PRESS RELEASE 1
The international Okarina Ethno Festival, which has been running in Bled for 25 years in the summer, is one of the oldest festivals in Europe. Folk music from across the globe, in all its versions and variants, mixed with modern rhythms attracts and captivates audiences with its high-quality performances, renowned musicians, and a clear message on the importance of multi-culturality and coexistence.
The 25th Okarina Ethno Festival running from 17 July to 9 August 2015 will see outstanding performers from Slovenia, Croatia, Cuba, Peru, Brazil, Poland, Reunion, Sardegna, Vietnam, Ireland, the USA, Spain, Catalonia, Israel and Portugal. The festival’s 18 events are spread across two venues: the traditional Bled Castle and this year's novelty, a big stage on the promenade walk where the audience can listen to awesome music whilst enjoying scenic views of the town's castle and island. According to Mr Leo Ličef, director of the festival, the performers are all renowned musicians who regularly appear at major festivals, such as the festival in Glastonbury, UK and Dijon, France.
The Okarina Ethno Festival opens up on the Bled Promenade stage on 17 July with a concert by Neca Falk, Smaal Tokk and Kontrabant performing as part of the popular Bled Days event. A week later, on 24 July, Bled will welcome the Mercandonegro Orchestra (Cuba, Peru, Brazil) at the Swinging Bled 2015 festival. On 29 July 2015, the local Gorje Brass Band, followed by South-African band Abavuki, will open the main part of the Okarina Festival. Bled Castle will come alive with the sound of the Polish ensemble Volosi (30 July), traditional singers Tenores di Bitti from Sardegna and Irish singer Frankie Lane (31 July), and Lotus Duo, from Vietnam and bluesman Big Daddy Wilson from the USA (1 Aug). The highlights of this year's Okarina Festival include performances by Ester Rada from Israel (8 Aug), Gisela João (9 Aug) from Portugal, the Calina band from Catalonia (7 Aug), Simangavole from Reunion Island (6 Aug), and the one and only Josipa Lisac from Croatia, who will fire up the Promenade stage on 2 August 2015.
