3th INTERNATIONAL MOSTAR BLUES FESTIVAL
14.07. – 16.07.2005.
Third International Mostar Blues Festival took place in July 2005 at the Pavarotti Music Centre.
Despite the fact that the biggest problem was again how to insure money for a whole budget, this Festival, for a change, had three concert days.
Music critics, audience and media opinion is that the third Festival has made important step forward and offered different kind and good quality program presenting artists that perform traditional blues, rhythm and blues, fusion of rock and jazz with blues and acoustic blues.
Without any subjective pretension, we would like to point out that young blues bands from the region presented invidious level of live performing and justified the invitation to perform together with famous musicians.
The Festival program was opened by the dancing of Inga Krpo, member of the studio “Flash”. Very well performed choreography on Joni Michelle song “Woodstock”, has refreshed memories on the most important festival in modern music history.
For the first time artists from the USA have performed on Mostar Blues Festival - Michelle David, vocal and world known pianist Mike del Ferro.
Performing several evergreens they received brilliant feedback from the audience and all of it proved that the decision to start the Festival with the musicians from the country of blues was more then good.
They were backed up by BH trio: Amar Cešljar- drums, Dinko Šimunovic – double bass and Dino Šukalo – guitar.
Second night was opened by the performance of the Triple Trouble Blues Band from Mostar. They gave excellent performance playing very demanding program dedicated to legendary guitarist, Steve Ray Vaughan.
Goran Bare and “Placenici” from Croatia with especially chosen repertoire caused frenetic atmosphere in audience, which was expected having in mind their popularity and the fact that it was their first concert in Mostar ever.
Last Festival day started with performance of young musician from Sarajevo, Lejla Catovic. She presented perfect combination of acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies.
Herzegowina Blues Project, band especially set up for this Festival, brought up together very talented musicians from Herzegovina. Despite the fact that trio is very demanding formation, they proved that they play excellent blues.
“No Rules”, band from Tuzla, presented their own songs, synthesis of rock and rhythm & blues.
“Chicken Shack Blues Band”, blues quintet from Split, performed standard songs of Muddy Waters, one of the greatest blues authors. Extremely good arrangements, unavoidable harmonica and excellent vocal brought them title of the most pleasant surprise of the Mostar Blues Festival.
This Festival, as the previous two, kept humanitarian character and total income of ticket selling was donated to the Association of parents and friends of special needs people “Sunce” from Mostar. We would like to express especial acknowledgment to City of Mostar and US Embassy in BH on their support to the Festival, as without it we would not be able to organize the Festival.
We would like to thank to the other sponsors and to all others that help us.
Preparation for the fourth Mostar Blues Festival has been started already.
Program:
14.07.05. – 21:00 h
Opening of the MBF
Inga (BH) – “Woodstock Dance”
Mike Del Ferro and guests (USA/BH) – Michelle David (vocal), Amar Cesljar (drums), Dinko Šimunovic (Double bass), Dino Šukalo (guitar)
15.07.05. – 21:00 h
Triple Trouble Blues Band (BH) – Tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan
Goran Bare & “Placenici” (CRO)
16.07.05. – 21:00 h
Lejla (BH) – “Sounds of Heaven”
Herzegowina Blues Project (BH)
No Rules (BH)
Chicken Shack Blues Band (CRO) – Tribute to Muddy Waters
