By Heidi Trautmann
As from June on the Cultural
Department of the Girne Municipality have put all their energy in filling the
Amphitheatre with cultural activity and life. That was fantastic news as I was
very sorry to see it covered in weed and to slide into obscurity. It is a
fantastic place right by the sea and a pleasure to visit for a cultural event
on a summer evening with the stars above you. You may follow up their
activities on facebook under ‘Girne Belediye Kültür Sanat Günleri’.
I could not go to all events
but I had the pleasure to listen to Fazil Say on the piano and Serenad Bağçan
vocal, beginning of June; I loved the piece Kara Toprak/Black soil; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFSm5_4afro
.....the theatre
was full to the last seat.
Now in the middle of August
we went to the Blues Festival which we used to yearly attend at the Jasmine
Court, then and today sponsored by Efes Brewery. At the entrance we were asked
if we had drinks in our bag, if yes, we must leave it at the entrance because
Efes had installed stands with drinks and food. That was new.
Wow, the stage had the image
of a highly modern stage, metal structure with all the lighting and effects plunging
the musicians in a sea of changing coloured light pools. Very important and
effective to have a generous sponsor! It is not easy to fill the amphitheatre with
guests during the month of August but nearly more than half the ranks filled with
jazz and blues lovers; next to me sat an elderly couple very conservatively
looking but when the music started… oh oh …. they became alive with the beat.
Here some links to concerts the musicians of this event were in in other places; enjoy!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnNmM5Lgk-0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnNmM5Lgk-0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0LedA1D4jw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BPR__a6Kcs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9MTQx5iSFE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT4qscCHhgI
We enjoyed the evening
tremendously with the many different groups and soloists, great musicians all,
but honestly, for my poor ears too loud. I have the impression that our friends
here are all half deaf because they seem to like it that way. I had the bass resound
in my belly and rib cage, really hurting.
Actually, I am used to jazz and blues events less loud, having been to
New Orleans and Lafayette, or the famous festivals in Burghausen.
However, I am very happy to
see the Amphitheatre filled with great events; it would also be a great place
to use it in the times between festivals and concerts as an open air cinema.
Perhaps the new cultural head at the Girne Belediye, Derman Atik, finds a party
interested in sponsoring such an idea.