World Class Music Weekend in Lithuania: Plan Possible

At times you feel double lucky, which is exactly how a Klaipėdonian could describe the very recent weekend for any music lover in Lithuania. Given that one was able to get a day-off or at least was allowed to work in a mobile mode on the Friday, this was the time to push that envelope.

Bonobo in Vilnius

Thursday, Feb 20th marked an exciting evening in the lives of those who have appreciation for that sound of legendary Ninja Tune Records - Simon Green, the DJ, producer and bass-guitar player under the name of Bonobo, returned to Lithuania, six years later since the first visit when he played a solo DJ set at the now legendary club Gravity. This time, things were all a bit different.

A world tour to promote the "The North Borders" album, the 5th now by the Brighton-born talent, kicked off in Washington, D.C. containing an entire supporting act. which quickly went on to be selected as a nominee in the "Best Live Act" category by the Association of Independent Music Awards, UK. The train of sold-out performances finally reached the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius. 

With the rising UK R&B voice Szjerdene on vocals, the band performed a solid variety of earlier compositions one could get acquainted with while playing the blissful Black Sands album, together with the beautiful presentation of the latest gems, such as the very special version of "First Fires", the first single from the "North Borders" LP.

Those that saw Simon Green visit Vilnius back in 2008, were now joined by quite a few more to fill up the 4,000 seating venue in the heart of old town.

The performance by the world-class performers left those in attendance with refreshed minds. Those music afficionados that came for the event from the west-part of the country or were going to the coastline for a weekend, had the good things only just starting out for them. One is certain to find a phletora of Vilnius to enjoy a Friday in the capital, while then driving for 350 kilometers or getting a bus in Lithuania is quite easy. 

Let's go Klaipėda?

Back in the harbor town, the folks at the Kaštonas music bar were getting prepared for a great acoustic Saturday evening on that special 22nd of February.

The middle of a spectacular weekend was marked with the 2nd performance at the cosy music restaurant, by maestro Andrius Kulikauskas, the grand of Lithuanian music for over 35 years. The 200 or so lucky early-sale ticket owners did not take long before errupting into a burst of standing ovations at the end of another great concert in Klaipėda.

Together with the upcoming singer Justė Kazakevičiūte and the electric guitar-magician Gintaras Šulinskas, the trio created an outstandingly cosy slip into a relaxing Sunday before another week here in the middle of Europe carries on.