ASWAD CONCERT

[BLUE BUTTERFLY]

We went to the ASWAD concert on Sunday night and they were FANTASTIC.

I was waiting for the negative posters to come on, yes, we were kept waiting an unacceptable length of time for the gates to open but there was no need for the foul mouthed behaviour from the group of brits behind us.

They were moaning that they had only had one drink in the bar they had left, thinking that the gates were opening at 8pm and they could continue drinking in the amphitheatre bar. [Take note belideye organisers, you missed out on a lot of profit]

But their disgusting language and attitude towards the gate staff, two of who where young girls was out of order, the staff were under strict instructions from the organisers not the open the gates until the sound checks were complete.

On the positive side, the audience ranged from 3year olds to people in their 70s, a good mix of foreigners and cypriots and from the second they came on the stage, ASWAD had everyone on their feet, the atmosphere was amazing and the energy and charisma of the band absolutely breathtaking.

Well worth the 25tl.

Please come again ASWAD.

[cyprusishome]

It was annoying being kept waiting until after 9pm when the tickets stated "gates open at 7pm", a simple announcement from the pa would have satisfied most people stood out in the heat. As it was, once inside an explanation was given, the mayor who had been stood outside with the rest of us also made a good welcoming speech.

After that, those who stayed in the bars watching a usless football match that we all knew what the result would be, missed a fantastic concert.
It is such a shame that so much effort goes into organising these events with people often moaning there is nothing to do here as regards culture and proper entertainment, and when it happens so few turn out.

Please Mr Mayor, do not be put off by the relativley small turn out and bring more class acts to this superb venue.

[Marions]

Hey Cyprus is Home. Why not write to Sumer Aygin and tell him your thoughts cos they are very valid. If the Mayor does not hear the positive and the encouraging, he might not realise the enthusiasm out there for the events.
In fact, if everyone who really enjoyed it told him the same message, mayube we could get Aswad back next year - I know they would have liked to have stayed for more than 24 hours¬!!!

[DieHard]

Aswad are very much a band that would appeal to a select few. Glad those that went enjoyed them, but a more popular 60s/70s group would have gained a bigger audience. Last year the Animals and The Searchers proved it, and people paid more money to get in. The Bohemians who were a tribute band also had large audiences.

[cyprusishome]

1. Marion I did pass on my thoughts personally to Mr Aygin on Sunday.

2. We do not need the same groups back again we need different and more.

3. The Animals concert last year was the same price as Aswad. But in whose opinion are they a more popular group, I think their type of music is just as specific as Aswad and showed in the size of the audience. Cypriots loved Aswad where as The Animals most had never heard of them. Personally enjoyed all the music I have seen at Amphitheatre because I have an open mind.

4. We do not want tribute bands we want the real thing. That is why it is important for people to go to the concerts that are put on to encourage the mayor and his team to give us more.

[Marions]

good comments. I could not agree more that it is not tributes that are required but the real thing. I don't go for tributes at all. It is like a tenor pretending to be pavarotti, or a woman pretending to be Maria Callas, or me pretending to be shirley Bassey. I can never understand these 'tribute' things.
I will ask the promotor of ASWAD if he can't find some more real acts to bring over for next year's Kyrenia Belediye Festival as Mr Ayginseems so keen to make sure it is bigger and better next year. I guess they have a problem in appealing to bothcultures - Cypriot and ex pats - but they are doing quite well.

I think another thing is cost! But that is up to the organisers to sort out. I am sure if it is something people really want, they will pay.Look at c.In concerts, they are 140tl I know they get a meal as well, but......

maybe more peoople should tell the Mayor what they would like and as it is a year's time, mayube he can listen???

[LooseBoots]

Some tribute acts are very good. For example, when we lived near Maidstone Kent, we saw an artist called NAVI, who was a Michael Jackson impersonator.

He can be seen via the internet, and he was so good that MJ actually had him perform at one of his own birthday bashes.
You can`t get more of a recommendation that that, can you?

[Lor51]

I also have an open mind when it comes to bands, I love heavy rock, rock and roll, disco, soul, etc, In my opinion there is a need for tribute bands, not all of us are lucky enough to see the original star/s, You cant always get the real deal, some are dead, some disbanded etc, and some you just cant afford. I have also seen tribute bands in my opinion, perform better than the real deal.

[Mel7348]

Horses for courses spings to mind.

ASWAD were brilliant, also the audience. The amtosphere was warm and happy, and truely multicultural. No language difficulties when you are all laughing and dancing together.

Thank you Mr Mayor and all the hard workers that made for a great Festival Event.

[cyprusishome]

And do not foget the festival is still going on. Going to see the free concert by the superb Serdar Tuksal Thursday outside Girne Belidiyesi.

[Mel7348]

And do not foget the festival is still going on. Going to see the free concert by the superb Serdar Tuksal Thursday outside Girne Belidiyesi.

Thanks for the reminder.