Well, gather ’round, my esteemed audience! We’ve got delightful tidbits from Montabaur, where the 34th Folk & Fools cabaret festival took place! Yes, that’s right, Montabaur—where the population is only slightly more than a small village and the folk festivals are likely the highlight of the year. Quite the cultural melting pot, isn’t it? It’s “Music of the World” this time, which just sounds like an excuse for a lot of international students to form a band in search of free nachos!
Now, let’s talk about the event. This year, it seems they ditched cabaret and comedy for something more… how should I put this? Cultural? Yes! Gone are the zany jokes and the comedic gold of grandpa’s questionable decisions—welcome instead, a pure folk festival! Apparently, the organizers thought the public desperately needed to be reminded that while standing at a bar, they’d rather hear someone play a morin khoor than request “Wonderwall” for the 700th time.
Two international sensations took to the stage, each sharing a unique sound world. First up, we had “Violons Barbares,” which sounds like something you’d hear from a particularly rambunctious group of medieval reenactors! But no, this trio from Mongolia, Bulgaria, and France brought us an energetic cocktail of world folk, Balkan blues, and some rock riffs. So basically, if those countries had a love child during a raging music festival, “Violons Barbares” would be it! I mean, who wouldn’t want to dance to the beats of a horse-head violin? Oh, the joy of attempting to follow the beat while trying to recall if you froze your credit card in your last bender on holiday!
The band’s “Monsters and Fantastic Creatures” piece had the audience captivated. I can only imagine people nodding along, thinking of their own personal monsters—like that time they drank way too much and “accidentally” complimented their ex at the supermarket! But alas, the crowd was less than full that night, likely because they were either busy watching an international football match or drowning in a plethora of competing cultural events. Ah, decisions, decisions—do you support local artists or cheer for your favorite team while they kick a ball around? Tough call!
Then we had “Astillero” from Argentina, which I assume means ‘a shipyard,’ hinting that they know a thing or two about making waves in music! This band brought Tango Nuevo—an emotional rollercoaster that invites you in with open arms and possibly a few cautionary tales. They took attendees on a journey through Buenos Aires, mixing melancholy with hope like one of those potpourri sachets your grandma used to shove into your socks to brighten up the drawer. But, oh dear, the audience didn’t jump up to tango right away—perhaps it was the language barrier? Possibly confused, they may have thought the musicians were asking them to question their life choices instead. Still, the heartfelt performance struck a chord. Cue the “Awwws”!
Now, let’s be real: this festival wasn’t without its hitches. Language barriers can be tricky; you know what they say—lost in translation is real! At one moment you think they’re asking for applause, and the next you find out you’ve just ordered a side of emotional turmoil! But not even a few language hiccups could hide the enchanting atmosphere of the night. After all, music is a universal language, or so they say. Tell that to an opera singer trying to communicate their way through a crowd of soccer fans!
Looking to the future, the next festival is going to be themed “Stars of the Future.” Sounds like a space-themed gig? Maybe a few meteorologists doing stand-up while playing folk music? Who knows! 2026 will see the farewell of this festival, and it’s promising to blend acoustic magic with political messages—a real combo platter! Because nothing says “great music” like the heavy burden of global politics, right?
In summary, folks, the 34th Folk & Fools festival showed that Montabaur really knows how to throw a shindig, even if half the world is busy watching football. So until next time, remember: even if the participation wasn’t at an all-time high, the music remained a rallying cry for cultural unity. And, let’s face it, that’s a lot better than the awkward silence of miscommunication on a dance floor!
Press release from November 23, 2024
At the vibrant 34th Folk & Fools cabaret festival in Montabaur, organized by the esteemed Mons Tabor eV, which has a rich history since its founding in 1988, visitors were treated to an extraordinary evening. This year, embracing the theme “Music of the World,” the festival spotlighted the enchanting realms of folk music.
Astillero (Photo: Sascha Ditscher)
Montabaur became a hub of cultural celebration as the event, which historically combined cabaret and comedy, transformed into a dedicated “folk festival” for the very first time. Featuring two internationally acclaimed bands, the festival showcased unique soundscapes that mesmerized the audience, transporting them to distant lands with each performance. However, despite the captivating music, attendance at the town hall was subdued, primarily due to various competing cultural events and an international football match occurring simultaneously.
Kleinkunstbühne would like to thank its supporters
At the commencement of the event, the cabaret stage expressed gratitude towards the city of Montabaur, the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, as well as the Sparkasse Westerwald-Sieg and EVM, the regional energy supplier, for their unwavering support. Additional acknowledgment was given to the State Music High School for providing an instrument for the performances. In a world rife with challenges, global music stands as a unifying force that resonates with individuals across all continents. Notably, the evening’s performances featured an underrepresentation of female musicians.
Diverse sounds and extraordinary musicians
The evening’s enchantment kicked off with the dynamic trio “Violons Barbares,” who captivated the audience at the Stadthalle with their energetic blend of world folk, Balkan blues, and rock elements. This talented group, comprised of Enkhjargal Dandarvaanchig from Mongolia, Bulgarian Dimitar Gougov, and French percussionist Fabien Guyot, created a rich soundscape enhanced by traditional instruments like the Morin Khoor and the gadulka. Dandarvaanchig’s solo performance stood out, showcasing his mastery of overtone vocals alongside the horse-head violin, leaving the audience spellbound and eagerly moving to the infectious rhythms.
The band introduced selections from their latest program “Monsters and Fantastic Creatures,” sparking curiosity about the modern villains they sing about. Their passionate display and exotic melodies resonated with the audience, who were particularly captivated by familiar tunes such as “Horse Galop” and “Krushovitsa.”
Der Tango aus Buenos Aires: Shipyard
The second segment of the evening was dedicated to “Astillero,” an Argentine band that mesmerized attendees with their unique interpretation of Tango Nuevo. Comprising two bandoneons, violin, cello, piano, and double bass, the ensemble delivered a program rich in emotional contrasts, balancing melancholy with hope. Their performance captured a spectrum of feelings, ranging from fiery and passionate to soft and introspective. The audience was treated to “Murga Barracas,” a traditional tango that emerged as one of the evening’s standout moments.
The band utilized their performance to immerse the audience in the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires, sharing a profound message of tolerance and dialogue. In closing, pianist Julian Peralto expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to share their culture and called for solidarity in a globally turbulent environment.
Outlook for future festivals
While “Violons Barbares” and “Astillero” delivered consistently enthusiastic performances, audience reception varied, particularly due to language barriers that arose during the presentations by the Argentinian musicians. Despite these minor challenges, the evening proved successful, highlighting how music, as a universal language, brings people together across cultural divides. The atmosphere was electric, infused with powerful music complemented by a strong call to unity from the performing artists.
The Montabaur cabaret looks forward to future festivals, announcing that the 35th edition of the Folk & Fools Festival will occur in 2025 under the guiding theme “Stars of the Future,” showcasing emerging talent with remarkable potential. Additionally, the festival will culminate in a poignant farewell edition in 2026, aptly titled “The cabaret goes, democracy remains,” continuing to blend cabaret, a cappella, and folk elements, promising delightful surprises ahead.
What were the highlights of the 34th Folk & Fools festival for you, Maria?
**Interview with Festival Attendee, Maria Lopez**
*Interviewer:* Maria, thank you for joining us today. You attended the 34th Folk & Fools festival in Montabaur. Can you share your overall impression of the event?
*Maria:* Absolutely! The festival was a delightful experience. This year’s theme, “Music of the World,” brought a refreshing focus on folk music, and I was eager to see how that would unfold without the usual cabaret antics.
*Interviewer:* Speaking of the music, how did you find the performances by “Violons Barbares” and “Astillero”?
*Maria:* “Violons Barbares” was spectacular! Their fusion of world folk and Balkan blues was infectious. Watching Enkhjargal Dandarvaanchig use the Morin Khoor while producing those mesmerizing overtone vocals was something I’ll never forget. The audience was completely captivated, especially during their piece about “Monsters and Fantastic Creatures.”
*Interviewer:* That sounds magical! What about “Astillero” and their Tango Nuevo?
*Maria:* They took us on an emotional journey through their music. The sound was rich and layered, combining sadness and hope beautifully. There was a moment when I could almost feel the streets of Buenos Aires, even though my tango skills are non-existent! It was impressive how they engaged the audience, even if it took a moment for everyone to warm up to the rhythm.
*Interviewer:* You mentioned attendance was a bit low. Do you think competing events contributed to that?
*Maria:* Yes, definitely. With an international football match happening the same evening, I think many people were torn between supporting their teams and enjoying live music. It’s unfortunate, but it happens. Still, the atmosphere was magical and made it worthwhile.
*Interviewer:* Looking ahead, the festival will have a theme of “Stars of the Future” next year. What are your expectations for that?
*Maria:* I’m intrigued! The title suggests a variety of potential acts, maybe even a mix of genres that pushes boundaries. I hope they incorporate more diverse voices and hopefully see more female musicians featured, as I noted a bit of an imbalance this year.
*Interviewer:* Great point, Maria! Thank you for sharing your insights on the festival. It’s always enriching to hear from attendees like you!
*Maria:* Thank you! I’m looking forward to the future festivals and hope they continue to celebrate the beauty of global music.