Girne Amphitheatre coming

to life with music festivals

By Heidi Trautmann…..

As from June onwards the Cultural Department of the Girne Municipality have put all their energy into 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, at the 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 are some links to concerts the musicians of this event were in at other places; enjoy!!!

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, can find a party interested in sponsoring such an idea.