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!

Historical festivals in Slovakia

     I'd like to write now about other festivals, festivals of historical fencing.

History of Europe is connected with many wars and wars are connected with warriors. When I stop to think of long-ago, when our ancestors run through ice plains of Europe to hound mammoths or yesteryear, when the wind blew away smell of gun-powder, there is so long time, when our dear ancestors hit together pell-mell.

In history, there exists period, which is more romantic than other, while nobody wants to live there. Dirt, famine, illnesses devastated all villages (black death, cholera, etc.). For invention of aspirin we have to wait for some centuries, same as for dental hygiene (toothbrush and paste are music of the future). To show there, for example with MP3 player or with notebook, you can wait tension on rack and then stake (it equals self-murder).

You can say: Of course, who would bring electronics to Middle Ages? Middle Ages. Dark period inclusive a few centuries and only few lights, which in the darkness lighten some events or persons, about we learned in the school (Battle of Hastings, Charles Great, Clovis I, 100-years war, Magna Charta, Joan of Arc, Marco Polo, Genghis Khan and his empire, etc.).

And what about some trifles, which are common used and we are unconscious of it. What about soap? OK, OK, soap was there, but not in that form, as we know it. It was so hard to wash with it. And why to wash? Hygiene wasn't important and it wasn't common standard in most parts of the world. Arabic world was better in this case.

Can you read? Of course, in the other way you would not be able to read this. This knowledge was, say openly, privilege of small group, same like writing. Knowledge about space, chemistry, biology and other sciences you can forget at home. These experiences should be very expensive for you and you could be nominated for charlatan or philologist. Both were dangerous and you could lose your life.

Despite of these negative facts, we are still fascinated by Middle Ages, with its stone guards in the mountains, with romantic of tournaments and heroism, with love to ladies of the court and troubadour's songs.

Knights, who were they? They were educated horse riders – warriors from aristocratic birth. They took part in crusades, which were declared to save God Grave from misbeliever' s hands (the first crusade was declared by pop Urban II, in November 27, 1095, in Clermont, France).

Usually knights were younger sons, which were out of heritage. Besides knowledge to struggle, the knights had to know also soft art of courteous poetry, straightness, protection of ladies and pure people. Of course, no everybody professed it.

To be knight, boy began to prepare from his 7 years old. He started as a servant in some aristocratic house. Besides his service near tables his lord, he helped him to wear the plate and also he went with lord to battles or tournaments.

On tournaments, knights showed their experiences in war to receive favor and love of his lady. Maybe the famous knight was Richard Lion heart.

The meeting of two different cultures (European and Islamic) had also its positive impact. Thanks collision with high cultured East, to Europe had came paper, glass mirrors, carpets, carrier-pigeon, Arabic numbers, windmills, spinach, artichokes, eggplants, coffee, tea, oil and softie shoe too.

Even also Greek culture and the master works of ancient civilization as Greece or Egypt (Arabic savants translated all works to their language. Thanks to them, many works had been well preserved for next generation), knowledge of astronomy, math and other sciences, which helped to develop Europe science.

During crusades there were established some brotherhood. Their results were protection of wayfarers to Holy land. They took care of wayfarer's finances. Between them, there were for example

Knights-Templar (The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon),

Teutonic knights,


Knights Hospitaller (also known as the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta).

Templars became the most powerful from these brotherhoods. During years they climbed to Banker of Europe. This position was disfavor of French king Philip IV, the most powerful monarch. He impeached them from the worst offences and heresy. Many hundreds of Knights were busted and after tortures they were burned at the stakes. Grand Master of brotherhood, Jacques de Molay, invited both king Philip IV of France and Pope Clement V to ordeal within a year. We know, that his divination became the true and both died to the end of year (Pope only 1 month later, king after hunting accident before the end of the year.)

In the 14-th century, after crusade's cancel, knights became to honest courtiers. Tournaments were organized even few years, but the period of knights was closed forever.

     In same time with knights, there grew troubadour tradition. Its origin can be founded in south France, in Poitier, on the court of Eleanor Aquitaine, the mother of Richard Lionheart. The troubadours traveled through Europe, visited the honor courts and castles and everywhere they sing or speak about romantic love to ladies, gallantry, religious and knight exploits.

Same as in other places of Europe, there are many fans in Slovakia. They established many bands of historical fencing. Their art is presented on festivals, which are usual on many Slovak castles, on different anniversaries or celebrations. Their shows are always very fascinated and always have a lot of viewers.

In Festivals, besides shows of battles horse riders or beetle-crushers, there are presentation of historical dances, music, and music instruments and also demonstrations of historical activities and production (smithery, ceramic ware, knitting of baskets, bobbin lace work, etc.) Sometime, there are possibilities for viewers to try some activities such as knitting, bobbin, shooting from bow, ceramic ware, horse riding, carpet making, painting of gingerbreads etc. These creative workshops are very popular for adults and also for children.
At the evening there starts fire show.

Calendar of Historical Festivals:

Date	Place	Name
May 01 – September 01. 2008	Trenčín	Period camp with shooting range a kitchen on Trenčín castle
May 03. 2008	Košice	Košice days, Weapon jangle in Abov
May 24. – 25. 2008	Stará Ľubovňa	Season opening in Stará Ľubovňa
May 17. – 18. 2008	Červený Kameň	Festival of historical fencing, music, dance and crafts Červený Kameň 2008
May 31. – September 06. 2008	Trenčín	Night competition on Trenčín castle
June 18. – September 09. 2008	Bratislava	Cultural Summer and castle celebration
July 28. – August 03. 2008	Trenčín	Castle celebration 2008 – Historical celebration 2008
August 29. – 31. 2008	Devín	Festival of historical fencing, music, dance and crafts Devín 2008
October 20. – November 10. 2008		Fencing symposium + Ball of Fencers

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.