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Hello everybody.

Holidays finished and we all are back at job. I'm sure, somebody of us spent free days on romantic way or dream's islands (see up) with perfect person.

My holidays were different, but also nice. I spent holidays on way. But perfect way, I think. I spent it in adventure parks in Europe, especially in Germany and Belgium. (And I recommend you Europa park in Rust.) But I don't like to write about parks. This blog isn't about that, but about music, especially in country and folk music.

Last time I advertised Competition.

It hasn't so response as I've waited, but never mind. I thought of it and prepared own list and here it is:

• Rangers
• Jiří Grossmann
• Taxmeni
• Fešáci
• Waldemar Matuška

.

It isn't list what you've waited. These names are names of Czech bands and singers. Yes, they are my favourite. And also Bee Gees and ABBA, but it isn't Folk or Country, as you know.

And what about American singers. I prefer John Denver.


Rangers


Jiří Grossmann


Taxmeni


Fešáci


Waldemar Matuška

Festival Pohoda - tragic 13th annual

Last weekend in Slovakia was the 13th annual of Bazant Pohoda. Music program was rich. On Thursday started British electronic formation Basement Jaxx and next Royal Choral Society. During next days there was legendary american poet Patti Smith and famous Czech interpret Marta Kubisova.

People saw Lou Rhodes and Andy Barlow with their project Lamb, headliner music band Travis, Klaxons, The Ting Tings, Hadouken. Also English-Sweeden formation Razorlight.

Slovak scene was represented by Collegium Musicum with Marian Varga, Richard Muller, Andrej Seban and Hudba z Marsu, Noisecut, traditional bands Zive Kvety, Hex, Tomas Sloboda Sounds Like This, Slobodna Europa, Para and Karol Miklos.

As you can see, this fest is full of good music and this year was not exception.

But, ...
Unfortunately this annual was different.

This annual has number 13th and somebody believes that this number is unlucky.

Bazant Pohoda is traditional organized on Trencin airport. By agency report, there were about 100 casualty people and 1 man died. Very strong wind detach O2 Arena. This accident was during concert of AMO and United Flavours. In that time there were more than one hundreds people.

What's happened?

Official news by TA3:
Police Investigation Into Tragedy at Pohoda Underway

Bratislava, July 19 (TASR) - Police continue to investigate the tragic accident that occurred at the Pohoda music festival on Saturday afternoon and claimed the life of a 29-year-old man from Piestany (Trnava region), spokesman for Police Corps Presidium Martin Korch said on Sunday.

There have been no new findings concerning the accident at Slovakia's largest open-air music festival, he added.

A severe storm accompanied by gusts of wind hit the area at around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, bringing down a large tent covering the O2 Arena. Crowds of people were underneath the canopy at the time.

According to an eye-witness, the O2 Arena acted as a kind of "flytrap", as "it was the only place at Pohoda where a gig was underway at the time of the accident, so thousands of festival-goers pushed their way in there."

He added that the organisers warned people that they should gather at the edges of the tent, so that they could leave quickly if advised to do so. "Unfortunately, the gusts of wind rushed in so quickly that they didn't manage to warn the people under the tent."

In addition to the death of the young man, three more young people sustained severe injuries and were operated on in hospitals in Trencin, Zilina and Martin (Zilina region). Another 18 people remain in the Trencin Hospital's trauma ward. A total of 40 people were admitted into nine hospitals. Another 52 festival-goers were given first aid.

The 13th annual Pohoda festival was called off after the accident, and the festival participants were evacuated.

"We took some 10,000 people from the airport to Trencin railway station, to the Druzba culture house and to Opatovce (Trencin region)," said spokesperson the Trencin branch of Slovak Bus Transport (SAD) Ivana Strelcova. All the public-transport buses from the town and neighbouring area were used to evacuate the festival-goers, she stressed.

tf/df

Bazant Pohoda Festival 2009 TV Spots


Pohoda 2009 Trencin last seconds before the accident


Pohoda 2009 O2 arena breakdown


Pohoda 2009 O2 arena breakdown


Pohoda 2009 Trencin (exkluzivni zabery cele tragedie)

Festival Pohoda

Summer is here and many people only wait for a weekend, when they can go to dance or to listen music on some summer festivals.

From history of this the greatest festival in Slovakia:

Michal Kascak is musician and progenitor of this fest. He was a member of music band Bez ladu a skladu. During 90-teen he had established his own festival and kept his dream.

Everything began in 1997, when started the 1-st annual of Bažant Pohoda festival. It was only small fest, only about 2000 guests, one main stage and show of some Slovak and Czech music bands. Nothing special. Place of fest - town station.

Next year brought some changes, one of them was changing of place - to Areál Pod Sokolicami, the other was dance stage. The 2-nd annual and 3000 guests, 9 music bands.

The 3-rd annual and 8000 guest, 22 famous bands as Skulpey (USA), Werk (A), Másfél (H), Ole lukkoye (RUS), Auktyon (RUS), Jaroslav Filip (SK) Varga + Šeban+ Rózsa + Buntaj (SK) and others.

Year 2000 brought other changes. The4th annual had name Topvar Pohoda fest and it impel to change place. Again. There was main stage (alternative, rock, pop, world music, dance music), rock stage (rock, punk, alternative, pop) and two dance stages. Music bands : Bomfunk MCS (FIN), Vinx (USA), ISM (GB), Zóna A (SK), Homage and Jaro Filip (SK), Will White – Propellerheads (GB), Lol Hammond – Girl eats boy (GB), 808 state (GB) etc. Total 19 bands on main stage. Rock stage and 19 bands (Twinkles (ITA)). The first time there were escort actions: vernisage of photograhy from Pohoda 99, happenings, performance, graffiti; cinema in areal, tatoo, piercing, literatúre, CD shop, tea-room, internet cafe, adrenalin sports, competitions, exhibitions, bungee jumping, tandem jumps, hot-flue balon, motocars, bungee running, skate park, air castle. 20 000 guests per day. General partner was Topvar company (that' s why name Topvar Pohoda).

In 2001 festival grew up, they added other stage (there were now main stage, dance stage 1, dance stage 2, dance stage 3, rock/hip hop stage and rock open-air stage).

From 6-th annual to these days the name of festival is Bažant Pohoda, because general partner became Zlatý Bažant company (producer of bier). Stages: main stage: alternative, rock, pop, ska, dance music; Kofola stage: world music, rock, punk, alternatíve, pop, ska; Smint stage: techno; Durex stage: house, drum´n´bass, techhouse; Kenvelo stage: experiment, chill out, nu jazz, minimal, Blaupunkt stage: live acts, alternatíve, hip-hop, rock; Jah Jam stage: reggae, dance hall, dub, ska - 20000 guests per day.

The 7th was similar as 6th. But on 8th people met on new place - airport. From that time, festival is still on airport. More place, more guests, more fun, more music, more attractions.

• Stages: Bažant stage: alternative, rock, pop, ska, dance music;
• Kofola stage: world music, reggae;
• Chio stage: rock, punk, alternative;
• Aréna TB: theatre, literature, discusions, chamber music;
• Durex stage: drum´n´bass, hip hop;
• Kenvelo stage: techno, techhouse;
• Rock FM oáza: reggae, indies, rock;
• Algidance chillout tent : chill out, live acts

There were Chumbawamba (GB), Rescate (ARG), Tata bojs (CZ), Amparanoia (E/Cuba), Dan Bárta + Illustratosphere (CZ), I am X (GB), Asian Dub foundation sound system (GB), Zóna A (SK), Vypsaná fixa (CZ), Štefan Hríb, Juraj Kušnierik + Radovan Kazda, Marián Huba, Misha, Jana Belišová, Petr Fiala, Jozef Lupták, Ladislav Snopko, Vladimír Palko, Fedor Gál, Valerij Kupka, Marian Milčák, Primož Repar, Stanislava Chrobáková-Repar, Marek Vadas, Eman Erdélyi, Monika Kompaníková, Vlado Janček, Michal Hvorecký, Zuzana Šeršeňová, Tibor Holoda, Joachim Dvořák, Jaroslav Rudiš.
You was able to listen music, to watch theatre, photography, bažant cinematograph.
Escort actions: Liga za duševné zdravie: chalk-talks and discussion about brainwork.
Easy park: adrenalín sports, competitions, exhibitions, atractions, paintball, volejball, football, spinball duo, cobweb, rent of sportng goods.
Total in word - 127 music bands.

I don t want to repeat words about perfect atmosphere on next annuals. You can see photos and ask people, who were there. Always there was much fun, good music and each annuals had left a lot of unforgoten memorries in everybody, who was there.

Joan Baez @ Bazant Pohoda 08


Utah Saints - Something Good


Mr. Oizo - Flat Beat (Bazant Pohoda 2008)

Spiritual Kvintet II

Next reorganization of the group became with leaving of Karel Zich, in season 1973/74. Spirituál started to show with tramp group (later named Brontosauři) with brothers Jan and František Nedvěd and Zdenka Tosková. Next year leaved Jarka Hadrabová and came Eva Lifková.

In 1980 Eva Lifková married and went to Francie, in its stead became Irena Budweiserová. Very short time, we had seen also Lenka Slabá and Jan Nedvěd in the group.

During revolutionary events (November 23, 1989), the group sang on Prague squares, (two presidents sang with them Vaclav Havel and George Bush senior). For next american president Bill Clinton, the group showed in Reduta in January 1994. In this time, the member was Karel Zich again. František Nedvěd became in 1992 after his brother after recording of album Rajská zahrada.
In 2000 Olda Ortinský leaved Spiritual, came Jirka Cerny, who was band-master of music band C&K Vocal.

Year 2004 was written by black letters to the history of this band. This year, exactlu in July 13, their member Karel Zich drowned in the Medi, during his diving trip. It wasn´t the first time, what the band lost one of the members (two of the foundation-members, manager of the band), but it was the first time, what Spiritual had to say good-bye to one of the youngest members from actual arrangement.

It was very hard leave-taking. Karl Zich was great singer and player (his nick was Elvis Presley of Czecho-Slovakia).

In September 2004 became Jiří Holoubek to the band from Relief.

The next member Oldřich Orlický dead in May 3, 2006.

Members:
Irena Budweiserová, sing, percuse
Zdena Tichotová, sing, percuse
Dušan Vančura, sing, kontrabas
Jiří Cerha, sing, perkuse
Jiří Tichota, 6-streams guitar, band-master
Jiří Holoubek, guitar

Discography:

• Písničky z roku raz dva, Supraphon 1973, reedice 2003


• Spirituály a balady, Supraphon 1978, reedice 1995, 2007


• Saužení lásky, Supraphon 1981, reedice 1996, 2007


• 20 let, Supraphon 1984, reedice 1993


• Šlapej dál, Panton 1985, reedice 1994


• Every Time I Feel The Spirit, Panton 1986


• Šibeničky, Panton 1988, reedice 2003


• Za svou pravdou stát, Panton 1990


• Hallelu, Panton 1991, reedice 2007


• Rajská zahrada, Panton 1992, reedice 2001


• Antologie 1960-1995, Sony/Bonton 1994, reedice 2003


• Hanba nám!, Monitor 1994


• Na káře, Pupava 1997


• Vánoční koncert, Monitor-EMI 1998


• Křídla holubic, Pupava 2002


• Karel Zich a Spirituál kvintet, Sony Music 2004


• Křížem krážem, Sony BMG 2005


• 45 let archiv, Sony BMG 2006


• Spirituál kvartet, Supraphon 1963


• Spirituál kvintet, Traditional jazz studio, Supraphon 1967


• Spirituál kvintet, Supraphon 1971


• Čtwero pjsnj, Panton 1986, reedice 2007

Participation :

• Dostavník


• Písně amerického západu, 1969


• 20 let Porty


• Porta 1


• Porta 2


• Country fontána 97


• Folkové balady


• F & C Hity


• 20 folkových písní 1


• 20 folkových písní 2

Dvě Báby


Válka růží


Za svou pravdou stát


Třešničky


Mlýny

Spiritual Kvintet I

This music band was established in autumn time in 1960 by four members of Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, mainly by initiative of Ivo Mach, nick name Dědek (Granfather). It was man quartet. Members were Miroslav Keller (tenor - nick Velký Bubo (Great Bubo)), Miloslav Kastelovič (barytone - nick Kagan, or Malý Bubo (Small Bubo)) and Jiří Tichota (usually bandmaster - nick Tichák).

The first public presentation came after 2 years, on International Jazz Festival in Karlovy Vary. The name was Spiritual Kvartet and this band was the first folk music band in Czechoslovakia. In that time, the word "folk" was unknown in this area. That's why they present themselves on jazz concerts, usually with band Junior Trio, S+H Quintet or Tradiotional Jazz Studio P. Smetáčka. With last band they recorded some albums for recording studio Supraphon.

It was so long time ago, when they had listened american legend music band The Weavers. From that time, they wanted to be like them. After Věra Nerušilováwho was also a member of band Incognito Kvartet, Růženka Helebrantová (nick Odetta) came in and from that time here is Kvintet. Later the band had more members, but the name didn't change more.

From 1964 Spiritual Kvintet had periodic program in Theathe Na Zábradlí. In 1967 two members Mach and Keller leaved band (they went on long-term business trip abroad). Next year (in August) Růženka emigrated to Swiss.

Everybody thought this would be end of this band but it didn't. In 1969 came Karel Zich and Jarka Hadrabová. The band showed also with Olda Ortinský Dušan Vančura and Honza Thorovský (he substituded Kagan who returned to Slovakia).

This membership existed only 4 years, but during this period the band wined recognition on country and folk festivals (Porta 70, Golden Tele 71). Also they changed scene to Theatre Atelier. They released their first albums in czech Písně amerického západu and Písničky z roku dva.

As I said more times (try to see Rangers, Taxmeni, Greenhorns, Fešáci), came normalization and everything pertinated with it. Club were closed, some students had to leave Faculty, band had to finished its activities. Fortunately only for shot time.

Tom Dooley


Banua Jail


Mává nám svěm svobodná zem

Waldemar Matuska IV

On Saturday, the country world lost one of his members, the famous and memorable singer Waldemar Matuška.

He won recognition by his low and flannelly voice. Death cause was pneumonia and heart failure. He died on Florida, May 30, 2009, aged 76.

His success in 60-teen became with song Suvenir. As one czechoslovak agency wrote about him: "he has hoodlumy sex appeal, beard, evil-eyes and sparkle by energy, he was oposite of his show-business college Karel Gott". And Waldemar said: " I m type of vagabond, tramp and singers".

Maybe it is destiny, but this weekend I was on one country action. Some friends met, played guitar, sang. We played many songs of him. It was shock to came home on Sunday evening and got to hear that bad news.



Quit Quittin


Quit Quittin

Waldemar, Walda, will always of my heard. For ever.

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

Zalman

     Czech music band without official established day. The beginning is allowed to be day of the first concert of trio Žalman in Porta in 1982. The basic member was Pavel Lohonka, Pavlína Jíšová and Antonín Hlaváč.

Later the name was changed to Žalman & spol. and this name became the legend of Country scene in Czecho-Slovakia.

After some singles, the first album was Žalman & spol. in 1987. In 1988 came other members (Jaroslav Matějů, Vojta Zícha) and this arrangement became the most favourite of all the band’s history. In 1992 they released album Jantarova Země and movie Folk a Folklor. In the same year, the band finished its existence, but thanks only for short time.

In same year, in 1992 new Žalman & spol. was established with two past members (Lenka Slabá, Jaroslav Kovář). The band produced new albums Hodina usmíření, Tu neděli po ránu, reedition of Jantarova země, Písně sebrané pod stolem.

In summer time there was the first holiday’s camp for young musicians named OASA MUSA and it was released album Potlach v mé duši, what was selection of Žalman tramp songs from 1962 – 1982.

In 1995 was changes membership, Lenka Slabá leaved the band and Michaela Krmíčková came. After this arrival was produced album Pocestný do sedmého nebe, which was followed by same name’s film.

The members in that time were:
Pavel Lohonka
Michaela Krmíčková
Vojtěch Zícha
Jaroslav Matějů
Petr Novotný

Thanks to Canadian countrymen, the band had some concerts in Vancouver and Calgary and they made trip through Rocky Mountains. From this journey, they created document movie.

In 1997 the history was repeat and the band was disband and established again. There was released album Sbohem romantiko with many guests and also some past members of the band.

From October 1997 till today the band has same members:
Pavel Lohonka – guitar, sing
Jindřiška Petráková – flute, perkus, sing
Jan Brož – guitar, sing
Petr Novotný – basguitar, keyboard, sing

In this arrangement, there were released albums Láska a smrt, Ve znamení ryb, V roce jedna.

Intersection of the all production of Pavel Žalman (from period of Minnesengrů to last arrangement of Žalman) was double album – compilation named Žalman – Výběr nejlepších nahrávek. The other author album was Nápis na štítu domu from 2004.

     During all history of existence, the band and especially Pavel Lohonka got many awards as Zlatá Porta (Golden Porta – 1987), Velká Porta (Great Porta – 1992), Zlatý klíč (Golden Key – 2001 – inquiry of magazine Folk & Country after Album of the Year), Zlatá deska (Golden Record – albums Písně sebrané pod stolem, Pocestný do sedmého nebe, Sbohem romantiko, Ve znamení ryb), Krišťálová deska (Crystal Record).

Discography:
1987 – Žalman & spol.
1989 – Jantarova Země
1991 – Hodina Usmíření
1992 – Tu neděli po ránu
1992 – Když Bůh jihočechy stvořil
1993 – Žalman & spol. + Jantarová Země
1993 – Písně sebrané pod stolem
1994 – Potlach v mé duši
1995 – Pocestný do sedmého nebe
1996 – Živě na Moravě
1997 – Sbohem romantiko
1998 – Sbohem romantiko
1998 – Láska a smrt
2000 – Ve znamení ryb
2001 – … v roce jedna
2002 – Žalman - Výběr nejlepších nahrávek - double album
2004 – Nápis na štítu domu
2005 – Ráno bylo stejný
2006 – Zatracený písně
2007 – Mezi kameny

Filmography:
1990 – Folk a Folklór
1994 – Žalman & spol. Na cestě
1995 – Pocestný do sedmého nebe
1999 – Láska a smrt

Divokej horskej tymián


Jdem zpátky do lesů

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