World March for Peace and Non-Violence in Stockholm

World March for Peace and Non-Violence arrives to Stockholm on the 29th of October. March together with the whole world, in this most embracive peace manifestation that has ever happened.

The march passes more than 150 countries and demands the governments to dismantle nuclear weapons, end war and all forms of non-violence. The World March implements joy to a new, global consciousness of non-violence.

On Thursday morning, the 29th of October the International Peace Group comes to Stockholm.

Join us in welcoming them when they arrive with the Finland boat to the Viking Line Terminal at Stadsgårdskajen, at 9:40. Bring balloons, drums, flags with you and your best mood.

In the afternoon we gather around the Hiroshima Torch which is carried around the world - the greatest symbol to remind us that NUCLEAR WEAPONS MUST DISAPPEAR from Earth.

In the evening we meet at 17:30, Raoul Wallenbergs torg/Nybroplan, in front of the Drama Theater, and march to Sergels torg where we will sing together.

Contributing artists: Regina Lund, Pepe och Mari, Bolingo, Andrea Gerak, La Populär and Love Aurell. On the screen we will follow Daniel Andersson and Andrea Csaszni Rygh, Perfect Performance broadcasting Bed-in for Peace.

Andrea Gerak and Regina Lund on the 2nd of October at Norrmalmstorg, Stockholm

World March Sweden is supported by: World Without War, Women for Peace, Left Wing Association of Swedish Women, Swedish Peace Council, Green Party, Poetas del Mundo, Museum of Work Norrköping, Radio Studio, Feminist Initiative, Zinkensdamm Hotel, and many private persons, Maj Britt Theorin, Arja Saijonmaa, Mikael Wiehe, Malin Berghagen, Agneta Sjödin, and more.
Media partners: Music Industry News Network, Nordic Africa News, TilliT, Webfinanser, Facebook

Related news: Andrea Gerak sings for World March for Peace and Non-Violence Launch

Download flyer in PDF (color photos, Swedish text)
Source press release in Swedish

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www.andreagerak.com

Andrea's Calendar

Acapella solo concert again!

Folk songs from Domahaza
Asiye

In her solo show Little Songs From A Big World Andrea Gerak takes the listener to a trip through acapella folk songs of her upcoming same titled album, from Hungary to Turkey, Ireland, Solomon Islands, Peru and more, even linking some of the melodies to other genres such as pop or jazz, telling stories about the background of each song, dancing, truly communicating with the audience. (In English and/or Hungarian, depending on the audience)

This is what Treehugger Dan has to say about the same concert at his bookstore café in April:

"I am addicted to Hungarian folk dancing, but have never been a big fan of the singing. With the possible exception of Lovasz Iren with Makam, Hungarian female folk singers tend to go for the high notes and stay there, which causes a fingernails-on-the-chalkboard reaction in me. So when the very accomplished folk-world music singer Andrea Gerak came to sing last night at Treehugger Dan's, I did not know what to expect, but thought I did. My fears were entirely unfounded, and it was a very pleasant intimate candlelit evening of "little songs from a big world." I especially enjoyed it when she showed the audience where the songs were from on an imaginary map like a meteorologist. Andrea sang some beautiful songs in Turkish, Hungarian, English, and Gypsy. I will definietly try to invite her back in the Autumn."

A cozy evening at a nice tea house (excellent tea and service!) One minute walk from Moricz Zsigmond square, on the left side of Villanyi str.



Place: Voros Oroszlan Teahaz (Red Lion Tea House)
Budapest, distr. 11, Villanyi str 12.
Time: August 15 Saturday, 20:00
Entrance fee: 500.- (consumption not included)

Information:
Tea House or CONTACT page
Tel.: +36 1 279 1133, +36 70 4023173

Entrance: 500.-HUF (consumption not included)

This event on Facebook

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Surprise act

For a poetry book launch, Andrea Gerak will be singing as a surprise act for the poet's friends at a tea house in Budapest, and signing her Madárka, Madárka CD. Presenting a song from upcoming album.
When: 1 Aug, Saturday, 5pm
Where: call +36 70 4023173 to find out the location

MORE ANDREA GERAK GIGS
BRING ANDREA GERAK TO YOUR CITY

Upcoming performances in Hungary

Gypsy In My Soul (live)
Salley Gardens (live)
Lonely Is The Bird
Don't Fall Asleep





May 30. 18:00
Aba-Novak Cultural Centre
Szolnok, Hild ter 1.
XX. Szolnok Folk Dance Festival
Andrea on stage again with Bartok Dance Ensemble in the Saturday evening gala of selected choreographies from past festivals.

June 5. 20:00-21:00
Budapest District 9, Ferenc ter
At the newly refurbished square concerts and children programs await the public every weekend in June.
Free

June 13. 19:00
Budapest District 7
House concert
In her new show Little Songs From A Big World Andrea Gerak takes the listener to a trip through acapella folk songs from Hungary to Turkey, Ireland, Solomon Islands, Peru and more, even linking some of the melodies to other genres such as pop or jazz.
A cozy evening.
Invitation only. Info: +36 70 4023173, info at andreagerak dot com

June 14. 20:00
Buda Castle Music Pavilion (in the park beside the Matthias Church)
Nostalgy Concert
Five years ago Effi Shoshani Israeli composer heard Andrea singing at this place, and shortly after the song Arva az a madar (Lonely Is The Bird) was born, which actually started an international career for the singer.
Free



June 18. 17:00
Rozsa Cultural House
Budapest District 18, Varoshaz utca 1-3.
Photo exhibition of Sandor Kiss

June 20. 15:00
Feldebro
Black Currant Festival

June 20. 20:00
Fot
Zenga Lelek Festival?

June 27.
Tarcal, Amphitheatre
Midsummer Fest

Concert calendar
Live recordings, demo songs
Watch Andrea live
I am an Andrea Gerak fan and want her to perform in my city
Andrea is ready to perform in other places too, worldwide.
Booking info: +36 70 4023173, bookings at andreagerak dot com

Concert review: The Jive Aces in Hungary

The Jive Aces are advertising themselves as the UK's #1 swing and jive band but it is not true. They are already much more than that.

It was an honor for me to perform before them on last Saturday and a fantastic experience to attend most of the gigs of their short Hungary tour.

One could also say that as a Hungarian folk singer and dancer, the author of this review doesn't have anything to do with swing, jive, boogie-woogie, rock and roll, but this isn't true either. Recognizing, appreciating and enjoying the highest level professionalism cannot be bound to genres. Therefore, whenever I have an opportunity to meet the Jive Aces, I have great fun and while dancing, I sing I-I-I-I-I ain' got no-body, and Buona sera, signorina, buona sera - forgetting that anything else exist. If I even get a right partner, turning-whirling-somersaulting is no problem.

And the unstoppable flow of spirits, exhilaration, inexhaustible energy, humorous performance on top of super professional handling of instruments are for everybody.

Last weekend I had this all: on Friday, they made the dancers sweat in Budapest, at the birthday party of Oktogon Dance Centre (I couldn't go to this one, having a concert at After Music Club), at Saturday noon they played down by the Danube in Obuda (Old Buda), where they put the boogie and the charleston into the feet of passers-by. As a warm-up for their evening concert, for they were the star guests of 25th International Dixieland Festival in Salgotarjan, Northern Hungary.

I know the boys in the yellow suits for almost 10 years, have seen them performing in many cities of England and the Continent, worked with them every now and then, but haven't seen any show like what they gave here. It was five times as good - if such a thing can be expressed by figures - as their concert at Montreux a couple of years ago.



The audience applauded, laughed, forgot about all the worries in their lives for two hours, several hundreds of people were jumping to Jump Jive An' Wail, and didn't want to let them leave the stage at Midnight. In the foyer, the crowd completely overwhelmed the merch table, so that the new fans could get signatures on their CDs.

One could hear not only one voice saying "This was the best ever concert of my life", "I've been coming to this festival for 20 years but haven't seen anything like this" - different wording, same point.

According to the local Radio Focus "even the old hand public got convinced that it was not an advertisement gimmick to call this year's star performers as world sensation."

Also the jovial gentlemen who was seemingly familiar with with the genre and despite of his age, danced happily next afternoon when the Jive Aces entertained visitors of Polus Shopping Center in Budapest again, put it this way: "This is not only the best swing band of England, but probably the whole world".



Two more big plus points to the band. One: that mind blowing buoyancy and cheerfulness which are trade marks of their performance, are not made up for the sake of the show, the guys are indeed like that. Just an interesting detail to this: without alcohol or any other drugs - it is possible to do so.

They demonstrated their incredible work tempo (300 gigs a year!) in this country too: after all this on Sunday night played for a private party - five concerts in three days.

The other plus point: although the Jive Aces are getting to be called as real world stars, (let's only take this: Chick Corea does not appear on the album of just anyone), the cats are not giddy with success, they are friendly, familiar, human.

Most probably it's not me to judge, but boys, it's time to re-word your slogan!

- Andrea Gerak

This review was published - amongst others - in the most influential Hungarian music portal Zene.hu: The Jive Aces Showed in Hungary What Real Swing and Jive Was Like
Photo galery: the Jive Aces at Salgotarjan jazz festival
www.jiveaces.com

Andrea performs at her birthplace

Folk songs from Domahaza

Next weekend Andrea Gerak visits her birthplace Ozd in Hungary where she performs at a gala of the local folk dance association.

"I am very glad to take this invitation, because I have only been to Ozd a very few times: I was a little baby when we moved over to Kazincbarcika. When I was a teenager, I went to Ozd for swimming trainings when we didn't have a swimming pool yet in our city, two times to visit someone and last summer for a Takats Tamas Dirty Blues Band as part of the Borsod Arts Festival. I am especially happy about meeting the the traditional folk dance group of Domahaza, because their dances were amongst the first ones I learned when I was a young folk dancer." - Andrea

Place: Cultural Centre of Ozd "Olvaso" (Ozd, Gyar u. 4.)
Date & time: 25 April, Saturday 19:00
Music: Dobroda Band
Guest performers:
Traditional Folk Dance Group of Domahaza
Vadszilvak Folk Dance Group
Entry: 1000.-HUF

Andrea Gerak concert calendar
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Booking enquiries

Csango Farsang (Carnival) in Eger

Andrea Gerak's next public performance



Time: 14th February 18:00
Place: Vörösrák Restaurant, Eger, Kossuth Lajos street 12.

Program:

At 18:00 mass for Csango Hungarians of Magyarfalu (Gaiceana-Arini (RO) at Ferencesek Church, Kossuth Lajos street 10, celebrated by Rev. Robert Pogar (born in Magyarfalu)

After that, dinner with entertainment. Performers:

Pal Dsupin furulya, Laszlo Cergo Herczeg koboz, Kinga Saarossy actress, Andrea Gerak singer, Laura Iancu poet, Ciprian Pogar singing (Magyarfalu), Ilona Budau singing (Magyarfalu), Students of Farkas Ferenc Music School, Jozsef Budau & his wife dance (Magyarfalu), Budau Antal & his wife dance (Magyarfalu), Antal Csicso tells stories about the Csangos (Klezse).

Táncház (=Hungarian folk dance house), teaching songs

Fee: 3000.-HUF

Tickets:
+36/36/312814 or personally at Vörösrak Restaurant

Media partners:
Csango Tükör, MyMusic, Hirek Oldal, Day.hu, Zenesz.info, Freeblog, Folkradio, Dalok.hu, TV Eger, Zajlik, Blogter, Egri Vegvar, Hirfal, Propeller, Myspace

Home again and booking!

Andrea Gerak in Hungary again; this time a bit longer than usual, for about half a year. First days go by with establishment in Budapest and preparing for further performances.

She is available solo as well as with a band at festivals, concert venues, music clubs, exhibition openings, private, corporate and community events, parties, church events, benefits, libraries, museums - everywhere where her songs would fit, except for political parties.

Concert dates

Please contact for more information

Gelem, Gelem video

Andrea's performance at the Human Rights Day Gala" in Stockholm, 2008 December. She is singing the national anthem of the Romany people, for a gala concert on the Human Rights Day in Stockholm.

Just before her stage appearance, Stig Johnell from Amnesty International spoke about the situation of the Roma minority in Italy.



YouTube link
Andrea Gerak Calendar: upcoming dates, past shows

Human Rights Gala in Stockholm

On the 10th of December, the Sweden branch of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI-S) presented an opportunity to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights with international artists.

Besides Master of Ceremony Samson Mande, European Human Rights Hero awardee, several renown human rights activists honored the event. Norsang Drikung, leader of Tibetan Community in Sweden and Dr. Elfatih Shora, member of International Rescue Nubia organization spoke about issues demanding solutions in their countries, while Stig Johnell from Amnesty International took up several situations worldwide, including Sweden.

Honorary guest speaker Mrs. Jacqueline Mukangira, Ambassador of Republic of Rwanda to Sweden and Nordic Countries highlighted the evening, who told stories of how her country has risen from genocide to a safe and prosperous land, setting a good example of finding constructive solutions to various problems.

The audience was entertained by a colorful concert of classical, pop and world music, dance from Africa, Asia, America and Europe. In the artist line-up, different ages, races, music styles and most of the continents were represented.

Latvian viola/piano duo Ineta & Milda Zigure gave the concert a very aesthetic opening. Mrs Sonoko Kase's students from Östermalm Private Music School performed Japanese children songs, piano and ballet pieces. Venezuelan born soprano Gabriela Gonzáles-Toledo, who is also an active lecturer in Latin American music and culture, entertained with beautiful opera and musical songs. Hungarian folk singer Andrea Gerak's choice of Romany National Anthem was perfect for the occasion and really hit home to the audience. Swedish singer-songwriter Mimmi Siegel sweetened the mood while rock singer Lizette& and Nsako Afrodans, a group performing tribal music and dance from Uganda broke the floor with high energy sounds and moves.

The attendees appreciated the international diversity, the very informative speeches, high artistic quality and the relaxed atmosphere of the gala. The event concluded with the participating representatives expressing their intentions to further co-operate in order to make human rights a reality.

More info

Media partners: FN Tudósító, Virtus, Kakukk.ro, Blogtér, Nordic Africa News, World Music Central, Beats.hu, SPRACI, Hangszer és Zene Online, MyMusic.hu

Andrea Gerak calendar

Celebration of the 60th Anniversary for Human Rights

YHRI-Sweden celebrates 60 years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948-2008).

"The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood."- Martin Luther King Jr.
"Make human rights a global reality and not just an idealistic dream." - L. Ron Hubbard

Theme: “DIGNITY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL OF US”

The Sweden branch of Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI-S) presents an opportunity to celebrate the 60th anniversary for human rights.


The Declaration belongs to each and everyone of us – read it, teach it, promote it and claim it as your own.

The anniversary gala will include speeches from the youth, ambassadors, government officials and renown human rights activists from different parts of the world. The audience will as well be entertained by an interlude of a concert of hip hop, classical, pop and exotic music, dance from Africa, Asia, America and Europe.

ARTISTS:

Andrea Gerak
Gabriela Gonzáles-Toledo
Ineta & Milda Zigure
Lizette&
Mimmi Siegel
Students of Östermalm Private Music School
Nsako Afrodans

Where: Årsta Folketshus
Årsta Torg, Årsta centrum (Stockholm, Sweden)
When: 2008. 10/December 18:00
Doors open at 17:30
Entry: 100.-SEK/50.-SEK for young people under 15 (incl. refreshments)


Contact: Charlotte Scholz Tel: +46-8-912635, +46-765261444 charlotte_scholz{at}yahoo{dot}se

Media partners:
Cityguide.se, Eventful, Facebook, MySpace, Last.fm, Stockholmtown.com, Nordic Africa News, Music Industry News, Starpages

Sponsors: FINT &FÄRDIGT BYGG STOCKHOLM AB, Bättre Hälsa, Martin Ekwall Fotografi, Roseb AB, Performia AB, Comline Rekrytering

Photos from concert in Edelény

Andrea performed between Vujicsics Band and Hungarian Hurdy-gurdy Orchestra at the 8th Borsod Arts Festival, in Edelény (Northern Hungary)

Concerts in June

Andrea Gerak soon in her homeland Hungary again!

Public performances this month:

June 22 Sunday 20:00
Edelény, Borsodi Tájház
"Music of Hungarians from the Carpathian Basin""
Andrea will perform at the evening of Vujicsics Ensemble and Hungarian Hurdy-gurdy Orchestra
A Borsod Arts Festival program
Entrance fee: 800HUF

June 26 Thursday 19:00
Dubicsány, Fignár Festival Court
A Borsod Arts Festival program

Full calendar
Previous concerts

Csángó Night and Dance House

The Sweden-based Petrás Incze János Csángó Foundation is holding a charity event at the Hungarian House in Stockholm. All the benefit from the concert will go to support social and cultural needs of Csángó Hungarians in Moldva.

Time: 24th May 2008
Place: Magyar Ház - Ungerska Huset (Bromma, Lövåsvägen 12, Stora Mossen subway station, green line towards Hässelby) Map


15:00-17:00 dance house for children (Hungarian folk dances)
17:00-19:00 Csángó Night Concert
19:30- till about Midnight dance house for adults (Hungarian folk dances)

Entrance fee: adulsts 80.-SEK, children 30.-SEK

Excellent Hungarian, Japanese, Indian, Polish, Swedish and Latvian artists will perform at the concert of folk music and classical music:

● Barozda (Csongor Simó violin, Lajos Toró viola, József Simó double bass, hurdy-gurdy, koboz): traditional music from Transylvania and Moldva,

● Barna Both (piano) performs his own compositions ("The Little Prince" and "Nocturne"),
● Andrea Gerák Csángó folk songs from Moldva,

● Japanese students of Sonoko Kase play piano,
● Lakshmikanth (tabla, voice) and Saikira (indiai harmonium): classical Indian music,
● Magnus Smedman Band (Swedish bagpipe and hurdy-gurdy): Swedish folk music,
● Milda Zigure and Ineta Zigure Latvian artists (violin and piano)
● Kinga Práda Sagvik (flute),
● György Stuber (Hungarian bagpipe, Moldva Csángó bagpipe, hurdy-gurdy and flute): folk music from Transylvania and Moldva, first ever Csángó bagpipe stage performance in music history!,
● Zsuzsanna Gaal, Gabriella Dybowski, Thomas Svanfeldt és György Stuber Hungarian folk dances.

Dance house music will be played by Barozda and György Stuber.

Donations can be sent to Foundation Petrás Incze János Csángó Alapítvány (Postgiro: 636 25 57 – 8 Receiver: Csángó Fonden Petrás Incze János)

Thank you in the name of Csángós.

Our event is dedicated to commemorate the late Csángó musicians Gergely Mesterke (-2004), Péter Minuc (-2002), Mihály Dima(-2005, Petru Ghiurca bagpipers and János Zerkula (-2008) fiddler who visited Sweden in 2002

Contact: +46 8 254038
Magyar Ház (Hungarian House) in Stockholm

Asiye - Concert Video

Andrea Gerak presents a Turkish folk song at Budapest Fringe Festival, in her program Set Forth Along a Road. In the song, a boy sings about loosing his love, Asiye.

It wasn't easy to perform it acapella, in the middle of all the noise coming in from the other concerts...

Fringe Pictures

Andrea Gerak at Budapest Fringe Festival