Re:tradition – The Jagiellonian Fair Festival is fast approaching, and from August 23rd to 25th, Lublin will once again welcome lovers of traditional music, folk artists, and artisans for whom tradition is a primary source of inspiration. The event’s programme is packed with concerts and dance parties that attract crowds every year. Festival Friday’s calling you, but who’ll provide the dancing cue? Check the lineup, don’t delay, and get ready to dance the night away!
About
The festival’s dance stage is a special place where tradition comes alive, and the shared joy of dance unites all participants. On Friday evening, the dance floor will be filled with the sounds of bands and orchestras performing traditional repertoire from different parts of Poland. The first to perform for the audience will be the Roztocze-based Orkiestra Podróżniacy, a group of young enthusiasts of wind instruments. Led by Filip Majerowski, the group will play podróżniak tunes (ride tunes), polkas, obereks, waltzes, and foxtrots in an old-fashioned style. The orchestra’s instrumentation includes clarinets, trumpets, alto and tenor saxhorns, trombone, alto saxophone, tuba, and drums. None of the musicians have been playing their instruments for more than a year and a half! Despite their young age, these talented musicians have already got crowds moving at Fanfara Festival, the Lublin Stage of Tradition, and local dances in Zdziłowice and Żuraw.
Following the youthful energy of Orkiestra Podróżniacy, the stage will welcome Kapela Dobrzeliniacy, a band honoured with the prestigious Oskar Kolberg Award. They’ll showcase a captivating repertoire from the Kutnowo-Łowicz-Łęczyca borderland, blending the lively Łowicz melodies with the more lyrical and extended kujawiaks characteristic of the Sanniki and Płock regions. Prepare to be transported by their renditions of oberki, kujony, kujawiaks, polkas, and marches, some of which were originally played by the legendary harmonica maestro from Dobrzelin, Adam Radzymiński.
Next, we will hear Kapela Fedaków, who plays traditional music from Silesia and other parts of the country, as well as their own music, inspired by tradition.
They’re more than performers; they’re ambassadors of joy, bringing the spirit of traditional music to life with infectious energy. Forget fancy instruments – Kapela Fedaków uses the very sounds that once filled the Polish and Silesian countryside, infused with a touch of family warmth and the Fedak’s undeniable sense of humor. Their music isn’t just a performance; it’s an invitation to join a friendly celebration. These talented musicians are like musical archaeologists, unearthing hidden gems from their region, but they don’t stop there. They breathe new life into these melodies with their own innovative arrangements, creating a sound that honours tradition while adding a fresh, personal touch.
Closing out the night with a return to the Roztocze region, we’ll have Lublin’s own Kapela Bornego! These musicians are deeply rooted in tradition, having learned directly from fiddle and suka masters like Stanisław Głaz, Bronisław Bida, and Zbigniew Butryn. Their repertoire reflects this heritage, drawing inspiration from the rich history of both fiddle bands and brass bands. Interestingly, their dedication goes beyond just music. They strive to emulate the well-rounded lives of their mentors who balanced artistic pursuits with complex work ethic. “This music chose us,” they say, and for over a decade, they’ve remained true to that calling, resisting the allure of fleeting trends.
When will they play?
23 August 2024 (Friday), 21.00-1.00
Festival Stage, Błonia near the Castle
Admission free
The dance floor fun will continue on Saturday, August 24th, and we’ll soon reveal more bands that’ll have you moving and grooving to the beat. But dance parties are just one of the many exciting surprises in store for you.
Get ready for an even richer musical experience at the Re:tradition Festival in Lublin! As we continue to expand the lineup, we’re excited to remind you about other captivating artist gracing the stage: Katarina Barruk, a talented artist brings the magic of Sámi culture straight to Lublin! Weaving the local Sámi language and the hauntingly beautiful joiking technique into her music, Barruk creates a truly phenomenal soundscape. She adds another layer of wonder with musical improvisation, ensuring each performance is a unique and unforgettable experience Joining her on stage are Norwegian musicians Arnljot Nordvik and Vegard Bjerkan. Together, they’ll create a captivating blend of Sámi tradition and contemporary artistry. Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 24th at 7:30 PM at Błonia pod Zamkiem, the main Festival Stage. On the same day, at 8:30 PM, the same stage will reverberate with the electrifying sounds of Barrut, a captivating ensemble that weaves together a tapestry of voices in an energetic polyphony deeply rooted in the rich traditions of Occitania. The next day, on August 25 at 2:00 PM, we shall head to the Dominican Basilica for a concert by Drëszë , a band that keeps Kashubian traditions alive. In the evening, we will move to Błonia near the Castle for the performance of Duo Ruut, featuring Katariina Kivi and Ann-Lisett Rebane, at the same location. Their lyrics draw inspiration from traditional themes, echoing motifs found in old Estonian songs. Also gracing the festival stage that same evening will be the Polish group Duality, a Polish band that weaves a tapestry of sound inspired by the rich melodies and folk songs of the Polish-Belarusian borderland and broadly understood world and electronic music.
Just like every year, the festival audience can expect an incredibly rich artistic programme, full of diverse musical events. Participants can also look forward to exhibitions, workshops, attractions for children, and a handicrafts module where 120 creators will present their unique products. More announcements coming soon!
Details
re:tradition – the Jagiellonian Fair Festival
23025 August 2024
Lublin – Old Town, Błonia near the Castle
Admission free
Organizers:
- Workshops of Culture in Lublin
- Lublin City Cultural Institution
- Lublin City of Inspiration
Honorary Patronage:
- Krzysztof Żuk, Mayor of the City of Lublin
Funded by:
- Ministry of Culture and National Heritage
Media Patronage:
- ONET
- KulturaLudowa.pl
- MuzykaTradycyjna.pl
- Czas Dzieci
- Kultura Enter
