I've been to two concerts this week

[brisca]

Thought I would share a couple of really great experiences I've had this week

On Monday night, I went to see a group of singers and dancers from Nairobi, who were performing in Trujillo as part of the local "Pueblos del Mundo" cultural festival.
The concert was held on the patio of the castle, so the setting and ambience was suberb.
The concert started at 10 pm on a coolish evening, but it was a full house.

First up on the bill was a group of 17 local youngsters aged between about 8 and 20 years old, singing traditional Extremenan songs and playing traditional instruments (one of which was a bottle!)
They were absolutely brilliant, and had some very talented singers and musicians amongst them.

Then the African group exploded onto the stage in a flurry of colours, noise and energy that was hard to keep up with!
They were FANTASTIC!
There were about 30 people altogether; they danced, sang and played the drums with such incredible energy - they were breathtaking.
At one point, two men "spoke" to each other from opposite sides of the stage to each other...........simply using their drums; it was so clever.

One of the best things about them was how much they enjoyed themselves, and that was clearly portrayed to the audience - so much so that they received a standing ovation come the end.

And do you know what? The concert was completely GRATIS!!

Anyway, I thought that was great..............but then last night I went to yet another cultural event.

WOW! I saw this Extremenan professional folk group called ACETRE.
They're a nine piece group from the very south of the region, close to the Potuguese border - and their music is a mixture of traditional with Portuguese influences.

Well, we sat in the plaza of this little local village (approx 900 inhabitants) and were absolutely blown away!!
Between the nine members of the group, I reckon they must have played about 50 different instruments.
They are obviously very talented musicians, and the three lead female singers were hauntingly captivating.
There was one chap who must have played about a dozen different types of woodwind instruments, and he was outstanding

They had the audience completely spellbound, and then we were all on our feet for the last few rousing numbers - having been encouraged previously to clap along and really get involved.
Most of us were just itching to get up and dance!

I also really enjoyed the complete uninhibited freedom that all the children had. There were several little tots "dancing" in front of the stage who were having a wonderful time.
No-one told them they shouldn't be there, and no-one was panicking that they were going to get whisked away; it was such a lovely relaxed atmsophere - but also very respectful of the huge display of wonderful talent that was right there just feet away.

The concert started at 11 pm, and although it was another cool evening we sat there amazed while the group played non-stop for two hours.
We were roaring for more, and they did two encores - and then they came out and signed autographs for the people who bought their CDs; all with a smile on their face, and clearly having enjoyed the evening as much as we did.

And yes, yet again, it was completely free

I just love living here!

Below are a few photos of the evening. They're not great because it was obviously dark, but they do give an impression of the set up.
The last photo is of some of the friends I went with, having a laugh with the woodwind player whilst he signed autographs for them.

Have a look at this link too; it will give you an idea of the type of music they played. This particular clip is a compilation celebrating 30 years of the group being together.
YouTube - Acetre

There are loads more clips of them on YouTube.
The group are from Olivenza, and they play all over Extremadura and the rest of Spain.

If you like traditional folk music, you'll LOVE this group.
If you get a chance to go and see them..............GO! You won't be disappointed

[Cortado]

Very nice post brisca,
Thank you for sharing, the pictures capture some of the atmosphere also, sounds like you had a great time, I am surprised you have not had more comments on a post that obviously took a lot of trouble.

I remember when I was in Capetown having some great nights like that in the free open air theatre in the V&A centre, one bunch of kids just danced in wellingtons and beat out a rythm on the side of their wellies as they danced and chanted, it was absolutely mesmerising.

Thanks again.

[brisca]

Thank you very much for your kind reply Cortado

I was a little bit surprised that no-one else had commented on the post; even if it was just to say "That's far too long to bother reading!"

I kind of hoped that people might be interested in some of the social side of things that we each get up to.........but obviously not

Anyway, it is much appreciated that you took the time to comment.
I'm sorry I haven't replied before now, but I've not been on the forum very much at all recently.
(I've been sulking! )

No, seriously, I've been busy with other things!

There's something extra special about being outdoors for a concert or any kind of musical gathering, I think.
It really adds to the experience and the atmosphere.
I remember having a great time at the Sidmouth Folk Festival many years ago........in the days when there was actually some sun in the UK during the summer!

I also used to love going to Covent Garden and watching the impromptu performances of the street entertainers.
I just loved the feel of the place!

It sounds like you had some great experiences in South Africa.
Those welly playing youths must have been quite incredible
Mesmerising is a great choice of words; I love how you can just get lost in the music, the moment and the ambience.

[Spain]

There's something extra special about being outdoors for a concert or any kind of musical gathering, I think.
It really adds to the experience and the atmosphere.
I remember having a great time at the Sidmouth Folk Festival many years ago........in the days when there was actually some sun in the UK during the summer!

Indeed brisca, there is a lot special about live concerts, I just wish we could access more here as you talk about there. Just a couple of hours ago we were talking of how to fly to Norwich (yes the UK one) to see a specific band next year. I know Sidmouth quite well as I used to be part of the Exeter folk club circuit but that was very many moons ago. I am just a tad jealous of your access to these concerts. Saludos.

[brisca]

Indeed brisca, there is a lot special about live concerts, I just wish we could access more here as you talk about there. Just a couple of hours ago we were talking of how to fly to Norwich (yes the UK one) to see a specific band next year. I know Sidmouth quite well as I used to be part of the Exeter folk club circuit but that was very many moons ago. I am just a tad jealous of your access to these concerts. Saludos.

Nice to hear from you El Capitan

I can't believe how fortunate I've been this summer, seeing so many different groups..........and all for free!
Of course, it really helps that we can pretty much guarantee the weather as well, so the outdoor experience is so much more of an option here.

What a small world that you were part of the Exeter folk scene!
I lived in Torbay and Newton Abbot for a number of years.
I went to the Sidmouth festival specifically to see a band called Incantation (who played Peruvian pipe music)
The band were fabulous, and I saw them at a theatre in Torquay as well.
We are talking many moons ago, because this was in 1986........when I was only 21!!

I hope you can find a way to get to see the band you want to see in Norwich.
Who are you hoping to see, and when?

[Spain]

I lived in Torbay and Newton Abbot for a number of years.

I used to live in Newton Abbot too. Left there in 82 and headed up north.

I hope you can find a way to get to see the band you want to see in Norwich. Who are you hoping to see, and when?

Me wench could fill in all the details there but have you heard of Noel Brady and the Indians ?

[The Capitans Wench]

Nice to hear from you El Capitan

I can't believe how fortunate I've been this summer, seeing so many different groups..........and all for free!
Of course, it really helps that we can pretty much guarantee the weather as well, so the outdoor experience is so much more of an option here.

What a small world that you were part of the Exeter folk scene!
I lived in Torbay and Newton Abbot for a number of years.
I went to the Sidmouth festival specifically to see a band called Incantation (who played Peruvian pipe music)
The band were fabulous, and I saw them at a theatre in Torquay as well.
We are talking many moons ago, because this was in 1986........when I was only 21!!

I hope you can find a way to get to see the band you want to see in Norwich.
Who are you hoping to see, and when?

We have been looking at a St Patricks Day weekend event with singers/bands including the Show band The Indians with their ex lead singer Noel Brady.

I love the Devon area also, I lived in Barnstaple for a short time and have exploered a wee bit of the area.

[Sam Greenfield]

We have been looking at a St Patricks Day weekend event with singers/bands including the Show band The Indians with their ex lead singer Noel Brady.

I love the Devon area also, I lived in Barnstaple for a short time and have exploered a wee bit of the area.

I love Devon - we used to holiday for years in Westward Ho - if we have to stay here i think i would be happy living down there

[Spain]

if we have to stay here i think i would be happy living down there

I think I follow your drift there Sam, or is it I think I follow your drift here Sam.

Oh sodit, works either way I s'pose

[The Capitans Wench]

Need some wind El Capitan ? bit of drifting going on here or is it there