It's a shame that the internet is a virtual medium, because there are a lot of people out there that I'd like to express my deep feelings of friendship to, and having spent the last two years here in Serbia, I'd like to do it in a truly Serbian way.
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Belgrade | 20 November 2009 |
Belgrade
The Canadian diva is perhaps one of the greatest female jazz singers of the last century.
Her latest album, ‘Quiet Nights’, is dedicated to her husband, a genius in his own right – Elvis Costello. Her marriage to Costello prompted her to delve into songwriting as well, resulting in her critically acclaimed 2004 album “The Girl in the other Room”.
Her musky, deep contralto voice, gives a unique vibe to her compositions, and she is, of course, no slouch on the piano either.
One sound of her sultry voice will convince all unbelievers that Krall is one of the greatest and smoothest female jazz singers on the planet today. Saturday, November 21, Sava Centar, Milentija Popovica 9
Johnny Winter
The legendary blues rock guitarist from Texas will be back in Belgrade, after leaving fans of bluesy hard rock thrilled on his trip last year. Winter will be at the newly renovated Dom Omladine this time, and the white-haired maverick is sure to be on top form once again. Sunday, November 22, Dom Omladine, Decanska 22
Exhibition: My City Festival – Budapest
The famed club/cultural centre A38 in Budapest has been working on the ‘My City’ project for many years now – an unconventional festival, presenting important world cities from a unique perspective. Belgrade is now returning the favour, with a one-day festival exploring Budapest’s culture and its many native artists active today. Sunday, November 22, Rex, Jevrejska 16
GBH
Another group of legends, GBH are a British punk band that has been around since the late 1970s. This is their third trip to Serbia, and they have yet to disappoint. If you like anthemic and energetic punk rock, come see how the masters do it. Monday, November 24, Student Cultural Centre, Kralja Milana 48
Woven Hand
After several years of rumours, Belgrade will finally get to see the great David Eugene Edwards, of the legendary 16 Horsepower, and his band Woven Hand. 16 Horsepower was one of the most original and groundbreaking alternative Americana groups in recent history and Woven Hand is an extension of that dark and solemn folk-inspired alternative rock style. Wednesday, November 25, Dom Omladine, Decanska 22
Kultur Shock
This band will take you on a fun ride with their unique style of ‘gypsy rock,’ which combines Balkan ethno music and heavy rock into a blazing melodic burst of originality. They have been mainstays on Seattle’s underground rock scene for a long time.
The band members hail from Bosnia, Bulgaria, Japan and the U.S., bringing influences from many different cultures into their music. The singer Gino Yevdjevich is a Sarajevo native, leads the band, and musical influences from his homeland are very prominent in the music of Kultur Shock.
Gould produced their album ‘Fucc the I.N.S.’ which came out in September 2001, to the dismay of many critics and newfound patriots, but the bands quirky music and constant touring has garnered them a cult following around the world, regardless. Thursday, December 3, Dom Omladine, Decanska 22
Belgrade Philharmonic
with Stephen Gunzenhauser
The Belgrade Philharmonic will have a very special guest conductor this week in American Stephen Gunzenhauser. He has recorded 66 albums and has sold more than two million copies. The Grammy-nominated conductor will lead the Philharmonic through an interesting and varied program including compositions by Corky Sigel and Tchaikovsky. Friday, November 27, Ilija M. Kolarac Endowment, Studentski Trg 5
Stars of the Russian Ballet
This gala concert will feature some of the most prominent ballet dancers of the Bolshoi Theatre and is a unique opportunity for Belgrade dance fans to see some of the best soloists Russia has to offer, including Igor Kramushin, Dmitri Zagrebic and Ekaterina Kirsanova. Sunday, November 29, Sava Centar, Milentija Popovica 9
8th Annual Italian Film Festival
The selections for this year’s Italian Film Festival were chosen with the intention of showcasing new creations, new styles and new directors from the last two seasons. However, there will also be new projects from old film-makers that have already proven themselves as innovators and creators of original movies. Wednesday, December 2, Tuckwood Cineplex, Kneza Milosa 7
Marcelo Bratke
Brazilian piano great Marcelo Bratke will be in Belgrade to commemorate 50 years since the passing of legendary Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. Bratke will be playing compositions by the late Villa-Lobos, who has been described as “the single most significant creative figure in 20th-century Brazilian music.” Thursday, December 3, Guarnerius, Dzordza Vasingtona 12
