Festivals in 2010

Maybe it's so early, but here calendar of country and folk festivals in Slovakia:

FEBRUARY 2010

Date	Place	Name	Info
February 12	Nova Bana	Nova Bana Winter Folk Festival	A review of non-professional guitar soloists

MAY 2010

Date	Place	Name	Info
May 8	Prievidza	Strunobranie Folkforum 2010	A regional festival of music genres

JUNE 2010

Date	Place	Name	Info
June 2010	Zvolen	Country Garden
June 11 - June 13 2010	Trnava	Dobrofest	18th year - An international festival celebrating John Dopyera
June 18 – June 19 2010	Radimov	Radimovska sopa	14th year - A festival of good music
June 2010	Nove Zamky	Country Castle 2010	2th year - A festival of country. bluesgrass and western

JULY 2010

Date	Place	Name	Info
July	Nove Mesto nad Vahom	Country Park	10th year - Festival of country music groups and dance groups genres
July	Nova Bana	Nova Bana Summer Folk Festival	14th year - A festival of folk and country music groups
July 16 - July 17	Turzovka	Drotaria 2010	6th year - Festival of folk, country and tramp song
July 24	Povazska Bystrica	Country Music under Starry Skies	8th year - A festival featuring music bands and soloist groups and dance groups genres
July 30 - July 31	Liptovsky Hradok	Folk under Skalka	14th year - A festival of folk, contry, tramp and blegrass music

AUGUST 2010

Date	Place	Name	Info
August 6 - August 8	Tuzina pri Prievidzi	Country Fest Tuzina	14th year - A review of Slovak bands and performers of country, folk, bluegrass, tramp music and related genres
August 26 - August 28	Piestany	Lodenica 2010	12th year - An international festival of folk and country music

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)

Festivals 2009 in Slovakia II.

     Welcome to Slovakia. Find your favourite festivals in August.
Festivals in July in Slovaka

Date	Place	Name	Genre
July 02 - August 09 2009	Bratislava	Letné Shakespearovské slávnosti
July 21 – August 21 2009	Trnava	Letný kinematograf	movie festival
July 31 - August 01 2009	Poprad	Okey Summer 2009	different music styles
July 31 - August 01 2009	Nové Mesto nad Váhom	Open Jazz Fest	jazz music
July 31 - August 01 2009	Podbranč	Punkáči deťom	punk music
July 31 - August 01 2009	Zelená Voda	Open Jazz Fest	jazz music
July 31 - August 02 2009	Jaslovské Bohunice	Fest Dobré Bohunice	country music
July 31 - August 02 2009	Žilina	Fest Anča	movie festival
August 06 - 09 2009	Kráľová Lehota (Ranč)	Camp Fest Svarín	open-air music festival
August 07 - 09 2009	Červeník Amfiteáter)	Červeník festival	different music styles
August 07 - 08 2009	Duchonka	Orange Music Summer	different music styles
August 07 - 09 2009	Trnava	Trnavský jazzyk Trnavský jazzyk	jazz music
August 08 2009	Turzovka	Rock beskyd fest 2009	rock music
August 13 - 15 2009	Jaslovské Bohunice	Hard Fest	different music styles
August 14 - 15 2009	Terchová	Terchovský budzogáň 2009	rock and punk music
August 15 2009	Holíč	Cibula Fest	different music style
August 14 - 15 2009	Zliechov	Pustohlav festival	different music styles
August 14 - 15 2009	Snina	Rock pod kameňom	rock music
August 19 - 23 2009	Kolárovo	Hanna Hanna Festival	art gathering and festival
August 21 - 22 2009	Modra	Minikvas festival	different music style
August 21 - 22 2009	Orava	Orava Music Summer	different music styles
August 21 - 23 2009	Trnava	Trnavská brána	folklore
August 22 2009	Nitra	Na brehu 2009	different music styles
August 22 2009	Hadlová	Festival na brehu	folk and rock music
August 27 - 29 2009	Piešťany	Lodenica	country music
August 28 - 29 2009	Bratislava	Uprising Reggae Festival	different music styles

The Best Festivals in Europe

Date	Place	Name
August 20 - 22. 2009	Salzburg, Austria (Green Park St.Polten)	Frequency Festival
July 02 - 05. 2009	Belgium	Rock Werchter
August 14 - 16. 2009	Burgas, Bulgaria(Central Beach)	Spirit of Burgas
July 03 - 12. 2009	Petrčane, Croatia	The Garden Festival
July 02 - 05. 2009	Denmark	Roskilde Festival
July 03 - 05. 2009	Belfort, France	Eurockeennes
July 17 - 19. 2009	Ferropolis, Germany	Melt
August 12 - 17. 2009	Budapest, Hungary	Sziget Festival 2009
September 04 - 06. 2009	Stradbally Estate, Ireland	Electric Picnic
July 09 - 12. 2009	Novy Sad, Srbija	Exit Festival
July 16 - 18. 2009	Trenčín, Slovakia	Pohoda Festival
July 16 - 19. 2009	Benicassim, Spain	Fiberfib
August 13 - 15. 2009	Göteborg, Sweeden	Way Out West

Festivals 2009 in Slovakia I.

     Welcome to Slovakia. This year is very rich for festivals. Here you can find lists of festivals in July with different genres

Festivals in July in Slovaka

Date	Place	Name	Genre
June 18 - September 06 2009	Bratislava	Bratislavské Kultúrne leto
July 02 - August 09 2009	Bratislava	Letné Shakespearovské slávnosti
July 02 – July 05 2009	Vychodná	Vychodná	folklore
July 03 2009	Čadca	Čadca Fest	alternative music
July 03 – July 04 2009	Handlová	Country trh festival	country music
July 03 – July 04 2009	Banská Štiavnica	Jazznica	jazz music
July 03 – July 04 2009	Horná Streda	Toto je HIP-HOP	hip-hop music
July 03 – July 05 2009	Malacky	Kontact Street Fest	different music styles
July 03 – July 05 2009	Záriečie	Semfest Záriečie	different music styles
July 04 2009	Bytča	Rockstone Fest	different music styles
July 04 2009	Skalica	Skalica Music Fest	different music styles
July 04 – July 05 2009	Bratislava	Rača Fest 2009	country music
July 05 2009	Dolný Kubín	Podbielanské folklórové slávnosti	folklore
July 05 2009	Púchov	Semfest 2009	different music styles
July 06 - July 11 2009	Terchová	Cyrilometod' Days	folklore
July 06 – July 11 2009	Vŕbové	Vŕbové Vetry	alternative music
July 09 – July 19 2009	Liptovský Mikuláš	Letná fotoškola	international Festival of photography
July 10 2009	Trnava	EKO Fest Trnava	different music styles
July 10 – July 11 2009	Bojnice	Summer interval	different music styles
July 10 – July 11 2009	Dudince	Country Stopa	country music
July 10 – July 11 2009	Domaša	Orange Music Summer	different music styles
July 10 - July 12 2009	Piešťany	Jazz Festival Doda Šošoku	jazz music
July 10 – July 18 2009	Liptovský Mikuláš	Letná fotoška Domu fotografie	festival of photography
July 11 2009	Podhájska	Podhájska Fest	different music styles
July 11 2009	Veličná	XVIII. Tradičný veličiansky jarmok	folklore
July 11 2009	Hlohovec	Bajakfest	different music styles
July 11 – July 12 2009	Zvolen	Download Open Air	different music styles
July 16 – July 18 2009	Trenčín	Bažant Pohoda	alternative music
July 17 – July 18 2009	Turzovka	Drotária	folk/country music
July 17 – July 18 2009	Vranov nad Topľou	SunDance Open Air Beach Party	dance music
July 17 – July 18 2009	Šurany	Streetrock Fest	rock music
July 18 – July 19 2009	Malatiná	IX. Bačovské dni	folklore
July 21 – August 21 2009	Trnava	Letný kinematograf	movie festival
July 24 – July 25 2009	Ružiná	Orange Music Summer	different music styles
July 24 – July 25 2009	Trenčianske Bohuslavice	Topvar Žákovic Open	different music styles
July 24 – July 26 2009	Zemplínska Šírava	Šírava Fest	dfferent music styles
July 24 – July 27 2009	Rudava	Summerbeach Rudava	different music styles
July 25 2009	Košice	Free Summer	dance music
July 25 2009	Kežmarok	FestEasy 009	alternative music
July 25 2009	Nové Zámky	Rainbow Open Air 2009	different music styles
July 25 – July 26 2009	Nové Zámky	II. Strekovsý pivničný festival	different music styles
July 25 - July 26 2009	Terchová	Jánošík in movie	folklore
July 26 2009	Sihelné	Folklórne slávnosti Pod Babou horou a Pilskom	foklore
July 31 - August 01 2009	Poprad	Okey Summer 2009	different music styles
July 31 - August 01 2009	Nové Mesto nad Váhom	Open Jazz Fest	jazz music
July 31 - August 01 2009	Podbranč	Punkáči deťom	punk music
July 31 - August 02 2009	Jaslovské Bohunice	Fest Dobré Bohunice	country music
July 31 - August 02 2009	Žilina	Fest Anča	movie festival

The Best Festivals in Europe

Date	Place	Name
August 20 - 22. 2009	Salzburg, Austria (Green Park St.Polten)	Frequency Festival
July 02 - 05. 2009	Belgium	Rock Werchter
August 14 - 16. 2009	Burgas, Bulgaria(Central Beach)	Spirit of Burgas
July 03 - 12. 2009	Petrčane, Croatia	The Garden Festival
July 02 - 05. 2009	Denmark	Roskilde Festival
July 03 - 05. 2009	Belfort, France	Eurockeennes
July 17 - 19. 2009	Ferropolis, Germany	Melt
August 12 - 17. 2009	Budapest, Hungary	Sziget Festival 2009
September 04 - 06. 2009	Stradbally Estate, Ireland	Electric Picnic
July 09 - 12. 2009	Novy Sad, Srbija	Exit Festival
July 16 - 18. 2009	Trenčín, Slovakia	Pohoda Festival
July 16 - 19. 2009	Benicassim, Spain	Fiberfib
August 13 - 15. 2009	Göteborg, Sweeden	Way Out West

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.