From Hungary to Cuba, from Senegal to Moldova, from Mozambique to Italy: as usual, Vo' on the Folks, the historic festival dedicated to world music, is getting ready to take the audience on a journey through different musical genres and cultures, united by their folk origins and interest in cross-cultural influences. Four evenings are scheduled for the 28th edition, all in the Sala della Comunità in Vo' di Brendola, starting at 9 p.m. "The proposal will range from Africa to Cuba, to deep Eastern Europe, without forgetting green Ireland," says artistic director Paolo Sgevano. The goal is to bring together experiences, cultures, colors, and diverse sounds in the spirit of the mix that makes world music unique.
The first appointment is on Saturday, February 3, featuring Söndörgő, a Hungarian group that ten years ago, in Vo', held a highly successful concert. Led by the Eredics brothers, this versatile quintet has an attractive musical style, fluid arrangements, and remarkable technical skill. With nine albums and a 25-year career, Söndörgő's music combines the sophistication of classical compositions, the energy of rock music, echoes of the Balkans, and the purity of Bartók's thinking.
For the second evening on February 17, a double concert will showcase Ernesttico (aka Ernesto Rodríguez Guzmán), a multi-instrumentalist from Havana who blends rhythm and electronic instruments in an extremely personal style. He will be joined by Violeta Grecu, a singer and instrumentalist (piano, cobza, mandolin), one of Moldova's most important artists. They will alternate on stage and then come together for a unique final performance.
The third evening on March 2 will be dedicated to the African continent, featuring Jo Choneca and Cheikh Sadibou Fall. Choneca, originally from Beira, brings a breath of freshness with a mix of Afro, pop, funk, and reggae styles, creating an eclectic and original sound. Fall, a multi-instrumentalist of Wolof-Bambara ethnicity raised in Dakar, alternates sabar percussion, djembe, and kora.
As a tradition, Vo' on the Folks dedicates an evening to Celtic atmospheres, approaching the celebration of Saint Patrick's Day (March 17), the patron saint of Ireland. On March 16, the closing night of the festival will feature the all-female Italian band Green Clouds. With fantasy costumes and masked faces, they offer a visually stunning show. In their innovative musical genre, "keltronic," oboe, violin, percussion, electric bass, and keyboards blend the sounds of classical tradition with electronic technologies.
"Vo' on the Folks" is organized by the Sala della Comunità and Frame Evolution, in collaboration with the Municipality and Banca delle Terre Venete. (GdV, domenica 21 genanio)