Re:tradition – The Jagiellonian Fair Festival (August 23-25) is a captivating celebration of traditional culture, bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds to showcase their rich musical heritage. The festival’s lineup boasts an impressive array of talented artists, each bringing their unique perspective to the stage. From the enchanting melodies of the Sami tradition with Katarina Barruk to the innovative sounds of Estonian folk music with Duo Ruut, and the energetic rhythms of French folk group Barrut, the festival promises a diverse and engaging musical experience. Today, we are thrilled to announce another exciting addition to its lineup: Drëszë, a talented ensemble from Gdańsk, Poland with their unique renditions of Kashubian folk songs and melodies.
Drëszë (meaning “friends” in Kashubian) is a Tricity-based group of friends who share a passion for music. Hailing from diverse backgrounds in folk, traditional, and jazz, these talented musicians come together to create something truly special. Their repertoire features captivating arrangements of traditional Kashubian songs, performed with deep respect and faithful preservation of the original lyrics and melodies. As Drëszë takes the stage at the Dominican Basilica on Sunday, their performance will delve into the rich tapestry of Kashubian tradition, featuring songs and melodies meticulously gathered from phonographic materials, old songbooks, and field research. The concert will also include selections from the “Pelplin Songbook,” celebrating saints revered in the Pomeranian region.
As Agata Turczyn, the Festival Coordinator, eloquently puts it: “While the Błonia stage brings the lively energy of traditional music, it’s the intimate setting of the Dominican Basilica that allows us to truly immerse ourselves in the heart of these traditions. This year, Drëszë, a talented ensemble from Gdańsk, will take us on a journey through the rich musical heritage of Kashubia, performing original arrangements of Kashubian songs with respect and reverence for their original form.”
At the helm of Drëszë stands Joanna Gostkowska, a multifaceted artist and true daughter of Kashubia. For over a decade, she has dedicated her passion to preserving and revitalising the rich musical heritage of her region, meticulously reconstructing traditional Kashubian songs and melodies. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed, as she has garnered numerous accolades at traditional music competitions and festivals across Poland.
Joining Joanna on this musical journey is a talented ensemble of musicians, each bringing their unique expertise to the group. Michał Mantaj, a versatile accordionist, sconnected with folk and rock. Hubert Połoniewicz, a luthier and multi-instrumentalist, not only plays the baraban but the Gdańsk gusli which he has reconstructed based on a 13th-century artifact And Jakub Klemensiewicz, a saxophonist, clarinetist, and improviser from Jastarnia.
Drëszë will grace the stage of the Dominican Basilica in Lublin as part of Re:tradition – The Jagiellonian Fair Festival. At 2:00 PM, their music will fill the majestic space, transporting listeners to the heart of Kashubia.
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 7:30 PM, catch 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.
This is just a preview of what awaits you at the festival. As always, the audience can expect an incredibly rich artistic programme brimming with diverse musical events. Get ready to be captivated by a lineup that includes six concert offerings, among them the re:tradition concert, and seven bands that will set the outdoor dance floor ablaze during the dance parties. And that’s not all! Festival-goers can also look forward to captivating exhibitions, engaging workshops, fun-filled activities for the little ones, and the remarkable Jagiellonian Fair where 120 exhibitors will showcase their unique crafts. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements coming soon!
Details
re:tradition – the Jagiellonian Fair Festival
23025 August 2024
Lublin – Old Town, Błonia near the Castle
Admission free
Organisers:
- Workshops of Culture in Lublin
- Lublin City Cultural Institution
- Lublin City of Inspiration)
Honorary Patronage:
- Krzysztof Żuk, Mayor of Lublin
Funded by:
- Ministry of Culture and National Heritage
