Performing: Sašo Hribar, Renato Vindiš

Sašo Hribar and Renato Vindiš in a stage analogy of a small segment of the cult radio socio-political satirical show, Radio GA-GA. A demonstration of bizarreness that is almost real, humor that is tragic in places, and objectivity that is biased for many. A little for fun, a little for real, a little in words, a little in music, with many personalities from political and public life. 

General sponsor: Reseda

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Performing: RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, RTV Slovenia Big Band

Soloists: Raiven, Nuška Drašček, Lea Likar, Gregor Ravnik, Saša Lešnjek, David Matići, Alenka Godec, Oto Pestner, Elda Viler, Alfi Nipič

Conductor: Patrik Greblo

Poletna noč® (Summer Night) is an annual gala concert dedicated to the rich repertoire of Slovenian popular music. Each concert features a different theme, and established Slovenian singers bring the songs to life, accompanied by a large orchestra comprising the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra and Big Band. 

This year, Poletna noč® will take place in Ptuj for the first time, promising an unforgettable journey through the highlights of Slovenian popular music. The concert will be conducted by Patrik Greblo.

In case of bad weather, the event will take place on Sunday, 16 July 2023.

General sponsors: Zavarovalnica Triglav, Žiher hiše

Partners: Ministrstvo za kulturo, MO Ptuj

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Performing: Ditka (vocal, ac. guitar), Feri Lainšček (poetry interpretation), Gorazd Čepin (keyboards), Jan Lužnik (el. guitar, backing vocal)

A youthful voice that found a sensitive musical expression for the lyrics of a popular poet. This is a description of the musical narrative with which singer-songwriter and composer Ditka and poet Feri Lainšček have been enthralling listeners throughout Slovenia and across the border for several years. Intimate literary evenings have grown into musical-literary concerts that are extremely popular among listeners who appreciate beautiful Slovenian poetry and quality music.

Ditka and Feri Lainšček’s current project is named after Ditka’s last album and Lainšček’s latest poetry collection Med nama je angel (An Angel Between Us). Ditka’s fourth album also features the poetry of other renowned Slovenian poets. At a time when light is needed more than ever before, a musical poetry concert will bring warmth to people’s hearts and the awareness that dreams are eternal.

Co-organizer: Turistično društvo Ptujska Gora

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Performing: Joven Orquesta de Jaén Symphony Orchestra

Conductor: Rafael de Torres

The Spanish youth symphony orchestra Joven Orquesta de Jaén was initially a string orchestra. In 2016, it became a symphony orchestra under the direction of Francisco Bernal. Since 2021, it has been led by the conductor Rafael de Torres. The orchestra comprises 60 young musicians from different parts of the province of Jaén who study at professional conservatories in Jaén, Úbeda, and Linares, and at higher conservatories in Madrid, Salamanca, Zaragoza, and Jaén. The members of the youth symphony orchestra explore and perform a diverse repertoire, while also deepening their love for music and expanding their artistic mission. In the 2018/19 season, the orchestra participated in the international music festival Baezafest and the Provencal Festival of Youth Orchestras in France. In 2022, the orchestra played at the Florence Youth Festival and a festival of youth orchestras in Vienna.

Partners: Ministrstvo za kulturo, MO Ptuj

Performing: Ricardo Bekema (vocal, ac. guitar), Carlos Francinet (vocal, small percussions), Eric Wijngaarde (small percussions, backing vocal), Ernesto Paz Rivero (el. upright bass), Heiko Ebner (trumpet), Jan Boers (tres guitar, backing vocal), Leo Martis (tres guitar, backing vocal), Marcos Betancourt (timpani), Gerardo Rosales Rondon (percussions – conga, bongo), Gabino Jardines Cisneros (ac. guitar)

The Cuban band Estudiantina Ensemble belongs to the handful of those that still preserve the so-called estudiantina tradition of student music groups that were extremely popular at the beginning of the last century. The band was founded by singer and guitarist Ricardo Aristides Bekema with the aim of preserving authentic Cuban styles such as danzon, guaracha, bolero, and son. Unlike classic brass-based Afro-Cuban bands, estudiantina is dominated by string instruments, accompanied by trumpets and percussion, including the traditional timpani. For over two decades, Estudiantina Ensemble have been captivating audiences with their dance music, which is considered an ancestor of modern salsa. Throughout their careers, these experienced artists have performed on many domestic and foreign stages, including the prestigious Cuban event, Festival de la Trova Pepe Sánchez.

General sponsor: Salon kopalnic MCK d.o.o. 

Partners: Ministrstvo za kulturo, MO Ptuj

Performing: Ricardo Bekema (vocal, ac. guitar), Carlos Francinet (vocal, small percussions), Eric Wijngaarde (small percussions, backing vocal), Ernesto Paz Rivero (el. upright bass), Heiko Ebner (trumpet), Jan Boers (tres guitar, backing vocal), Leo Martis (tres guitar, backing vocal), Marcos Betancourt (timpani), Gerardo Rosales Rondon (percussions – conga, bongo), Gabino Jardines Cisneros (ac. guitar)

The Cuban band Estudiantina Ensemble belongs to the handful of those that still preserve the so-called estudiantina tradition of student music groups that were extremely popular at the beginning of the last century. The band was founded by singer and guitarist Ricardo Aristides Bekema with the aim of preserving authentic Cuban styles such as danzon, guaracha, bolero, and son. Unlike classic brass-based Afro-Cuban bands, estudiantina is dominated by string instruments, accompanied by trumpets and percussion, including the traditional timpani. For over two decades, Estudiantina Ensemble have been captivating audiences with their dance music, which is considered an ancestor of modern salsa. Throughout their careers, these experienced artists have performed on many domestic and foreign stages, including the prestigious Cuban event, Festival de la Trova Pepe Sánchez.

General sponsor: Salon kopalnic MCK d.o.o. 

Partners: Ministrstvo za kulturo, MO Ptuj

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After the Estudiantina Ensemble concert, the Cuban rhythms will continue with a lively salsa dance evening at Bodi Coffee Shop. Both experienced and novice dance couples and individuals are welcome. The event will be led by Goran Marić who conducts dance classes, individual lessons of salsa, bachata, Latin-American and standard dances, and prepares choreographies for various dance events within the GM Studio. He achieved the highest rankings in international competitions already in his teenage years. Since graduating from the Faculty of Education in Maribor in 2007, he has been continuously improving his music and dance skills, especially in the field of salsa in pairs.

Performing: Vlado Kreslin (vocal, guitar), Mali bogovi: Iztok Cergol (violin, accordion, saxophone, trumpet, guitar), Mileta Grujić (keyboards), Tonč Feinig (keyboards), Matej Sušnik (guitar), Luka Jerončič (bass, double bass), Luka Ovsec (percussion), Gašper Peršl (drums) 

Teo Collori in Momento Cigano: Teo Collori (guitar), Metod Banko (guitar), Matija Krečič (violin), Matej Kužel (clarinet), Jošt Lampret (bass)

Vlado Kreslin, one of the most popular Slovenian musicians, started playing music in the early seventies. In the 1980s, he recorded two popular albums with the band Martin Krpan. He opened concerts for world-famous artists such as R.E.M., Bob Dylan, and Michael Chapman. With the Beltinška banda (Beltinci Gang), he ignited a revival of ethnic music in Slovenia. He brought the tunes of folk music and the Prekmurje dialect closer to young generations, and many of his compositions inspired novels, films, and other works of art. Throughout his career, the troubadour of the Prekmurje plains, as we like to call him, has released thirty original records and several poetry collections, and collaborated with numerous prominent domestic and foreign musicians.

Teo Collori and Momento Cigano play a lively mix of gypsy and swing music. The band was founded by guitarist Teo Collori shortly after he graduated in jazz at the state conservatory in Klagenfurt in 2010. They are one of the most sought-after instrumental bands in our country and compose sparkling arrangements with outstanding solos. Teo Collori and Momento Cigano have played many outstanding concerts, both domestically and internationally. They recorded their latest album Capitano Della Noche in their living room, aiming for an honest and intimate sound. Their latest compositions include flamenco rumba, Indian melodica, Afro-gypsy style, and Italian-French waltz.

General sponsors: Tenzor, Robotika Kogler

Generalna pokrovitelja: Tenzor, Robotika Kogler

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Live-animated musical comedy based on Bernard Waber’s popular children’s picture book from 1965. The story revolves around a singing crocodile who lives with the Primm family in New York and is sure to make both young and old laugh. The cast features Oscar winner Javier Bardem, Constance Wu, Shawn Mendes, and others. After the film screening, there will be a musical yoga session for children.

Facilitator: Eva Hrastar

Through a playful and fairy-tale workshop, children will develop an awareness of their bodies, a positive self-image, and respect and acceptance among peers. They will learn magical yogic techniques of mindfulness and breathing, accompanied by gentle and creative singing.

Performing: Josipa Lisac (vocal), Borna Šercar (drums), Davor Črnigoj (bass), Elvis Penava (guitar), Toni Starešinić (keyboards) 

The Croatian music icon, Josip Lisac, began developing her unique style in the 1960s with the bands O’Hara and Zlatni akordi. Her cooperation with the well-known rock ‘n’ roll musician, Karl Metikoš, was also very influential. This year marks 50 years since the release of her debut album, Dnevnik jedne ljubavi (The Diary of Love), which gained cult status shortly after its release in 1973 and is still considered one of the musical highlights of the former Yugoslavia. For over five decades, Josipa has been inspiring with unique vocal interpretations and captivating stage presence. Her impressive works of art have earned her the “Vokal godine” award (the Croatian award for the best vocalist of the year), the Porin discography award, and many others.

General sponsor: NLB

Partners: Ministrstvo za kulturo, MO Ptuj

VSTOPNICE

Facilitator: Liljana Klemenčič

Performing: St. Peter and Paul Minorite Monastery Music School’s students

“The sun has risen, and dewy showers wake the drowsy eyes of beautiful flowers. If we listen carefully, we can hear the buzzing of the bee. The three cockatiels, proud beauties in a row, sing “Kikiriki” in the morning glow. A happy “Ringaraja” echoes loud and clear, a sound so dear. Who would think that the morning’s light would bother one with such a sight?”

Through the fairy tale, children will get to know string instruments.

Facilitator: Mojca Grula

In the creative workshop, children will create interior decorations from cardboard that can be used to decorate homes, rooms, or other little corners. The motifs will be houses, rainbows, and magical unicorns, and everything will be decorated with colorful, summery colors.

Performing: Marko Črnčec (el. organ), Bruno Mičetić (el. guitar), Vladimir Kostadinović (drums)

Marko Črnčec is one of the most recognizable contemporary Slovenian musicians and multi-instrumentalists, particularly in jazz and popular music. Based in New York for several years and now living in Slovenia, he has been active on the international scene for over ten years, collaborating with notable musicians such as Billy Hart, Bob Mintzer, Mike Moreno, Seamus Blake, Rez Abbasi, Marcus Gilmore, Mark Shim, Alex Sipiagin, and Joe Locke. He has performed at legendary festivals and venues, including the Brosella Jazz Festival, Havana Jazz Festival, Blue Note Jazz Club NYC, and many others. His original records have received excellent reviews and achievements, including Devotion (2014) being ranked among the twenty best jazz albums according to All About Jazz, one of the world’s largest music publications.

On his summer tour, he will perform with Bruno Mičetić, a versatile Croatian guitarist with experience in jazz, blues, rock, and metal who attended the jazz academy in Klagenfurt, and drummer Vladimir Kostadinović, recipient of the prestigious “Tusca in Jazz 2008, Jimmy Woode competition” award who excels in multiple musical styles and projects. Together, the three internationally renowned musicians will present a repertoire of their original compositions and well-known jazz standards and originals.

Partners: Ministrstvo za kulturo, MO Ptu

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Performing: Nejc Simčič (vocal, guitar), Samo Cholewa Cizl (guitar), Rok Kaltnekar (trumpet), Dunja Rutar (bass), Leon Benko (drums)

A young band from the Posočje region, the tree man band, joins the wave of new indie rock music that has flooded the Slovenian music scene in recent years. The five members with diverse musical backgrounds contribute to the unique style of the band, which is based on the sounds of the trumpet, the power of two guitars, and the tight rhythm of the drum and bass. The current runners-up of the Špil Liga student competition strive for progress, cohesive performances, and creativity.

Facilitator: Liljana Klemenčič

Performing: Karol Pahor Ptuj Music School’s students

“Once upon a time, castles grew around the world, all of stone and might. In the clear lake, the castle is reflecting, oh, look at it, standing upside down, on its head, oh, look at it, standing in the water, yet remaining dry, oh, look at it, look at it, just look at it, in a white dream amid water lilies. Then, the folk musicians came upon the castle…”

Through the fairy tale, children will get to know percussion, keyboard instruments, and ballet.

Facilitator: Eva Vilčnik

For many years, our workshop has been crafting a diverse range of playable musical instruments. This year, we will be holding an exhibition featuring all the instruments created so far. We will offer you the opportunity to choose which musical instrument you would like to make. The workshop is tailored to preschoolers and children in the first three years of school. Let’s create together!

Performing: Pia Krajnc (vocal), Neža Angel (vocal), Zaja Postružnik (vocal), Neja Gajzer (vocal)

The vocal quartet OD5 KVARTET consists of four excellent singers who aim to add a spark of originality and wit to the youth music scene. Neja Gajzer, Pia Krajnc, Neža Angel, and Zaja Postružnik, who have won international singing competitions, offer their youthful interpretation of well-known popular compositions while also creating their original music.

Tadej Toš, actor and stand-up comedian, delights audiences all over Slovenia with his open and witty approach. His shows are full of sincere and funny stories that touch on various topics such as relationships, family, culture, and politics. His ability to describe everyday situations in an original way is a feast for the ears and spirit. Tadej Toš is known for his directness and ability to reach a wide audience with his humour. His shows are a great opportunity for relaxation and laughter that should not be missed.

General sponsor: Dorssen 

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Facilitator: Liljana Klemenčič

Performing: Karol Pahor Ptuj Music School’s students

“Tarantara, tarantara, all good things come in threes they say, but in this tale, it’s not okay. Once lived three robbers, frightening and bold, with black coats wide and hats so tall and cold. The girls’ eyes widened with terror so true, as the robbers’ presence made them shoo. High-pitched screams they let out in fright, while the robbers spoke with voices raspy and tight.”

Through the fairy tale, children will get to know brass instruments.

Facilitator: Eva Hrastar

Different pitches and strengths of tones can be elicited from musical instruments. During the creative workshop, children will make fabulous percussion instruments and explore various sounds.

Performing: Matevž Šalehar Hamo (vocal, guitar), Rudi Bučar (vocal, guitar)

Matevž Šalehar Hamo and Rudi Bučar are an excellent duo of musicians who have been enriching the Slovenian music scene for over two decades. During their joint acoustic evenings, they create an unforgettable and heartfelt atmosphere through singing, playing, storytelling, and extraordinary mutual energy.

Rudi Bučar, a versatile musician and Istrian singer-songwriter, began his musical career in elementary school. In 2012, he completed his studies in jazz singing and arranging at the music academy in Trieste. With his excellent interpretations, poetics, and voice, he has achieved excellent rankings at many Slovenian music festivals, such as EMA (Slovenian Eurovision Song Contest), Slovenska popevka (Slovenian song festival), and Melodije morja in sonca (Melodies of the Sea and the Sun).

Matevž Šalehar Hamo is known mainly as the frontman of the blues rock band Hamo & Tribute 2 Love and is considered one of the most original Slovenian vocalists in this genre. He entered the music scene at the end of the 1990s and has since been performing at well-established Slovenian festivals (EMA, Slovenska popevka, Dnevi slovenske zabavne glasbe (Days of Slovenian Popular Music), and collaborating with renowned musicians such as Vlado Kreslin, Trkaj, Gušti, Ditka, Escape String Quartet, Neisha, Gal Gjurin, and others.

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Wednesday night of the festival will be extended by New Ex and a selection of songs from the world of rock and roll, evoking memories of the iconic decades of the 20th century – the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Rock veterans from Ptuj joined with special guests.

Performing: Stefan Milenkovich (violin), Camerata Novi Sad Chamber Orchestra

Serbian-born violin virtuoso Stefan Milenkovich, who was declared the artist of the century in Serbia in 2002, became famous in the 1980s as a child prodigy. Even before the age of 14, he had played for important figures such as then-President Ronald Reagan, the leader of the Soviet Union Mihail Gorbachev, and Pope John Paul II. He later studied at the Music Academy in Belgrade and the Juilliard School in New York, becoming one of the most sought-after violinists of his generation. He performs with top orchestras and renowned conductors such as Sir Neville Marriner, Lorin Maazel, Vladimir Fedosejev, Daniel Oren, and En Shao. Milenkovich also works in the academic field, having taught at the Juilliard School and the University of Illinois. He is currently the artistic director of the new concert hall in Novi Sad and an associate professor of violin at the university there.

The chamber orchestra Camerata Academica, as it used to be called initially, was founded under the auspices of the Academy of Arts in Novi Sad. It was led by Istvan Varga during its first period of operation. During that time, the orchestra gave concerts at many prestigious events and music festivals, including Bemus, Nomis, and Ohrid Summer. After a short period of inactivity, the orchestra was revived in 2007 by cellist Marko Miletić. Camerata Novi Sad today brings together the best professors and students of the Academy of Arts and collaborates with renowned Serbian musicians and conductors. The orchestra was one of the key players in the European Capital of Culture 2022 project and is also considered the official chamber orchestra of the city of Novi Sad.

Partners: Ministrstvo za kulturo, MO Ptuj

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Performing: Liza Zavrl (vocal), Tilen Jan (guitar), Robert Glač (guitar), Klemen Berglez (bass), Robert Buh (drums)

Fat Butlers, the winners of several music competitions for young bands (Šourock, Bitka bandov (Battle of the Bands), Ritem mladosti (Rhythm of Youth), started in 2017 with instrumental progressive music. Later, they added elements of punk rock with the inclusion of singer Liza. Their victory at various competitions gave them the opportunity to record their first EP The Dawn and perform on major stages and festivals across Slovenia (Stožice, Gora Rocka (Mountain of Rock), Lampiončki, Lent Festival, Castle Festival). Currently, they are collaborating with the renowned producer Dejan Radičević and the NIKA Records label.

Thursday night of the festival will be extended by the dynamic sounds of Laganini and a collection of world hits in the lively rhythms of funk, soul, and rock.

Performing: Nina Pušlar (vocal), Dorian Granda (drums), Goran Moskovski (percussion), Miha Gorše (keyboards, guitar, vocal), Jani Šepetavec (saxophone, guitar, vocal), Aleš Marjetič (el. guitar), Jernej Kržič (bass), Mitja Bobič (trumpet, backing vocal), Katja Sever Kržič (backing vocal)

Nina Pušlar is one of the most popular and widely-played Slovenian singers, known for her genuine energy that easily attracts the audience. She gained wider public recognition after winning the Slovenian Battle of the Talents in 2005. Today, she is a popular icon of the domestic music scene that regularly tops music charts and fills concert halls. She has performed in almost all Slovenian venues, sold out Križanke twice, performed in the legendary Tivoli Hall, and recorded seven studio albums with a huge number of hits. Her performances, in which she collaborates with renowned Slovenian instrumentalists, are exceptional both musically and vocally. Through her songs, Nina Pušlar expresses compassion, love, and joy for life, inspiring every listener.

General sponsor: Cestno podjetje Ptuj

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This year, on a summer Saturday, the town square will once again be filled with the enticing aromas of delicacies from various Slovenian regions and world cuisines. The renowned open kitchen food market provides the perfect opportunity to socialize, stroll between stalls, and indulge in a variety of specialty dishes and flavors. In addition to excellent cuisine and international culinary creations, a selection of fine wines, craft beers, and other tasty drinks will be available.

Organizers: Ptuj Tourism Public Institute, Odprta kuhna

Facilitator: Arbadakarba circus (Tina Vrdjuka, Matjaž Kekec)

“Legend has it that there once was a dragon who wore a crown. Though the dragon has long since vanished, the crown acquired magical powers the moment it parted ways with its former owner…”

The show, featuring two entertaining characters, showcases a delightful array of magic tricks, illusions, and circus elements. We will enjoy Kekec’s amusing performance as he entertains us with his skills and humorously takes us back to the Middle Ages.

Performing: Joker Out: Bojan Cvjetićanin (vocal), Jure Maček (drums), Kris Guštin (guitar), Jan Peteh (guitar), Nace Jordan (bass)

Dan D: Tomislav Jovanović Tokac (vocal, guitar), Dušan Obradinović Obra (drums), Marko Turk Tučo (guitar), Nikola Sekulović (bass), Boštjan Grubar (keyboards)

Concluding the summer festival in an intergenerational spirit, two exceptional and revered musical acts, Dan D and Joker Out, will perform in a double concert.

Dan D, one of the most famous Slovenian bands, has been inspiring and surprising with their creations for over 25 years. They have left a mark on the Slovenian music scene with pieces such as Voda (Water), Čas (Time), Plešeš (You’re Dancing), and Tiho (Silently). The band members take musical evolution as a challenge, and each of their songs is unique, not succumbing to trends.

Joker Out, representatives of the younger rock generation, continue to conquer hearts with their unstoppable youthful energy and visually perfected image. After releasing their second album Demoni (Demons) last year, they passed the maturity test with their sold-out event in Križanke, upgraded their shagadelic rock ’n’ roll, and showed what they are capable of. Their circle of fans grows with each performance, and many big stages await them, including the Eurovision.

General sponsors: Perutnina Ptuj, NLB

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Performing: Daniel Caccia (vocal), Ratko Zjaca (guitar), Renato Chicco (piano, organ), Jože Zadravec (drums)

Daniel Caccia earned his master’s degree from the jazz department at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz. Alongside his own quartet, he has performed with various bands throughout his career, including Roger Cicero’s Big Band, Latvian Radio Big Band, and Sigi Feigl Big Band. He has received several awards and nominations for his work (2013 – titled the best young singer by the American magazine DownBeat; 2014 – received the Croatian Porin Discography Award for Jazz Album of the Year with the HGM Orchestra; 2016 – nominated for the German Echo Award for his first solo album Lifeline).

Co-organizer: Imago Sloveniae

Performing: Iztok Koren (banjo, bass drum, chimes, balafon), Ana Kravanja (violin, viola, ribab, balafon, kalimba, bendir), Samo Kutin (harps, ukulele, kalimba, “brač” – chordal tamburitza, balafon, steel drum)

Širom stems from the Slovenian regions of Kras, Tolmin, and Prekmurje and blends diverse musical approaches. Their form of expression is original and stylistically homogeneous, incorporating a wide array of folk sounds alongside contemporary acoustic rock-style meditations. Širom’s music is contemplative yet capable of becoming harder when necessary, leaning more towards a band-like than chamber-like sound.

Co-organizer: Imago Sloveniae