Atgal

Well-Known Groups and Novice Musicians Rush to Take Part in Street Musician Day

The idea to organise a street music day on May 5, initiated by the ever-imaginative Andrius Mamontovas, has been met with great interest both by known musicians and beginning groups alike.  In just four days more than twenty volunteers have already registered to play on the streets.  Even before registration began more than 50 various groups, musicians and choirs from all over Lithuania had gotten in touch with Mamontovas about the project.

“I‘m happy that this idea, which came to me while I was traveling around the world, has received such great support from musicians.  I hope that the record-breaking growth of participants, which is nearing one hundred, isn‘t the limit.  The enthusiastic support indicates that the sounds of music will be heard not only on the central streets of Vilnius, but throughout the whole city,“ said Mamontovas.

Anyone who is interested in the Street Musician Day initiative can join in the project.  “I want any person who has an instrument and can make at least a few sounds to go play out in the street and join our idea.  I think that in the future this event can become a Lithuanian musical tradition,“ stated Mamontovas.

No requirements will be enforced on those who wish to play on the street.  All styles and instruments are allowed, there is no age limit, experience or other limitations.  Some of the first to express their desire to play on the street were the known groups Lemons Joy, G&G Sindikatas (eng. G & G Syndicate), Ashtrey, Kipišas su kompanija (eng. Kipišas and Company).  Among beginning musicians are Differents ir Monika, Barbakanas, Ar Girdi (eng. Do You Hear), N.U.J.O and others.

According to Differents ir Monika representatives, the group was formed while having a beer and thinking that music would simply be a short-term thing among friends for kicks, but the group has been playing for a while now and rehearses in a rented space.  “It will be a lot of fun to play on the street, it‘s a new stage and a constantly changing audience.  We hope that we‘ll find our listener on the street and that we can bring joy to passers by with our songs,“ commented the novice musicians.

After filling out the form and giving a reason for wanting to play in the street music fest, registered participants will be given a spot for their performance, special hats to collect money in and even raincoats (in case the weather turns ugly).

Street Musician Day, taking place on May 5, will be the first event of the Vilnius – European Culture Capital 2009 programme.

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