By Margaret Sheard ….
We recently met up with Roland Eyerich who is passionate about music and the way it can bring people together.
Last year Roland and Alper Cengiz organised the first Friends Across Borders concert at The Soulist Coffee and Music House 
in Alsancak bringing bands from both north and south Cyprus together at the same venue and also benefiting the charity Tulips – Help Those with Cancer Association from the event.
Plans are underway to hold the second Friends Across Borders concert in 2019 and Roland said the following about his hopes for this event.
Roland has a music programme in the German language on Sunday evenings on BRTK and is now drawing listeners from many countries, which confirms the way in which music can bring people together.
By Roland Eyerich ….
“ We are planning the second Friends Across Borders concert at The Soulist Coffee and Music House in Alsancak and have a provisional date of 27th and 28th September, for a concert during the evening of Friday 27th and another possibly from the afternoon onwards on Saturday 28th September. Again this event will raise some funds for the charity Tulips – Help Those with Cancer Association.
Together with the co-organiser and owner of The Soulist, Alper Cengiz, it is hoped to bring bands from the south of Cyprus to join bands from the north and also we are trying to bring a band from Germany. The aim is to provide live music with original compositions as well as old favourites of rock’n’roll, blues, soul, reggae, jazz etc.
We are hoping to receive some sponsorship to cover the costs of bringing a group from Germany and would ask local businesses and hotels if they can help us to achieve bringing together people through music, by offering some financial assistance, hotel accommodation etc. If any businessmen or hotels can offer sponsorship please contact Alper Cengiz. Tel: 0548 839 8994 or Alper at email alpercengiz@yahoo.com or Roland at rolandeyerich@arcor.de “
Having visited The Soulist on a number of occasions, we have found it to be a very popular venue for people who enjoy live music. The Soulist has also introduced a monthly Jazz Breakfast event, the next one is on the 14th April, 10.30am to 2pm. There is also a monthly Sunday evening Classical Music event which gives added variety to the music scene at The Soulist.
