlach s Jardou Šterclem
1993 – Vráťa Vyskočil, Yvonne Přenosilová, Taxmeni
1994 – Calamity Jane 2
1994 – Hoši od Bobří řeky zpívají (Hobř – spolupráce Taxmeni)
1995 – Zlatá Éra
1997 – Calamity Jane 3
1998 – Tulák po hvězdách
1998 – Master Serie
1999 – Desperádos
1999 – Byl jednou jeden polda
2001 – Taxmeni – Best of CD1
2001 – Taxmeni – Best of CD2
2004 – Calamity Jane 4

Buráky


Balada o Jed Clampettovi


Hrát, hrát, hrát


Poslední stádo

Fesaci

     This band has already been popular a few tenth years. And only a few bands had so many past members as it. Everybody in this area know names as Michal Tučný, Tomáš Linka, Petr Novotný, Pavel Brűmer, Hanka Horecká, etc.

They are representative of classic country music.

The beginning of legend band history is in December 1967. The first name was Greenes, later Bluegrass Hoppers.

The basic arrangement was: Pavel Brűmer, Jan Turek and Karel Poláček. They all were young chemists.

The first public show was in one nursery, where children play old traditional about girl with name Susan.

In 1968-1970 they were very successful in Porta. They debuted by live recording from Porta Jackson and studio recording Poslední veřejné oběšení v Západní Virginii and Lora. Both were singed by Jindra Šťáhlavský.

In 1970 and 1972 band recorded two albums. In turning point 70’s, thanks to political pressure all music band with English names and wanted to present themselves, they had to change name to Czech. Bluegrass Hoppers was in same situation. And from that time we can meet Fešáci (Loverboys). The legend say, that one day Pavel Brűmer stayed in front of mirror and he came with new name.

The most famous period came after the first selection of the band Greenhorns in 1974. In this time some famous people came to Fešáci, such as Petr Novotný, Michal Tučný and Tomáš Linka. Under management of Petr Novotný, the band recorded the first album Ostrov Fešáků. Till today there were very popular songs Matterhorn, Jaro, Dárek vánoční and Já tajně cvičím.

In the same time the band changed general band sound, which turned more to modern country music. Evidence of it are songs Paní má se má, Jaro, Sundej z hodin závaží or Zvony.

     Next album Saloon Fešáků brought famous songs such as Kamaráde, pusť ten kolotoč, Sundej z hodin závaží, Dávej vinu dálkám, Svítá ve tvých tvářích. In the same year, the band got award Gold Porta.

     The third album Fešáci 2000, besides with songs Paní má se má, Dialog 2000, came in the time, when Michal Tučný decides to leave the band and started solo career (he established the band Tučňáci).

The members in that time were:
Karel Poláček – guitar, sing
Jan Turek – violin, sing
Pavel Brűmer – 5-strings banjo
František Pátek – autoharp, dobro
Robert Moucha – bassguitar, sing
In this membership the band went to tour through US in 1980.

Great asset had been coming of two gagmen – Jozef Mladý and Jozef Alois Náhlovský in 1982, and the band started with cyclic show Salon Fešáků. They recorded album Pošta Fešáci 1.

Two years later, there came also the first ladies – Hana Mladá and Hana Horecká, and in 1985 Tomáš Linka leave the band to open his solo way and he established the band Kanafas.

After Velvet Revolution in 1989 (There was finish of comunists in Czechoslovakia) the band came with total new album, Hviezda Countryon (famous song are Allways On My Mind, Lady, Balím a odcházím, Duhové znamení) and celebrated their 20’s anniversary. The main person on this album is Pavel Brűmer (Komedie plná omylů, Amanda, Hvězda Countryon, Komedianti nestárnou). Fešáci introduced new members as Jindra Malík, Miloš Slezák, Erika Řičicová and present bandmaster Antonín Kny.

In the same year, the band had success with experiment - 12 hours marathon – Fešácky maratón. There came about 25 thousand people.

As celebration of their 25 years existention, they created big show – galaconcert in Prague with about 1000 artists. The top was show of Emmylou Harris in Czech.
In 1992, from band exit Petr Novotný, who was many years the bandmaster, later also duo gagmen, Mladý - Náhlovský. It was hard shot. Some members came back to sing with band again (Tomáš Linka, Jindra Šťáhlavský) and after exit Erika Kahounová and Blanka Šurková, the band was again band with only men members.

30-years they celebrated by tour through Australia and recorded annual album Fešáci 30 let. They made more concert in Czech and also one in Slovakia. I was on two concerts. They were great. Many famous songs, many funny skits. Just great atmosphere.

From Australia they bring many themes for new songs and in 1998 new album with these songs was recorded.
The sister's band is Cadilac with Pavel Brűmer.

Actual members:
* Jindra Šťáhlavský - sing, guitar
* Jindra Malík - sing, perkuse
* Tomáš Linka - sing, mouth orcan
* Robert Moucha - sing, bass
* Antonín Kny - sing a guitar
* Petr Kocman - sing a guitar
* František Pátek - dobro, vocal, perkuse
* Jan Turek - moderate, vocal, violin
* Ladislav Bartoš - bass guitar, vocal
* Pavel Macar - keyboard
* Martin Melničenko - drum, perkuse


Diskography:
* Ostrov Fešáků, Panton, 1975
* Salon Fešáků, Panton, 1977
* Fešáci 2000, Panton, 1981
* Pošta Fešáci 1, Panton, 1983
* Hvězda Countryon, Firma 6P, 1990
* Fešáci '92: Jedeme dál, Monitor, 1992
* Fešáci 25 Live, Firma 6P, 1993
* Dokud můžem, Firma 6P, 1994
* Fešáci: 30 let, Monitor, 1997
* Fešáci - Gold, Popron, 1997
* Fešáci u klokanů, AB Studio, 1998
* Fešáci v kristových letech, Monitor EMI, 2000
* Fešáci: 35 let, Venkow/Universal, 2002
* Fešáci / Bluegrass Hoppers, Supraphon, 2004
* Fešáci v Lucerně (DVD), Supraphon, 2004
* Fešáci: Je nám 40, Vaško Music, 2007

Hits:
* Vánoční čas
* Lámat skály
* Fešácký song
* Radio
* Paní má se má
* Sundej z hodin závaží
* Dívka z Rocky Moutain
* Prodavač
* Od ní
* Kamaráde, pusť ten kolotoč
* Strašidelný vlak
* Pojedou
* Ohio
* Osud
* Jaro
* Náš vůz
* Matterhorn
* Svítá ve tvých tvářích
* Lojza a Líza
* Poslední veřejné oběšení v Západní Virginii
* Dialog 2000
* Co na Fešáky neplatí
* Zas mě volá Georgia
* Šéfe
* Duhové znamení
* Komedianti nestárnou
* Country bál
* Hvězda Countryon
* Dnes beru
* Jsi pojem
* Bílý hrob
* Deprese
* Konec smutku
* Jak se mám



Paní má se má


Dnes beru


Jaro

Pavel Bobek

     The Legend of music. We can compare him with Johnny Cash.
Pavel Bobek is absolute professional in Czech music scene, without discussion. He has sang many different music styles, the most of his musical material is in country style.

He was born in Prague, in September 16, 1937. After leaving exam in secondary school, he started to study on Faculty of architecture and structural engineering in Prague. During this study, he started to sing in band FAPS, later in Studio Of Bigbeat Music, from 1959 in PARAVAN theatre. Same, as many his friends, he preferred rock-n-roll.

After graduation, he worked as engineer – architect.

In 1963, he agreed with angaging as solo singer in Olympic (very famous band, the oldest band in Czechoslovakia music, they play rock-n-roll). Year 1964 brought recording with rock-n-roll hits Sweet Little Sixteen, Oh Boy! and duet with Pavel Šváb Sealed With A Kiss. Next year he recorded single with songs Memphis, Tennessee and Rave on.

In 1965 he exited Olympic and after two years he was already permanent member of SEMAFOR (theatre), where he was till 1990.

Cooperation with Jiří Grossmann brought him No. 1 in Top Ten of Supraphon (recording studio, one of a few studios in Czechoslovakia) with single Oh, Ruby, nechtěj mi lásku brát (origin Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town, by Kenny Rogers), next year No.2 with song Houston. Next success singles were Vincent and Nedělní ráno. Not even this success helped him to recorded solo album in this studio, that’s why he leave them and went to Panton.
In this recording studio in 1975 was recorded album Veď mě dál, cesto má (origin by John Denver - Take me home, country roads). In this album there were popular songs such as Pojď stoupat jak dým, Má dívka N (Ann – The Kingston Trio, melody composer Billy Edd Wheeler), Já jsem byl bloud, Víš, kto ti smí z tvých vlásků copy splést?, Nedělní ráno.

As member of Semafor (theatre), he showed with Jiří Grossmann and Miloslav Šimek in their show.

From time to time he produced some albums. The most popular album was Pojď dál a zpívej (1978) and single Lásko, mě ubývá sil. This single was all 13 months No. 1 in Top Ten Supraphon.

Other famous albums were Zkus se životu dál smát (1980), Stárnoucí mladík (1984).

He recorded duets with many singers, I can tell you for example with Marie Rottrová (S tím bláznem si nic nezačínej (1985), Dálniční hlídka (1990), Muž na konci světa (1991), Z nebe padá ranní déšť (1993), Country Boy (1993) and Bůh mě má rád (1993), Amanda, Noční déšť jde Georgií).


Discography:
(2008) Muž, který nikdy nebyl IN - Universal Music
(2007) Nedělní ráno - Universal Music
(2007) Antologie - Supraphon (2CD)
(2006) 40 hitů od A do Z - Universal Music (2CD)
(2005) Muž, který nikdy nebyl IN - Brothers Records
(2002) Všem dívkám, co jsem měl kdy rád - Universal Music
(2000) Jsem pouhý známý - Venkow Records
(1998) Pavel Bobek v Lucerně - Venkow Records
(1996) Bůh má mě rád - Bonton Music
(1995) Hejno padlých andělů - Monitor EMI
(1994) The Best Of Pavel Bobek Volume II - Panton
(1993) Zvláštní věc - Supraphon
(1993) Pojď dál a zpívej - Supraphon
(1992) The Best Of Pavel Bobek Volume I - Supraphon
(1992) Muž v zrcadle - Panton
(1988) Já přitom byl - Panton
(1986) Galaportrét - Panton
(1984) Stárnoucí mladík - Panton
(1982) The Stranger - Artia
(1981) Zkus se životu dál smát - Panton
(1981) Profil - Supraphon
(1975) Veď mě dál, cesto má - Panton

Compilations:
(2008) Okno mé lásky - Universal music -03. Všem dívkám, co jsem měl kdy rád (duet with Karel Gott)
(2008) Nejlepší písničky O Lásce všech dob - Universal Music - 14. Pavel Bobek - Lásko, mně ubývá sil -cd2
(2007) Nejlepší výběr 80.let všech dob - Universal Music -18. Lásko, mně ubývá sil
(2007) Holky z naší školky - Universal Music -18. Má dívka „N"
(2007) Zrejme letos nikde nejsou kytky - Universal Music -13. Divoká růže (duet with Marií Rottrovou)
(2007) Nejlepší country výběr všech dob - Universal Music -10. Veď mě dál, cesto má (Take Me Home, Country Roads) -cd2 / 07. Oh, Ruby, nechtěj mi lásku brát (Ruby, Don’t Take Your LoveTo Town)
(2007) Hold Johnnymu Cashovi - Supraphon
(2007) Den, kdy se vrátí láska - Universal Music -09. Zavolám a jen ozvěna se vrátí
(2007) Je jaká je - Universal Music -08. Nnedělní ráno / 15. Veď mě dál cesto má
(2006) Karaoke 2 - Universal music -04. Houston
(2006) Legendy českého popu 60.léta - Universal music -07. Oh, Ruby, nechtěj mi lásku brát
(2006) Country superpohoda - Supraphon -01. Country boy (Lord Have Mercy On A Country Boy) / 15. Pojď se mnou touhle ulicí / 14. Z nebe padá ranní déšť (Early Morning Rain)-cd2 / 24. Lásko, mně ubývá sil (Lucille)-cd2
(2006) Snídaně v trávě - Universal Music -07. Pojď stoupat jak dým / 13. S tím bláznem si nic nezačínej (duet s Marií Rottrovou)
(2006) Zamilovaná - Universal Music -03. Divoká růže (duet s Marií Rottrovou)/ 17. Dítě květin
(2005) Hej pane diskžokej - Universal Music -15. Veď mě dál cesto má
(2005) Mr. Rock & Mr. Roll - Supraphon - Pavel Bobek a Olympic -02. Oh Boy!/08. Memphis, Tennessee/10. Rock Around The Clock
(2005) Hitparáda 90. let - Supraphon -21. Obludárium duet s Bolkem Polívkou -cd1
(2004) Hitparáda 70. let - Supraphon -19. Veď mě dál, cesto má
(2003) Naše country hity - Supraphon -10. Veď mě dál, cesto má
(2002) Country Pohoda I - Supraphon -02. Muž na konci světa (Seven Spanish Angels) / 21. Pojď se mnou touhle ulicí
(1999) Superhity století 1970-1979 - Universal Music -13.Oh,Ruby,nechtěj mi lásku brát
(1998) Hity z našeho saloonu - Monitor EMI -12. Noční déšť jde Georgií
(1997) Country dálnice 2 - Venkow Records
(1994) Hity 1970 - Supraphon -11. Oh, Ruby, nechtěj mi lásku brát (Ruby, Don´t Take Your Love To Town)
(1993) Hity 1974 - Supraphon

Oh Boy! - Pavel Bobek & Olympic


Country boy


Můj rodný dům

Festivals in Slovakia and Czech (Part 3)

PORTA

The legend of country and folk festivals in past Czechoslovakia. Many famous artists started there such as Rangers, Greenhorns, Michal Tučný, Jaroslav Nohavica, etc.
     History of this famous festival started in 1967 in Ústí nad Labem. The first name of it was Celostátní festival country western music (National festival of country western music). Name Porta was derived by Labe Valley, which has name Porta Bohemica. Organizers were group of fans with Jiří Šosvald (nick name Western Grandfather) as head of them.
     Festival consists from regional competitions, the winners upgrade. This competition gets opportunity to amateur's bands and freshly, who play folk, country and tramp song.
     In the beginning the festival has two parts - country&western and tramp bands. In the second year there was established writer's competition. In the next years there were established new categories (tramp song, folk). Interest of bands was huge. Interests were above festival's opportunities,
Porta has success, radios brought Porta's songs, news started to distribute songbooks with tramp songs, in 1969 were recorded the first SP and EP.
     In 1970 was created bulletin Portýr and from that time it's interconnected with each Porta festival.
     Normalization forgot not even Porta. Therefore organizer had to change. SZM (Socialist Youth Union) became him. At the same time there had to be changing also categories and for next years competition was only in writer's category. Category Folk&Country was out of competition.

Some results of winners:

1967 - Country & Western:

• 1.Rangers (Praha)
• 2.Greenhorns (Praha)
• 3.Strings of Tennessee (Praha)
• 4.AZ septet (Ústí n. Labem)
• 5.Caravell Western (Trnava)

      - Tramp Bands:

• 1.Mohykáni (Praha)
• 2.Stopa (Pardubice)
• 3.Peklo (Semtín)
• 4.Velká naděje (Praha)
• 5.Compardos (Přibyslav)

1968 - Writers:

• 1.Krinolína, author - Kapitán Kid
• 2.Poslední míle, author - Miki Ryvola
• 3.Už nejsi, Nevado, author - Jenda Korda, Arnošt Mošna
• 4.Trail to Island, author - Miki Ryvola
• 5.Savana, author - Kapitán Kid

      - Country & Western:

• 1.Rangers (Praha)
• 2.Greenhorns (Praha)
• 3.Truckers
• 4.White Stars
• 5.Spirituál kvintet

      - Tramp Bands:

• 1.Vavasatch (Brno)
• 2.Červánek
• 3.Hoboes (Čechy)
• 4.Stopa (Pardubice)
• 5.Peklo (Semtín)

1969 - Writers:

• 1.Vyhaslý oheň, author - Milan Šebesta
• 2.Pojď už spát, author - Jiří Šosvald
• 3.Zasněný cowboy, author - Jan Kněžínek

      - Traditional Country:

• 1.White Stars (Praha)
• 2.Bluegrass Hoppers (Ústí n. Labem)
• 3.Strangers (Ústí n. Labem)

      - Modern Country:

• 1.Rivalové (Praha)
• 2.Caravell Western (Trnava)
• 3.Ontario (Ostrava)

      - Folk:

• 1.Minnesengři (České Budějovice)
• 2.The Worried Man (Vídeň)
• 3.Perpetual Vagabonds (Praha)

      - Tramp song:

• 1.Scarabeus (Praha)
• 2.Hoboes (Čechy)
• 3.Červánek

1970 - Writers:

• 1.Rumovej ďas, author - Kapitán Kid
• 2.Vyhaslý oheň, author - Milan Šebesta
• 3.Šťastnej tulák, author - Wabi Ryvola

      - Traditional Country:

• 1.Smokey Mountain Rangers (Amsterodam)

      - Modern Country:

• 1.Strangers (Ústí nad Labem)

      - Folk:

• 1.Spirituál kvintet (Praha)

      - Tramp song:

• 1.Scarabeus (Praha)
• 2.Hoboes (Čechy)
• 3.Compardos (Žďár nad Sázavou)

1971 - Writers:

• 1.Pane Bóže vod tý lásky zachraň nás, author - Miki Ryvola
• 2.Tommy, author - Wabi Daněk
• 3.Maděra, author - Kapitán Kid

      - Tramp song:

• 1.Plížák (Sokolov)
• 2.(Praha)
• 3.Island (Ústí nad Labem)

1972 - Tramp song:

• 1.Pacifik, Bizoni
• 2.Termiti, Plížák
• 3.Stopa

1976 - Tramp song:

• 1.Brontosauři, Krakatit
• 2.Slzy, Variace
• 3.Verumka, Vodnáři, Wyjou

Discography:
Porta, Supraphon 1980
Cesty '85, Panton na Portě - LIVE, Panton 1985
Cesty, Svojšický slunovrat - LIVE, Panton 1986
Porta '82, Supraphon 1983
Porta '83, Supraphon 1984
Porta '84, Supraphon 1985
Porta '85, Supraphon 1986
Porta '86, Supraphon 1987
Porta, Supraphon 1988
20 let Porty, Supraphon 1986 (2 LP desks)
Porta '88, Supraphon 1988
Porta 1990, Porta 1990

Festivals in Slovakia and Czech (Part 2)

In previous post I wrote about country festivals in Slovakia. In this post, I´d like to introduce you next festivals in Slovakia.

In the end I bring you calendar of must known country and folk festivals in Slovakia, together with dates, places and links on their websites.


DOBROFEST

This festival is the oldest fest in Slovakia. The first time we could visit it in 1992 (that's means this fest is older than Slovakia, because Slovak Republic was established in 1.1. 1993, when Czechoslovakia was divided).

This festival is devoted to memory of John Dopyer (1893-1988). He was born in Trnava, Slovakia, but in youth (1908) he immigrated to US. He invented resophonic or resonator guitar – DOBRO. There were many famous dobro players to pay a tribute to his memory, such as music band Blue Highway (US), Jerry Douglas (US), Bob Brozman(US), Rob Ickes(US), Randy Kohrs(US), Peter Rowan(US), Mike Auldridge(US), trio Cox(US), Clifford & Bartley (US), Zubot & Dawson (Canada), Dave Peabody (GB), Papa George (GB), Gypsy Dave Smith (Australia), Ken Emerson (Havai) and many others from continental Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Netherland, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Polland, Hungary, Czech Bulgary and Slovakia of course).

Dobro or resophonic guitar – the first time dobro was found in 20-tieth of last century in US.

Many people there still think that this instrument is original American public instrument. From US Dobro came abroad and extremely changed sound of the popular music.


FOLKOVANIE POD SKALKOU

In the last weekend of July, go to the XII year of Country and Folk Fest There will be in Liptovský Hrádok. It's small town in the north part of Slovakia There is Aqua Park near, you can go to relax there and spend nice hours in the warm water. Or visit High Tatras, which are also near).

In this festival singers or bands (country, folk, bluegrass or some similar styles) can come to play and introduce their own production.


FOLKOVANIE S ČERNOU HOROU

In the same time you can be also in the other action. Also in Liptovský Hrádok.


BLUEGRASS FEST

Bluegrass came from US. It was created to mix different music styles, which immigrants brought with themselves to new land. Characteristic instruments are banjo, mandolin, violin, guitar, contrabass, dobro. Last year there was the famous American bluegrass lady Claire Lynch (USA). She opened the festival.


FEST DOBRÉ BOHUNICE

Festival of a small music forms. Last year there were many guests from more than 12 countries (3 continents).

The main target of this fest is support of Slovak bands.


BAŽANT POHODA

This isn't country or folk festival, but it's very famous and popular fest. I could say POHODA is the largest festival in Slovakia. Larger than Country Lodenica.

Calendar of some festivals in Slovakia:

Name	Date	Place
Wilsonic	June, 6. 2008	Bratislava
Bluegrassfest	June, 10. - 11. 2008	Bratislava
Junifest	June, 13. – 22. 2008	Bratislava
Streetfest	June, 20. - 21. 2008	Malacky
Truck Country	June, 20. – 22. 2008	Piešťany
Fajn Fest	June, 22. 2008	Bratislava
Guitarfest	June, 23. - 28. 2008	Bratislava
Country Mlyn	June, 26. – 28. 2008	Malacky
Sigord 2007	June, 22.- 23. 2008	Prešov
Radimovksá Šopa	June, 22. - 24. 2008	Radimov
Dobrofest	June, 26. - 28. 2008	Trnava
Topvar Rock Fest	June, 27. - 28. 2008	Zelená Voda, Nové Mesto nad Váhom
Festival Revište	June, 27. - 28. 2008	Žarnovica
Hodokvas	July, 4. - 5. 2008	Piešťany
Country Stopa	July, 11. - 12. 2008	Dudince
Pohoda	July, 18. - 19. 2008	Trenčín
Drotária Fest	July, 20. - 22. 2008	Turzovka
Fest Dobré Bohunice	July, 25. – 27. 2008	Jaslovské Bohunice
Folkovanie pod Skalkou	July, 25. – 26. 2008	Liptovský Hrádok
Folkovanie s Černou Horou	July, 25. – 26. 2008	Liptovský Hrádok
Žákovic Open	July, 25. - 26. 2008	Turčianske Bohuslavice
Country Oravice	July, 19. 2008	Tvrdošín
Folk&Music Fest	July, 31. - August, 02.2008	Banská Štiavnica
Rača Fest	August, 8. - 9. 2008	Bratislava
Country Fest Rozmarín	August, 8.-9. 2008	Terchová, Žilina
Červeník	August, 8. - 10. 2008	Červeník, Leopoldov
Stupavský Širák	August 24. - 25. 2008	Stupava
Lodenica	August, 28. – 30. 2008	Piešťany
Autoslide	January, 4, 2009	Žarnovica
Bluessový Ostrov		Žarnovica
Ropucha		Púchov

Festivals in Slovakia and Czech (Part 1)

     Maybe festivals here in Slovakia aren't as huge as in US, but you can also feel great atmosphere there. Main season of festival starts in April and the end is usually on the last August weekend. The weather comes better, more sun is shinning and it's right decision build one's tent. Here in Slovakia people don't interest to country style of life as much as in Czech republic, but it doesn't matter, the atmosphere of each festivals is great.

Here are the best known festivals:

STUPAVSKÝ ŠIRÁK

This action is more folk than country festival. It's in Stupava, small town near of Bratislava (about 20 km far). Usually it's organized in the area of amphitheatre. There isn't so much place for tents, but many people sleep under stars. This festival lasts 2 days.
It was my first country festival, that I have ever visited. I was there twice, but now I prefer Country Lodenica. Maybe because Lodenica is more open. There is more place, more artists, more.... I don't know how to explain it. I know this will be bad comparison but try to compare the Woodstock festival with some local fest. I think I'm out with this comparison, however is it relevant distraction between these festivals.


COUNTRY MLYN

Small, but well-known festival in the car camping, only 30 km far from Bratislava, just on highway from Bratislava to Prague. I have to admit, I have never been there. I know, it's not far, but ... What can I say on my defense? I want to go there more times, but the program wasn't enough attractive for me. Now it's better and maybe this year I'll go to visit it. It's traditional country music festival, which is usually in the last weekend of June.

This year there will be also Indian’s village. Its purpose is to show culture of prairie’s Indians and objects, that were necessary for their everyday life, such as wearing, ornaments, utility, musical instruments and many others.
Children can try shooting from bow, throwing of tomahawk or javelin or horse riding. Also children can use their fantasy and make some necklaces from leather with Indian motives, face painting, etc.


COUNTRY LODENICA

It's the biggest country, folk and tramp festival here, in Slovakia. This festival usually finished summer season. Every year this festival is in the last weekend of August. In Piešťany (town about 80 km far from Bratislava - the capital city of Slovakia). In the title of this festival is Lodenica and that's right. This festival is in the shipyard and car camp; always it lasts for 3 days.

This year it will be 10 year anniversary. During this time festival became the most popular in all middle Europe. You can meet there people of all ages. Besides music, you can find there children town, face painting, inflatable attractions, many competitions, modeling from clay, horse riding, children dance school, beach volley, trips to countryside, puppet show, etc.

As I wrote above, the festival is in Piešťany's shipyard and that's why there should have enough place. Maybe, but in the last August weekend, you will not be able to find none, especially, if you'll come at the evening. During day the forest of tent grows up, some small, some huge, some for whole music bands. Also scene for all artists show is prepared. During all three days there are many artists from Slovakia and also from Czech Republic. (Czech Republic has many famous country and folk singers, that style is more preferred in that country than in Slovakia. There is a tradition to go on water as waterman, or wander in the nature. Czechs are usually looking for adventures and many of them don't accept instructions or restrictions and because of that many of them lost their life.)

It is fact, that in Czech Republic is more folk and country interprets and bands than in Slovakia and they are more known and more popular like Slovak interprets.

In Country Lodenica you can find well known and also less known bands. The program is usually from 4 PM to 3 AM, but people spend more time in the huge tents (kiosks). Why? There are a lot of players on guitars and on other instruments and they play amount of the most popular and well known country and folk songs. Somebody comes on Lodenica only to meet friends, to sing in the tents and doesn't matter about official program on the scene. It's typical public meeting, with very interesting and pleasant atmosphere. I like it so much.

Every year I am looking forward for this action. There I also met a band Jackpot first time. It is small music band; its members are boys about 30 years old. All of them live in Bratislava or in small villages around the town.


TRUCK COUNTRY

If you will to stay in Piešťany longer time (or if you will travel around Slovakia), you can visit also Truck Country.

It's meeting of trucks. It isn't celebration only for trucks lovers, but also all motorist's community. They could meet together and spent a nice weekend with fine music. Truck Country offers many attractions, as competition of trucks, competition of drive ability, Miss body painting, Miss wet T-shirt, dance bands, inflatable attractions, electric cars, four wheel cars, stunt men, many adrenalin shows and etc. They don't forget children. There is Entertainment Town carnival for them.

Last year there were about 600 truck drivers from 6 countries and thousands viewers. And where is it? In Piešťany, on the airport.

Javory - Ulrychovi

     This band is legend of the folk music in Slovakia and Czech. The head protagonists are siblings – brother and sister (Peter and Hana Ulrych).

Peter Ulrych
     He was born in February 21, 1944 in Hradec Králové (Czech).After high school he studied air engineering on Military Academy. But he had never worked in this line of business. Immediately after graduation he became professional music player. During study he teach playing on piano, two years he studied music composition and play on contrabass.
     In 1961 he co-founded Divadlo bez hraníc (Theater without boundaries).
     In 1964 he came to rock band Vulkan and in 1967 to band Atlantis. There came also his sister Hana. With this band, they performed in theater Rokoko, in show Nepůjdem do kláštera. The greatest hit was song Nechoď do kláštera.
     Peter had tend to tacking folk and rock and this synthesis has been manifest during next years.
     In 1974 the band recorded album Nikola šuhaj loupežník. This successful album showed them their way in the future. Morava folk and public songs are the main repertory of the music band Javory. Peter is the manager, song writer and composer in the same person of this band.

Hana Ulrych
     She was born in March 31, 1949 in Liberec (Czech). From her youth she liked to sing. That's she was member of children choruses. With his brother Peter, she established Divadlo bez hraníc (Theater without boundaries). In 1964 she came to band Vulkan and after 3 years (1967) to Atlantis. She also performed with band Bluesmeni(Bluesmen).
     From 1968 she had solo career, in 1970 she cooperate with Dance Orchestra Czechoslovak Radio and with Orchestra of Gustav Brom.
     In 1971 she got Award Zlatá Bratislavská Lýra (Gold Bratislava Lyre). In 1974 she recorded album Nikola šuhaj loupežník with her brother Peter.
     Hana is the woman with strong, lovely and very neat voice.

Javory
     The band was established in 1974 by Peter and Hana Ulrych.

Actual members:
Peter Ulrych – singer, guitar
Hana Ulrych – singer
Dalibor Štrunc – cymbalo, singer
Kateřina Štruncová – violin, fipple flute, singer
Peter Surý – contrabass, singer

Discography:
LP 13 HP - 1970
LP Hej dámy, děti a páni - 1972
LP Nikola šuhaj loupežník - 1974
LP Meč a přeslice - 1975
LP Ententýny - 1978
LP Zpívání - 1982
LP Zpívání při vínečku - 1983
LP Bylinky - 1985
LP Příběh - 1987
LP Tichý hlas - 1988
LP Odyssea - 1990
CD Bílá místa - 1993
CD To nejlepší s Javory - 1994
CD O naději - 1997
CD The best of, ze straých LP - 1998
CD Pokoj lidem dobré vůle - 1998
CDSeď tiše a poslouchej - 1999
CD Malé zrnko písku - 1999
CD Koločava - 2002
VD Písně - 2005
CD Stromy, voda, tráva - 2006

Jízda králů


Nechoď do kláštera


Za vodou, za horou


Modlitba

Greenhorns

     What that name means? I know, you smile now, you can explain it. Of course, I know meaning of it too. In our language it's something like green ear, little pheasant, beginner, amateur. Stop, stop, stop. If yo