Siesta 2021
Gdańsk Lotos Siesta Festival 2021
“We simply deserved this concert and festival” – with these words (paraphrasing the former Polish prime minister) the lead organizer Marcin Kydryński opened the next edition of Siesta Festival.
Lucia de Carvalho
This was the second time Siesta was kickstarted in Stary Maneż music club. It opened with a wonderful concert by Lucia de Carvalho.
This artist, hailing from Angola, delighted the Gdańsk audience from the very first sounds. Her music is the essence of what can be described as the Music of the World. An amazing mix of African and Brazilian rhythms with European sounds of guitar and cello, all served in a very joyful and energetic way.
Elida Almeida
This was Elida’s third performance as part of Siesta Festival in Gdańsk. Her two Saturday concerts also served as showcase of songs from her new album “Gerasonobu“.
While it might merely be our personal judgement, biased by her charming expression, joy and energy wired into her very genes, but it is difficult for us to imagine how anyone could pass by such a performance without batting an eye.
Her concets in Gdańsk Philharmonic were full of joy of life, energy, dancing and musical perfrection, all sealed by the phenomenal performance of her bandmates. This girl not only has an incredible vocal talent, but can sell it without a slightest hint of insecurity.
The most interesting events in Poland on summer. Concerts, Festivals and outdoor events. Jazz, Rock, Reagge, Rap, Hip-Hop, Beer and traditional polish food.
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Nigel Kennedy – Summer Jazz Festival Kraków 2021
Nigel Kennedy - "When I am 64"
Summer Jazz Festival Kraków – concert in Kiev Center
Nigel Kennedy once again played in his favorite polish City – Kraków. This time his concert was one of the main parts of Summer Jazz Festival. Starting the festival with such a big name was an excellent choice on the organizers’ part – as usual Kennedy gave a marvellous performance, serving excellent music along with a pinch of good humour. Kiev Cinema, which housed the concert, has once again become Kraków’s center of jazz.
The first thing that got our attention once the artist stepped onto the stage was his footwear – garish yellow Adidas with white soles, contrasting with the remainder of his wardrobe, which was dominated by dark colours. But it soon became clear that these boots were perfectly suited for Nigel’s dynamic performance, full of foot stamps cushioned by the thick soles. The artist did not stop for even a moment, continuously moving across the stage with great fervor.
Nigel Kennedy’s charm had little trouble earning the public’s favor, helped all the more by his strong accent. His fans from Kraków were overjoyed during moments where the musician spoke in Polish language and talked about his love for the city of Kraków. The audience returned the favor with numerous and long standing ovations. A good indicator of love between him and his Polish fans would be the fact that almost all available seats were filled, despite the difficult situation during pandemic.
The motto of this concert, as well as the summer tour it was a part of, was “When I’m 64” – referencing The Beatles. Nigel Kennedy presented a wide variety of his discography – old and new alike. Kennedy also played a few compositions of Krzysztof Komeda, including “My ballad”, as well as Jimmy Hendrix’s “Little wing” and “They can’t take that away from me”. Some songs had the artist abandon his violin in favor of an impressive piano, showcasing his versatility and virtuosity. Kennedy’s band, consisting of incredibly talented musicians, ensured a real musical treat in Kiev Cinema this evening.
Photos from the concert in Kiev Cinema, 10 July 2021:
The most interesting events in Poland on summer. Concerts, Festivals and outdoor events. Jazz, Rock, Reagge, Rap, Hip-Hop, Beer and traditional polish food.
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Al di Meola in Krakow
Aldi Meola
World of Great Music in Kraków
On 2nd November, as part of “World of Great Music in Kraków” in Kiev Center, played world-renowned virtuoso of guitar Al di Meola.
This concert was enormously hyped, to the point that all tickets were sold out well before the event, and met all our expectations.
The concert’s two hours were enough for Al di Meola to demonstrate his perfectionism and mastery over guitar. Although fully concentrated on the instrument while playing, he also had a few comments and announcements for the audience between the compositions.
In contrast, the accompanying musicians of his trio had a laidback attitude and had a lot of fun playing with their music.
The audience listened with total silence and focus, except for the trio’s most magnificent displays of skill worthy of all the applause they received.
This concert was a grand experience for anyone present in the hall and we had a rare pleasure to watch a performance of one of the best living musicians from up close.
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Friends of Jarek Śmietana w Krakowie
Friends of Jarek Śmietana
At 15th September in Manggha Museum in Cracow took place a special concert because of the 5th anniversary of Jarosław Śmietana’s death.
Jarosław Śmietana was a Polish musician and guitarist. His music output is still alive in Polish culture. One of the example about this is Jarek Śmietana’s International Jazz Guitar’s Contest which next edition will take place next year.
On the stage in Manggha Museum played friends of Jarek Śmietana – musicians who are taking concerts in Poland and USA. This concert had 3 parts. At first performanced Friends group: Piotr Baron, Wojciech Karolak and Marek Napiórkowski. Then on the stage sang Karen Edwards with piano accompaniament.
At the end on the stage performed Jarek Śmietana’s daughter – Alicja with string band and in connection with Friends group. They charmed public their classic arrangements of this awesome guitarist.
Concert was having by Witold Wnuk. At the audience was present widow of Jarek Śmietana and his friends from Poland and abroad. At this event we could hear lots of tracks in classic and new style. It was so nice evening with a great music.
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Final of 23th Summer Jazz Festival Kraków
The final concert of 23rd edition of Summer Jazz Festival Kraków
On 4th August (Saturday) in Pałac pod Baranami took place the final concert as part of Summer Jazz Festival Kraków. On the stage performed Orchestra Dedicated – Groborz & Cronies, Karen Edwards Trio and the evening’s special guest – Frank Parker. The performances were dedicated to saxophonist Janusz Muniak.
This finish of the 6 week long cycle of jazz concert received widespread attention. The musicians provided jazz music at its best. Professional sound composition filled the space of Pałac pod Baranami, creating a unique climate. The music kept changing both tempo and temper, enchanting the gathered fans, who gave their appreciation with loud ovations. This was a worthy finish to an event of its rank, spanning 41 days and 150 concerts.
If you wish to pleasantly spend summer evening next year while listening to live music, this event is for you – we invite you to the next year’s edition of Summer Jazz Festival in Kraków!
Orchestra Dedicated – Groborz & Cronies
Karen Edwards Trio
The most interesting events in Poland on summer. Concerts, Festivals and outdoor events. Jazz, Rock, Reagge, Rap, Hip-Hop, Beer and traditional polish food.
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New Orleans Sunday 2018
Summer Jazz Festival Kraków
On July 1 the titular New Orleans parade passed through Floriańska street, finishing on the Old Town Square. This was followed by an extraordinary concert near the Town Hall by one of Kraków’s oldest jazz bands – Old Metropolitan Band – full of vigor, sense of humor and above all some great juicy music.
On the photos: New Orleans parade, concert of Old Timers and Old Metropolitan Band.
The most interesting events in Poland on summer. Concerts, Festivals and outdoor events. Jazz, Rock, Reagge, Rap, Hip-Hop, Beer and traditional polish food.
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Alfredo Rodriguez w Krakowie
Alfredo Rodriguez at Summer Jazz Festival Kraków
Alfredo Rodriguez Trio played in Cracow tracks from their fourth CD “The Little Dream” and some jazz singles with connection with popular songs like “Thriller” of Michael Jackson.
The audience could feel so much enthusiasm which flowed from stage and really music joy. Some of compositions were really touching.
Musicians knew how to create jazz show on the stage and how to thrill the audience. Need examples? Funny variations of musical themes, Guantánamera in the eastern climate, so crazy solo on drums with the audience clapping their rhythm and joke with it.
Cuban rythmes ensured positive energy. Creativity and fantastic music skills built this unforgettable concert.
Gallery:
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Stacey Kent
Stacey Kent in Krakow
On 26th April in Kiev Centre in Cracow took place Stacey Kent’s concert.
Stacey Kent is one of the most famous female jazz-star. She took the audience to the places without time and without space. Two hours with Stacey and her band was the time when they presented songs from their newest “I Know I Dream” album. It was also a little older songs which are ones of her musical achievements.
Melodic voice with the sounds of instruments definitely enchanted the audience. During this concert, Stacey took us to a magical journey all around the world: New Orleans, Paris Roofts, Brazil, Cuba… and, at the culmination – “Jardin d’hiver”. Smiles, singing with her and some applause – that were the audience’s reactions.
Stacey took us on a musical walk along the streets of Paris. But, between the reflexive and romantic songs, there were also more lively accents. We could listen for example “Photograph”, “Lex eaux de Mars” or “I know I dream”.
Stacey admitted that she likes come to Poland. She told that it is “like a special chemistry” for her and “if you coming here you want to be among those people, you want to be one of them”.
After the concert we heard a lot of good opinions. People were really thrilled.
We also are sure that this Stacey’s concert will be remembered for a long, long time as a real feast for the ears and soul.
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TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE
TROMBONE SHORTY in Krakow
Merging music genres and styles may not be a recent invention, but has an unique character when done by TROMBONE SHORTY. Funk, Rock, Hip-hop and Pop fused with classic New Orleans Jazz is the game here.
TROMBONE SHORTY together with his band has been celebrating a successful career across USA and Europe for many years. In 2007 an American music magazine “Offbeat” named them Performer of the Year in Jazz category.
On November 8th we were honored to see them live during their concert as part of World of Great Music cycle in Kraków. From the very first music bar TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE grabbed the public not only with perfection of their tunes, but also the way they were having fun playing them.
Saying the concert of this immeasurably talented musician and his band got close to blasting Kraków Congress Center apart would not be a large overstatement.
Out of all the things deserving “Fun in Poland” tagline, this New Orleans band’s concert is at the top of the list.
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World of Great Music 2017
Chick Corea Trio
Jazz joins generations – probably the shortest would be to summarize the concert that took place on 8 May in Cracovian Congress Centre ICE.
Chick Corea, Eddie Gomez, Brian Blade.
Chick Corea is a prominent figure in the jazz scene, so the concert on Monday evening brought the audience of all ages to fill the ICE Congress Center in Krakow almost to the last chair.
The pianist appeared with the other members of the trio, and for the first few moments, it felt that the concert would not only be an artistic event but an unforgettable meeting with the fine musicians.
The trio in this instrumental composition was particularly beautiful in the modern hall of the Congress Center, and the virtuosity of the individual compositions was rewarded with great applause by the audience.
The musicians made a very nice contact with the audience, which reacted spontaneously, from the first moments.
Listening unconcerned, they rattled the rhythm on the knees, the back of the chairs, the shoes on the parquet floor, all over themselves sinking into the music.
With each song the atmosphere was thickened by the perfectly played sounds on the three instruments that led the dialogue with each other and the musicians showed genuine joy of playing.
Chick taking a seat at the piano often turned his head toward the audience, and in the climax of his short combinations of keys, more and more complicated, the whole room sang with laughter.The applause and standing ovation was an expression of how much the concert was like, and the long encore was playful, brave, engaging and authentic pleasure.
The concert lasted less than two hours, and we all felt insecure, both in music and in this positive meeting. Thanks to the Cracovia Music Agency for the opportunity to participate in such a great musical event.
Arturo Sandoval Sextet
There is no overstatement in World of Great Music’s name. The first of this cycle’s concert, which took place on February 18 in Kiev Cinema in Kraków, is the key evidence of this.
It is always hard to precisely describe any music, but especially so in case of what Arturo Sandoval and his sextet served us on their concert. This ingenious musician managed to tour us across New Orleans, Chicago, Havanna and Paris within a single composition.
His self-awareness and sense of humour could be felt through every word, sentence and song.
In less than two hours this concert lasted we witnessed the best Arturo’s creativity had to offer. Were we limited to a single sentence worth of description, we would have needed to write – we wish to rewatch this entire performance all over again.
The most interesting events in Poland on summer. Concerts, Festivals and outdoor events. Jazz, Rock, Reagge, Rap, Hip-Hop, Beer and traditional polish food.
