/ world today news/ The first evening of the official program of the 18th International Jazz Festival in Bansko turned into a star-studded pleasure for the audience of thousands. Phenomenal musicians took to the stage one after the other, raising the level of emotions after each performance, reported the BGNES correspondent from the region.
There was an elegant pleasure in the program of Vasil Petrov and Big Band-Blagoevgrad with conductor Boris Yanev, who started the evening. The Bulgarian Frank Sinatra also made several wonderful duets with the young singer Kristina Kirova, and his repertoire included famous jazz pieces and songs from musicals. Immediately after him was the first appearance in Bulgaria of the American jazz pianist Shelley Berg, who has several Grammy nominations behind him. He presented tracks from various of his albums, and finally broke the script by presenting to the audience a young Bulgarian talent – the 13-year-old Ruse jazz pianist Nikolay Dimitrov. The young performer performed a piece by Duke Ellington, for which he was warmly applauded by the audience.
Another pianist, equally famous but very different in style, was Leonid Ptashka from Israel. He broke up the atmosphere by bantering with the audience, including them in his performances. And after that, the most anticipated concert came for the finale – of the original composition of the “Mungo Jerry Blues Band”, which in 1978 perform a “Golden Orpheus” concert. Vocalist Ray Dorsett signed a bunch of old Balkanton records with his records, then put on an amazing show and had the audience on their feet with the first song. The performances of “Mungo Jerry” turned the square into a huge dasing where everyone danced and sang their hearts out.
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**How does the Bansko Jazz Festival’s decision to feature both established international acts like “Mungo Jerry” and emerging Bulgarian talent like Nikolay Dimitrov contribute to the festival’s overall appeal and its role in nurturing the local music scene?**
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: Bansko Jazz Festival
**Welcome to World Today News! Tonight, we’re diving into the electrifying atmosphere of the 18th International Jazz Festival in Bansko, Bulgaria. We’re joined by two esteemed guests:**
* **[Guest 1 Name & Credentials]:** A renowned music critic with extensive knowledge of the jazz genre.
* **[Guest 2 Name & Credentials]:** A local resident of Bansko, eager to share their firsthand experience of the festival.
**Let’s begin!**
**Section 1: A Celebration of Talent**
* **Opening Act:** The article highlights the performance of Vasil Petrov and Big Band-Blagoevgrad. [Guest 1], how do you assess the significance of featuring a Bulgarian artist like Vasil Petrov, often referred to as the “Bulgarian Frank Sinatra,” at the opening of such an international festival?
* **Rising Stars:**
Shelly Berg’s decision to showcase young Bulgarian talent Nikolay Dimitrov is truly remarkable. [Guest 2], what does this say about the state of jazz education and the potential for young artists in Bulgaria?
* **Diverse Styles:** The festival hosted diverse pianists like Shelley Berg and Leonid Ptashka. [Guest 1], how crucial is it for a festival to showcase a range of styles within a single genre like jazz?
**Section 2: The “Mungo Jerry” Phenomenon**
* **Nostalgia and Excitement:** The performance of “Mungo Jerry Blues Band” was clearly a highlight. [Guest 2], can you describe the atmosphere during their performance? What made it so special for the audience?
* **Enduring Legacy:**
“Mungo Jerry”’s music holds a timeless appeal. [Guest 1], what elements contribute to their continued popularity and ability to connect with audiences across generations?
* **The Power of Live Music:**
Festivals provide a unique platform for experiencing music live. [Guest 2], how do you think the live performance of ”Mungo Jerry” compared to their recorded music? Did it elevate the emotional impact of their songs?
**Section 3: The Impact of the Festival**
* **Cultural Exchange:** The Bansko Jazz Festival brings together artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds. [Guest 1], how does this international collaboration enrich the cultural landscape?
* **Local Perspective:**
[Guest 2], what is the significance of hosting an international jazz festival like this in Bansko? What impact does it have on the local community and tourism?
* **Looking Ahead:** With such a successful opening night, what are your hopes for the rest of the festival? [Guest 1 & Guest 2],
share your thoughts on the potential impact and future of the Bansko Jazz Festival.
**Closing Remarks:**
Thank you to both our guests for sharing their insights and perspectives. The Bansko Jazz Festival appears to be a celebration of musical excellence, cultural exchange, and the enduring power of live performance. We look forward to continued coverage of this exciting event.
