Šaban Bajramović - The King of Roma music

Šaban Bajramović is the most prolific and the most celebrated Roma singer, composer and poet in the Balkans. Among thousands of articles and studies written throughout the world about this author, there is not a single one which does not link his name with the expression "The King of Roma music".

Šaban Bajramović was born on April 16, 1936 in Niš (Serbia). He almost did not attend the school while picking up musical education, alike many of his people, on street.

When he was nineteen, he deserted the army because of love, and later was sentenced to three years imprisonment at the Goli Otok isolation facility on an island in the Adriatic sea. However, as he told the military court that there was no sentence long enough for him to serve it, the sentence was extended to five and a half years.

However, while serving his sentence at the Goli Otok facility, Šaban Bajramović founded a prison band which played, among other music, jazz, Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra songs, as well as Spanish and Mexican melodies. Nowadays, he says that Goli Otok was his life-university, where he formed the way he thinks. He made his first record in 1964, and nowadays, his discography consists of some twenty albums and more then fifty singles. He wrote and composed, as he said, about seven hundred songs. For more than twenty years, he has led “Crna Mamba” (Black Mamba), touring half of the world with the band. Upon invitation of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, he visited India, where he was named for The King of the Gypsy World Music.

Šaban Bajramović - The King of Roma music

Šaban Bajramović is the most prolific and the most celebrated Roma singer, composer and poet in the Balkans. Among thousands of articles and studies written throughout the world about this author, there is not a single one which does not link his name with the expression "The King of Roma music".

Šaban Bajramović was born on April 16, 1936 in Niš (Serbia). He almost did not attend the school while picking up musical education, alike many of his people, on street.

When he was nineteen, he deserted the army because of love, and later was sentenced to three years imprisonment at the Goli Otok isolation facility on an island in the Adriatic sea. However, as he told the military court that there was no sentence long enough for him to serve it, the sentence was extended to five and a half years.

However, while serving his sentence at the Goli Otok facility, Šaban Bajramović founded a prison band which played, among other music, jazz, Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra songs, as well as Spanish and Mexican melodies. Nowadays, he says that Goli Otok was his life-university, where he formed the way he thinks. He made his first record in 1964, and nowadays, his discography consists of some twenty albums and more then fifty singles. He wrote and composed, as he said, about seven hundred songs. For more than twenty years, he has led “Crna Mamba” (Black Mamba), touring half of the world with the band. Upon invitation of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, he visited India, where he was named for The King of the Gypsy World Music.

Dejan Petrović, pobednik Guče i majstor trube

Dejan Lazarević: Uskoro će svetlost dana ugledati novi CD sa specifičnim balkanskim zvukom koji je Lazarević radio u saradnji sa popularnim čačanskim bendom (Prilog: http://www.citybox.rs/index.php?str=muzika&cd_id=341).

 

Dejan Petrović već spremio repertoar

- Nastupićemo verovatno u nešto modernijoj varijanti na ovogodišnjem Saboru trubača. Naravno, srpska tradicija je deo svakog našeg nastupa, ali ove godine ćemo koncert obogatiti novim numerama, veoma zanimljivim. Planirano goste, u svakom slučaju obećavamo odličnu zabavu i kvalitetan program - kaže Lazarević. On dodaje da bi ga radovalo da u Guču dođu zvučna imena poput filmske dive Džulije Roberts, pa ako se to obistini, Lazarević će kao i njegov kolega biti spreman.

Dejan Petrović u Vršcu Najmlađi i višestruki pobednik Sabora trubača u Guči i prva truba sveta Dejan Petrović održaće sa svojim Big bendom veliki koncert u hali “Milenijum” u Vršcu 10. marta. - Kao i sve dosadašnje, i ovaj koncert posvećujem svojoj ćerki Jovani, najvećoj radosti i najvećem pokretaču u životu. Mnoge sam želje ispunio, ostala je još jedna, a to je svetska karijera. Želim da autentičan zvuk srpske trube pronesem svetom - kaže Dejan Petrović. 

S. M. - Imamo repertoar i za popularnu glumicu. Samo neka dođe, biće oduševljena - poručuje Lazarević. Treći Dejan - Jevđić, upotpuniće muzički nastup velikana trube. Najmlađi u svetu nagrada za izvođenje na limenim instrumentima Dejan Jevđić je sa orkestrom “Zao Taro lajt” prošle godine podigao Zlatnu trubu Sabora. - Radimo predano. Svakodnevno vežbamo za Guču, a mene posebno raduje činjenica da ću nastupati sa imenjacima Lazarevićem i Petrovićem. 

Moramo za taj koncert da odaberemo najbolji repertoar i budemo posebno dobri. Nema sumnje, ljubiteljima trube ostaće u pamćenju planirana svirka jer nagrade najbolje govore o kvalitetu trubača - kaže Jevđić. Koncert trojice Dejana, trubačkih superstarova, novina je ove godine. Dosad su najbolji svirali na ponoćnom koncertu, a “Tri D” upriličen je kao poseban poklon organizatora ljubiteljima trube.

Izvor: http://www.blic.rs

Dejan Petrović, pobednik Guče i majstor trube

Dejan Lazarević: Uskoro će svetlost dana ugledati novi CD sa specifičnim balkanskim zvukom koji je Lazarević radio u saradnji sa popularnim čačanskim bendom (Prilog: http://www.citybox.rs/index.php?str=muzika&cd_id=341).

 

Dejan Petrović već spremio repertoar

- Nastupićemo verovatno u nešto modernijoj varijanti na ovogodišnjem Saboru trubača. Naravno, srpska tradicija je deo svakog našeg nastupa, ali ove godine ćemo koncert obogatiti novim numerama, veoma zanimljivim. Planirano goste, u svakom slučaju obećavamo odličnu zabavu i kvalitetan program - kaže Lazarević. On dodaje da bi ga radovalo da u Guču dođu zvučna imena poput filmske dive Džulije Roberts, pa ako se to obistini, Lazarević će kao i njegov kolega biti spreman.

Dejan Petrović u Vršcu Najmlađi i višestruki pobednik Sabora trubača u Guči i prva truba sveta Dejan Petrović održaće sa svojim Big bendom veliki koncert u hali “Milenijum” u Vršcu 10. marta. - Kao i sve dosadašnje, i ovaj koncert posvećujem svojoj ćerki Jovani, najvećoj radosti i najvećem pokretaču u životu. Mnoge sam želje ispunio, ostala je još jedna, a to je svetska karijera. Želim da autentičan zvuk srpske trube pronesem svetom - kaže Dejan Petrović. 

S. M. - Imamo repertoar i za popularnu glumicu. Samo neka dođe, biće oduševljena - poručuje Lazarević. Treći Dejan - Jevđić, upotpuniće muzički nastup velikana trube. Najmlađi u svetu nagrada za izvođenje na limenim instrumentima Dejan Jevđić je sa orkestrom “Zao Taro lajt” prošle godine podigao Zlatnu trubu Sabora. - Radimo predano. Svakodnevno vežbamo za Guču, a mene posebno raduje činjenica da ću nastupati sa imenjacima Lazarevićem i Petrovićem. 

Moramo za taj koncert da odaberemo najbolji repertoar i budemo posebno dobri. Nema sumnje, ljubiteljima trube ostaće u pamćenju planirana svirka jer nagrade najbolje govore o kvalitetu trubača - kaže Jevđić. Koncert trojice Dejana, trubačkih superstarova, novina je ove godine. Dosad su najbolji svirali na ponoćnom koncertu, a “Tri D” upriličen je kao poseban poklon organizatora ljubiteljima trube.

Izvor: http://www.blic.rs

History of Guča Festival

The traditional Dragačevo trumpet - its cult kept alive for nearly two centuries regardless of political and social considerations - has with time become world-renowned. It is owing to the trumpet that the name of Serbia has resounded worldwide, in all the continents. Some orchestras, when they appear on stage, whether for official competition national dress, the authentic and indigenous dances and other folk inspired elements, coupled with music, have become an integral part of national gathering.

The virtuoso music performers, the trumpet players to the paradox and make the story more authentic - are for the most part fully self-taught. They play by ear and quite spontaneously, relying on their musical memory; they play from the heart and soul, and their music reaches out to listeners precisely for this quality. The Gucha Assembly of Trumpet Players continues to grow year after year: today, this musical feast of recognizable national skills is more popular, more diverse and bigger than ever before.

The first Dragacevo Assembly of Trumpet Players was held on October 16, 1961 in the yard of the Church of Sts. Michael and Gabriel in Gucha. Initially, it was a very modest Assembly - almost subversive for the prevailing political circumstances of that time. However, the Assembly gradually grew and expanded its, one might say, magical influence, and over the past ten or so years has become the folk remained its key symbol and raison detre, it is no longer held solely for the trumpet players. It grew into an Assembly of toastmasters, painters, song "Sa Ovcara I Kablara", marks the beginning of the festival each year. Some church music festivals notwithstanding, the Assembly of Trumpet Players is the best know event of this kind extending uninterruptedly for 43 years and attracting guests and musicians alike from every continent. Trumpet players and folk song and dance groups from around the world deem it a great honor to be invited to the Assembly, and the number of v visitors increases with each coming year. The record was set in 2002, when Gucha hosted in excess of 300.000 visitors.

With considerable experience in organizing Assemblies, today the traditionally hospitable Gucha has earned its place on the map of world music festivals, inviting high interest from ethno music lovers, and deservedly so. As an internationally recognized trumpet capital, and a singular corner of positive energy, a place with accumulated joy, gaiety and spontaneity, coupled with the piercing yet gentle sound of the trumpet, Gucha is a place of catharsis of the heart and soul while the festival lasts. All this is more than enough to attract visitors to Gucha each Mexico, Spain, Greece, Denmark, China and many other close or distant countries. The names of Boban Markovic, Milan Mladenovic, Ekrem Sajdic, Elvis Ajdinovic, Fejat and Zoran Sejdic have carried the glory of the Serbian trumpet across the world. Some 600,000 visitors are expected at the next, and 50th Assembly. That would be very impressive indeed, would it not?

History of Guča Festival

The traditional Dragačevo trumpet - its cult kept alive for nearly two centuries regardless of political and social considerations - has with time become world-renowned. It is owing to the trumpet that the name of Serbia has resounded worldwide, in all the continents. Some orchestras, when they appear on stage, whether for official competition national dress, the authentic and indigenous dances and other folk inspired elements, coupled with music, have become an integral part of national gathering.

The virtuoso music performers, the trumpet players to the paradox and make the story more authentic - are for the most part fully self-taught. They play by ear and quite spontaneously, relying on their musical memory; they play from the heart and soul, and their music reaches out to listeners precisely for this quality. The Gucha Assembly of Trumpet Players continues to grow year after year: today, this musical feast of recognizable national skills is more popular, more diverse and bigger than ever before.

The first Dragacevo Assembly of Trumpet Players was held on October 16, 1961 in the yard of the Church of Sts. Michael and Gabriel in Gucha. Initially, it was a very modest Assembly - almost subversive for the prevailing political circumstances of that time. However, the Assembly gradually grew and expanded its, one might say, magical influence, and over the past ten or so years has become the folk remained its key symbol and raison detre, it is no longer held solely for the trumpet players. It grew into an Assembly of toastmasters, painters, song "Sa Ovcara I Kablara", marks the beginning of the festival each year. Some church music festivals notwithstanding, the Assembly of Trumpet Players is the best know event of this kind extending uninterruptedly for 43 years and attracting guests and musicians alike from every continent. Trumpet players and folk song and dance groups from around the world deem it a great honor to be invited to the Assembly, and the number of v visitors increases with each coming year. The record was set in 2002, when Gucha hosted in excess of 300.000 visitors.

With considerable experience in organizing Assemblies, today the traditionally hospitable Gucha has earned its place on the map of world music festivals, inviting high interest from ethno music lovers, and deservedly so. As an internationally recognized trumpet capital, and a singular corner of positive energy, a place with accumulated joy, gaiety and spontaneity, coupled with the piercing yet gentle sound of the trumpet, Gucha is a place of catharsis of the heart and soul while the festival lasts. All this is more than enough to attract visitors to Gucha each Mexico, Spain, Greece, Denmark, China and many other close or distant countries. The names of Boban Markovic, Milan Mladenovic, Ekrem Sajdic, Elvis Ajdinovic, Fejat and Zoran Sejdic have carried the glory of the Serbian trumpet across the world. Some 600,000 visitors are expected at the next, and 50th Assembly. That would be very impressive indeed, would it not?

Day trip to Ovčarsko Kablar canyon

Day trip to Ovcarsko Kablar canyon - Trumpet Festival It is located in central Serbia, where the Morava river between the mountains and Shepherd Kablar gorge cuts an imposing shadow scale in forest on the banks of the river, the small plateau close to the rocks and hiding the 11 medieval monasteries, the unique place where there are time when they occur. On the left side of the Western Morava are the Annunciation, Ilinje, Savinja Nikolje, Assumption and Jovanje, and on the right the Temple, Trinity, Transfiguration, Assumption and the Presentation.

The gorge is located Shepherd and Spa. After a stormy night in Guca, you'll benefit from a break and rest in the beautiful nature that has not been disturbed by human factor. Excursion program: Departing from Guca in 8:00 am, comfortable tourist bus. Arrival at the Spa Shepherd around 8:45 pm, a tour (in a tourist guide) very small town, visiting the monastery of the Transfiguration, Presentation, Ascension, Nikolje. Driving through the canyon on a raft in the Western Morava. Lunch at the restaurant "House" (the menu is arranged in advance if you wish), located on the banks of the river. Ability to visit Wellness center or outdoor swimming pool with thermal water. During the individual time, lasting two hours. Departing in Guca at 17.00 h. Arrival in Guca in 17:45. Tour Price: 30 € The price includes:- Transportation of tourist bus - Admission to the National Park - Lunch at the restaurant "Dom" - Drive-raft -Tourist Guide - Organization If you interesting for reservation of apartment in Guča, you can contact us by email on guca@booking-hotels.biz or calling number +381.64.555.85.81.

Day trip to Ovčarsko Kablar canyon

Day trip to Ovcarsko Kablar canyon - Trumpet Festival It is located in central Serbia, where the Morava river between the mountains and Shepherd Kablar gorge cuts an imposing shadow scale in forest on the banks of the river, the small plateau close to the rocks and hiding the 11 medieval monasteries, the unique place where there are time when they occur. On the left side of the Western Morava are the Annunciation, Ilinje, Savinja Nikolje, Assumption and Jovanje, and on the right the Temple, Trinity, Transfiguration, Assumption and the Presentation.

The gorge is located Shepherd and Spa. After a stormy night in Guca, you'll benefit from a break and rest in the beautiful nature that has not been disturbed by human factor. Excursion program: Departing from Guca in 8:00 am, comfortable tourist bus. Arrival at the Spa Shepherd around 8:45 pm, a tour (in a tourist guide) very small town, visiting the monastery of the Transfiguration, Presentation, Ascension, Nikolje. Driving through the canyon on a raft in the Western Morava. Lunch at the restaurant "House" (the menu is arranged in advance if you wish), located on the banks of the river. Ability to visit Wellness center or outdoor swimming pool with thermal water. During the individual time, lasting two hours. Departing in Guca at 17.00 h. Arrival in Guca in 17:45. Tour Price: 30 € The price includes:- Transportation of tourist bus - Admission to the National Park - Lunch at the restaurant "Dom" - Drive-raft -Tourist Guide - Organization If you interesting for reservation of apartment in Guča, you can contact us by email on guca@booking-hotels.biz or calling number +381.64.555.85.81.

Rock’n’Roll auf Serbisch (Guča Festival)

400000 junge Leute kommen jedes Jahr im August nach Guča, wenn die besten Blaskapellen um die Wette spielen. Hardrocker, Folkloregruppen, Hippies und Kampftrinker flippen aus.

Übernachtet haben wir in der Wohnung des Polizeichefs, im geräumten Kinderzimmer, unter einem Poster von Harry Potters Freundin Hermine, wohlwollend beäugt von rosa und hellblauen Kuscheltieren. Einen behüteteren Ort kann man in Guča kaum finden. Die Fotos der Polizeicheftöchter stehen, gerahmt in rotem Kunstleder, auf einem Häkeldeckchen. Für ein paar Tage sind die Mädchen bei auswärtigen Verwandten untergebracht. So macht man das hier Jahr für Jahr am letzten Augustwochenende, wenn in das 3000-Einwohner-Dorf plötzlich 400000 Blasmusikverrückte einfallen. Guča liegt in der tiefsten serbischen Provinz, dreieinhalb Autostunden südlich von Belgrad. Es gibt dort ein einziges Hotel mit 40 Betten, ein weiteres wird gerade gebaut. Da kann sich glücklich schätzen, wer auf der Klappliege in einer Privatwohnung untergekommen ist.

In den Tagen des großen Blasmusikfestivals wird in Guča nämlich überall geschlafen: auf den Wiesen am Ortsrand, die sich in riesige Zeltplätze verwandeln; in Schulen und Turnhallen, in denen die Luft morgens zum Schneiden stickig ist; zu zweit unter Wolldecken im Auto; allein neben der leeren Schnapsflasche in Hauseingängen oder mitten auf dem zentralen Dorfplatz zwischen Glasscherben, Plastikmüll und Bierlachen am Sockel des berühmten Denkmals mit dem goldenen Trompeter.

Nur der Polizeichef findet keinen Schlaf. Jede Nacht dreht er erst zur frühen Morgenstunde den Schlüssel in seiner Wohnungstür, drei Stunden später ist er schon wieder auf dem Weg zum Dienst. Auch in seinem Büro kann man ihn nicht treffen. "Viel Arbeit, schlechte Nachrichten", sagt seine Frau, die das Frühstück für die Gäste zubereitet. Am Montag steht es in der Zeitung: Zwei verfeindete Jugendbanden sind beim Festival aneinandergeraten, ein Jugendlicher wurde bei der Messerstecherei getötet. Im letzten Jahr waren es die jugendlichen Alkoholraser, die dem Polizisten den Schlaf raubten. Auf den kleinen, kurvenreichen Landstraßen fahren sie im Suff gegen Bäume und brechen sich die Hälse.

Den legendären Ruf der Festtage von Guča können solche hässlichen Zwischenfälle nicht beschädigen. Guča gilt als das größte und wildeste Blasmusikspektakel der Welt. Die ganze Region strömt herbei und junge Leute aus aller Welt. Das Festival sei das wichtigste und authentischste Symbol serbischer Kreativität, erklärt der aus Belgrad angereiste Staatsminister. Die Trompete mache gesund und vertreibe alle Neurosen, sagt einer der Gründer: »Guča ist Ausdruck serbischer Lebensfreude.« Wie viel das Bier und der Rakija zum Ruhm der Veranstaltung beitragen, braucht niemand extra zu betonen: Jeder weiß, dass Guča ein Massenbesäufnis ist.

In nüchternen Worten lässt sich der Anlass des Festes so beschreiben: Zwanzig serbische Musikkapellen kommen zu einem Bläserwettstreit zusammen. Zuvor haben sie sich in regionalen Vorausscheidungen qualifiziert. Der Sieger gewinnt die begehrte goldene Trompete. Über fünf Tage erstreckt sich das Rahmenprogramm mit Trachtenauftritten, Umzügen und Rummelplatzvergnügen. Der Wettbewerb selbst wird in wenigen Stunden am letzten Tag abgewickelt, denn es geht in erster Linie um anderes: durchtanzte Nächte, Rausch, Enthemmung. Sex and drugs and Rock’n’Roll auf Serbisch.

Das Festival ist fest in der Hand der Zigeunerbands aus dem Süden und Westen des Landes. Sie stellen fast alle Teilnehmer, geben mit ihren übermütig ratternden Tänzen, den Cočeks und Kolos den Ton an. Von schmissigen Synkopen wird ihre Musik vorangetrieben. Die Basstuba bollert wie Ausbeulungsarbeiten auf dem Autoschrottplatz. Über den pumpenden Rhythmen erhebt sich das orientalisch klingende Melodiegewusel der Trompeten. Im Vergleich zum Wespentemperament einer serbischen Gipsy-Band wirken bayerische Bierzeltkapellen so behäbig wie halb tote Stubenfliegen auf ihrem letzten Flug. Verwegene Typen sind die Musiker allesamt. Für Guča haben sie sich die gelockten schwarzen Haare extranass in den Nacken gegelt, ihre Nadelstreifenanzüge oder cremefarbenen Leinenwesten angezogen und die eleganten Schuhe übergestreift. An den Schuhen kann man jeden Gipsy-Trompeter erkennen: Spitz und lang müssen sie sein und am besten aus Schlangenleder. Guča ist eine große Chance für die Musiker. Wer hier auffällt oder gar den Wettbewerb gewinnt, braucht sich um lukrative Engagements bei Hochzeiten und Beerdigungen keine Sorgen mehr zu machen.

Rock’n’Roll auf Serbisch (Guča Festival)

400000 junge Leute kommen jedes Jahr im August nach Guča, wenn die besten Blaskapellen um die Wette spielen. Hardrocker, Folkloregruppen, Hippies und Kampftrinker flippen aus.

Übernachtet haben wir in der Wohnung des Polizeichefs, im geräumten Kinderzimmer, unter einem Poster von Harry Potters Freundin Hermine, wohlwollend beäugt von rosa und hellblauen Kuscheltieren. Einen behüteteren Ort kann man in Guča kaum finden. Die Fotos der Polizeicheftöchter stehen, gerahmt in rotem Kunstleder, auf einem Häkeldeckchen. Für ein paar Tage sind die Mädchen bei auswärtigen Verwandten untergebracht. So macht man das hier Jahr für Jahr am letzten Augustwochenende, wenn in das 3000-Einwohner-Dorf plötzlich 400000 Blasmusikverrückte einfallen. Guča liegt in der tiefsten serbischen Provinz, dreieinhalb Autostunden südlich von Belgrad. Es gibt dort ein einziges Hotel mit 40 Betten, ein weiteres wird gerade gebaut. Da kann sich glücklich schätzen, wer auf der Klappliege in einer Privatwohnung untergekommen ist.

In den Tagen des großen Blasmusikfestivals wird in Guča nämlich überall geschlafen: auf den Wiesen am Ortsrand, die sich in riesige Zeltplätze verwandeln; in Schulen und Turnhallen, in denen die Luft morgens zum Schneiden stickig ist; zu zweit unter Wolldecken im Auto; allein neben der leeren Schnapsflasche in Hauseingängen oder mitten auf dem zentralen Dorfplatz zwischen Glasscherben, Plastikmüll und Bierlachen am Sockel des berühmten Denkmals mit dem goldenen Trompeter.

Nur der Polizeichef findet keinen Schlaf. Jede Nacht dreht er erst zur frühen Morgenstunde den Schlüssel in seiner Wohnungstür, drei Stunden später ist er schon wieder auf dem Weg zum Dienst. Auch in seinem Büro kann man ihn nicht treffen. "Viel Arbeit, schlechte Nachrichten", sagt seine Frau, die das Frühstück für die Gäste zubereitet. Am Montag steht es in der Zeitung: Zwei verfeindete Jugendbanden sind beim Festival aneinandergeraten, ein Jugendlicher wurde bei der Messerstecherei getötet. Im letzten Jahr waren es die jugendlichen Alkoholraser, die dem Polizisten den Schlaf raubten. Auf den kleinen, kurvenreichen Landstraßen fahren sie im Suff gegen Bäume und brechen sich die Hälse.

Den legendären Ruf der Festtage von Guča können solche hässlichen Zwischenfälle nicht beschädigen. Guča gilt als das größte und wildeste Blasmusikspektakel der Welt. Die ganze Region strömt herbei und junge Leute aus aller Welt. Das Festival sei das wichtigste und authentischste Symbol serbischer Kreativität, erklärt der aus Belgrad angereiste Staatsminister. Die Trompete mache gesund und vertreibe alle Neurosen, sagt einer der Gründer: »Guča ist Ausdruck serbischer Lebensfreude.« Wie viel das Bier und der Rakija zum Ruhm der Veranstaltung beitragen, braucht niemand extra zu betonen: Jeder weiß, dass Guča ein Massenbesäufnis ist.

In nüchternen Worten lässt sich der Anlass des Festes so beschreiben: Zwanzig serbische Musikkapellen kommen zu einem Bläserwettstreit zusammen. Zuvor haben sie sich in regionalen Vorausscheidungen qualifiziert. Der Sieger gewinnt die begehrte goldene Trompete. Über fünf Tage erstreckt sich das Rahmenprogramm mit Trachtenauftritten, Umzügen und Rummelplatzvergnügen. Der Wettbewerb selbst wird in wenigen Stunden am letzten Tag abgewickelt, denn es geht in erster Linie um anderes: durchtanzte Nächte, Rausch, Enthemmung. Sex and drugs and Rock’n’Roll auf Serbisch.

Das Festival ist fest in der Hand der Zigeunerbands aus dem Süden und Westen des Landes. Sie stellen fast alle Teilnehmer, geben mit ihren übermütig ratternden Tänzen, den Cočeks und Kolos den Ton an. Von schmissigen Synkopen wird ihre Musik vorangetrieben. Die Basstuba bollert wie Ausbeulungsarbeiten auf dem Autoschrottplatz. Über den pumpenden Rhythmen erhebt sich das orientalisch klingende Melodiegewusel der Trompeten. Im Vergleich zum Wespentemperament einer serbischen Gipsy-Band wirken bayerische Bierzeltkapellen so behäbig wie halb tote Stubenfliegen auf ihrem letzten Flug. Verwegene Typen sind die Musiker allesamt. Für Guča haben sie sich die gelockten schwarzen Haare extranass in den Nacken gegelt, ihre Nadelstreifenanzüge oder cremefarbenen Leinenwesten angezogen und die eleganten Schuhe übergestreift. An den Schuhen kann man jeden Gipsy-Trompeter erkennen: Spitz und lang müssen sie sein und am besten aus Schlangenleder. Guča ist eine große Chance für die Musiker. Wer hier auffällt oder gar den Wettbewerb gewinnt, braucht sich um lukrative Engagements bei Hochzeiten und Beerdigungen keine Sorgen mehr zu machen.

Guča The Best festival in the World

This year's Festival in Guča will be opened on August 5th by Emir Kusturica, a worldwide famous film maker. As it has been announced, he will also perform a music show with his “No smoking orchestra” on August 8th, after the competition of the foreign orchestras. Every year in August the sleepy town of Guča turns into a big party, the air is filled with the sound of trumpets and smell of grilled meat, streets with dancing and drinking people... More than 600,000 visitors make their way to the town of 2,000 people, both from Serbia and abroad. 

Elimination heats earlier in the year mean only a few dozen bands get to compete. Guča's official festival is split into three parts. Friday's opening concert, Saturday night celebrations and Sunday's competition. Friday's concerts are held at the entrance to the official Guča Festival building. This event features previous winners, each band getting to play three tunes while folk dancers, all kitted out in bright knitting patterns, dance kolos and oros in front of a hyped-up audience.

An English party site, www.ThisIsTheLife.com, has named Guča the best festival in the world.

Forget Glastonbury, Reading, Burning Man and Coachella: "The wildest music festival on earth is a cacophonic and crazy brass band festival that takes place every summer in the tiny Serbian town of Guča in the western region of Dragačevo".

Guča The Best festival in the World

This year's Festival in Guča will be opened on August 5th by Emir Kusturica, a worldwide famous film maker. As it has been announced, he will also perform a music show with his “No smoking orchestra” on August 8th, after the competition of the foreign orchestras. Every year in August the sleepy town of Guča turns into a big party, the air is filled with the sound of trumpets and smell of grilled meat, streets with dancing and drinking people... More than 600,000 visitors make their way to the town of 2,000 people, both from Serbia and abroad. 

Elimination heats earlier in the year mean only a few dozen bands get to compete. Guča's official festival is split into three parts. Friday's opening concert, Saturday night celebrations and Sunday's competition. Friday's concerts are held at the entrance to the official Guča Festival building. This event features previous winners, each band getting to play three tunes while folk dancers, all kitted out in bright knitting patterns, dance kolos and oros in front of a hyped-up audience.

An English party site, www.ThisIsTheLife.com, has named Guča the best festival in the world.

Forget Glastonbury, Reading, Burning Man and Coachella: "The wildest music festival on earth is a cacophonic and crazy brass band festival that takes place every summer in the tiny Serbian town of Guča in the western region of Dragačevo".

Sightseeing four days of old Serbian town

Day 1th: Arrival in Belgrade. Accommodation in the hotel; Dinner; Spare time; Overnight.

Day 2nd: Belgrade - Valjevo - National Park Tara - Belgrade: Breakfast. Sightseeing with a professional tourist guide. Route: the City Parliament, the Federal Parliament, Terazije Square, Republic Square, Students' Square, Belgrade Fortress, City Gate ["Varos kapija"], New Belgrade, Topcider Hill, Dedinje, Oslobodjenje Square, Slavija Square, Nikola Pasic Square.

Trip continues towards Valjevo. Sight - seeing: Old Serbian town Tesnjar, Muselin's Residential House, Poetry Square ["Trg Pesnistva"] - a monument dedicated to a Serbian poet Desanka Maksimovic, Vojvoda Misic Square [a Serbian field marshal]; visit to the monasteries Celije and Lelic. Lunch in Serbian national restaurant [facultative]. Trip continues towards National Park Tara. Arrival in the hotel Omorika is planned in afternoon; accommodation; dinner.

Day 3rd: Tara Mountain. Breakfast in the hotel. Departure to Perucac; visit to the river Vrelo with beautiful waterfalls, and the river godina [365m long; godina: year]. Continuing our trip, we visit Mitrovac and "carpet meadow" and observation deck "Banjska stena". Return to hotel; dinner; overnight.

Day 4th Mountains Tara - Zlatibor - Mokra Gora. Mountain Tara: Breakfast in the hotel; checkout. Excursion to the Rača Monastery and the spring of thermal water "Ladjevac" located near the monastery. Trip with beautiful panorama sight - seeing continues towards Zlatibor Mountain. Arrival to Mokra Gora.

Visit to the Drvengrad, film city of Emir Kusturica. Watching the projection of the latest documentary film by Emir Kusturica. Lunch is planned [optionally] in the ethno restaurant of this unique film city.

Boarding the old type train "Cira" and driving along the famous "Sarganska osmica" - the narrow - gage railroad, shaped in number eight, long 15km with 22 tunnels, many viaducts and bridges and it represents the greatest tourist attraction in Europe at the moment. Stops are on the places with spectacular views, and also on the place where film "Zivot je čudo" [Life is a miracle] by Emir Kusturica is made. Return to Zlatibor and accommodation in the hotel. Dinner; Overnight.

Day 5th: Mountain Zlatibor - Belgrade. Breakfast. Checkout.
Visit to the Ovcarsko - kablarska Gorge, called "Serbian Mount Athos" for its unique monasteries. Arrival in Belgrade in the afternoon.

One day tour River Tara

One day tour along most exciting and most attractive part of the River Tara total length 14km:
- starting from Belgrade early in the morning and traveling via Uzice, Višegrad and Foca to the camp. Meeting with our hosts and surroundings.
- breakfast till 10: 30 - specialty of domestic kitchen,
- changing of wardrobe into rafting equipment. Each participant gets neoprene suit, neoprene boots, life jacket and adventure starts,
- transportation by jeeps and vans to Brštenovica starting point of our friendship with River Tara till 11:30h,
- formation of the rafting teams, introduction to the skipper and basics of rafting and team work. Capacity of the boats in 10 - 12 persons and it is very important to obey skipper's instruction,
- on board to 12:00h rs and rafting starts on the most attractive part of the River Tara total length 14km where are a lot of exciting experience is expected as rapids Celije, Vjernovice grade 5, Borovi, Varda, Cegrlo grade 4, and other 17 which aren't to be underestimated.
- rafting lasts around 3, 5 hours with brakes for swimming and rest in Kulina, Manita vrela, Šipcanica streams,
- arrival at Camp Sastavci around 16:00h and change of wardrobe,
- lunch - specialties of domestic and oriental kitchen, Rafting soup, rousted lamb,
- rest after lunch and departure of Rafters.

Eastern Serbia

Experience the wild beauty of the unspoiled mountain regions of Eastern Serbia. Follow the trails where adventure awaits at every step. Have a unique experience on the mountain slopes of Eastern Serbia, as you admire the scenic views and routes of the region. Enrich yourselves with a taste of life in the Balkans. Take a piece of Serbia with You.

Tour highlights:
- wonderful Mountainside of Suva and Stara Planina,
- Zavojsko and Smilevsko Lake,
- zaskoci Waterfalls,
- wild nature with phenomenal scenic routes,
- climb to the peak of Mt. Midžor,
- poganovo and St. George Monasteries,
- niška and Zvonačka Banja Spas, who specialize in the treatment of cardio, rheumatic and stress related diseases,
- prolom Banja Spa with mineral springs which improve the digestive system,
- Rajac breweries and wine cellars from 19th century,
- Romuliana Residency of the Roman Emperor Maximilian,
- visit to the Roman Imperial City Naissus [Niš], where Emperor Constantine was born and a visit to the unique historical monument Ćele Kula,
- sightseeing of Belgrade and NATO bombing ruins,
- unforgettable Goodbye Party on one of the rafts in Belgrade.

Day 1: Friday
Arrival at the Belgrade Airport. Transfer to Niška Banja Spa. During the transfer panoramic sightseeing of Niš and a visit to "Ćele Kula". Dinner in the famous restaurant "Amerikanac". Rest.

Day 2: Saturday
Breakfast and sightseeing in Niška Banja. Departure for Kuršumlija. Visit to the unique natural phenomenon called "Devil's City". Lunch in Prolom Banja [Spa]. Departure for Zvonačka Banja [Spa] via Sićevačka Klisura and canyon of River Nišava. Visit to Ethno Center for Pirot Rugs and Souvenirs. Arrival at Zvonačka Banja via canyon of river Jerma. Dinner and rest.

Day 3: Sunday
Breakfast. Departure for Poganovo Monastery built in 1395. Hiking Tour. Bath and massage treatment in the Spa. Dinner and rest.

Day 4: Monday
Breakfast. Departure for Stara Planina. Sightseeing around Zavojsko Lake. Ethnic lunch in the village. Sightseeing of the canyon, waterfalls and undisturbed nature [optional bath]. Arrival at Babin Zub [1, 757m],  accommodation, dinner and rest.

Day 5: Tuesday
Breakfast. Hiking tour to Midžor [2,170m] in total 12 kilometers. Lunch, rest and a free afternoon. Dinner and Rest.

Day 6: Wednesday
Breakfast. Departure for Knjaževac and Zaječar. Fresh fish lunch by the lake. Arrival at Rajac and tour of breweries and wine cellars. Return to Zaječar. Accommodation, dinner and rest.

Day 7: Thursday
Breakfast. Departure for Belgrade. Along the way a visit to roman ruins "Romuliana" from the Roman Emperor Maximilian [3rd century]. Lunch on the outskirts of Belgrade. Sightseeing tour of Belgrade and NATO bombing ruins with a local guide. Accommodation. Goodbye Party with dinner and music on one of the rafts in Belgrade. Rest.

Day 8: Friday
Early breakfast. Transfer to Belgrade Airport.

Option:
- Instead of Devil's City we have an option for Duplex Paragliding from Koritnjak above Niška Banja Spa,
- Program is based on the minimum of 6 participants but the group should not exceed 15 persons,
- Program is available for booking from January 1st, 2006 but the tours start on April 21st 2006 and are executed every 7 Days.

What else:
- you will eat healthy ethnic food and as a souvenir you will take homemade wines from Rajac wine cellars,
- spend time on clean and fresh mountain air at high altitudes, which is of benefit for the people with respiratory problems,
- treatments for stress relief in the Zvonačka Banja Spa,
- have a relaxing holiday in Eastern Serbia where nature has remained unaffected by industrial development and
- surprise gift.

Tour details:
- 7 Nights with Half Board and
- 6 lunches.

A number of transfers:
Guide Service: 2 + 1.

Passes for all the sites that will be visited on the tour.
A unique Serbian experience awaits You. Unique tours offered by Outdoor open the doors to the hidden treasures of Serbian nature and culture. Visit the crossroads of Western and Eastern civilization and the region that forged much of the European history. Once You leave, take a piece of Serbia in Your heart.

Program is based on minimum 6 persons.

Central Serbia

Tour highlights: Visit to Mt. Kopaonik. Most visited mountain is Serbia and the largest skiing center.Rafting on River Ibar. A wild, but safe adventure. Visit to Mitrovo Polje and a bath in mineral springs. Visit to monasteries Studenica, Ljubostinja and Vraćevišnica. Visit to Vrnjačka and Bukovička Banja spas.

Reside on Goc, a mountian rich with forests and one of the most scenic places in Serbia:
- Visit to ethno village Kostunici and the plant for treatment and packing of forest fruits.
- Visit to historic monuments of the 1st and 2nd Rebelion Against the Turks.
- Visit to the hometown and residence of the serbian leader Karadjordje.
- Visit to the church and mausoleum of the Karadjordjevic Dinasty. Including the visit to royal wine cellars.
- Visit to Belgrade with sightseeing and an unforgetable night on one of the rafts.

Day 1: Friday
Arrival at Belgrade Airport. Transfer to Mt. Kopaonik. Dinner and rest.

Day 2: Saturday
Breakfast. Departure for Usce. From there a rafting trip downstream of River Ibar, 25km long. Visit to Monastery Studenica from 12th century. Lucnh in the monastery. Return to Kopanik. Dinner and rest.

Day 3: Sunday
Breakfast. Sightseeing of the ski resort [option is a hike to Pancicev Vrh 2, 016m]. Ride to Mitrovo Polje witha bath in the Mineral Springs. Quick stop for a visit to Monastery Ljubostinja from 14th century. Degustation of the famous wine at the monastery and brandy. Lunch and sightseeing in Vrnjačka Banja Spa. Departure for Mt. Goc. Accommodation in cottages, hotel Piramida. Dinner and rest.

Day 4: Monday
Breakfast. Hiking on the slopes of Mt. Goc to the Velike Livade and Kavgalija Peaks. On the return an outdoor lunch [roast lamb] in the nature. Afternoon rest and use of the sport facilities. Diner and rest.

Day 5: Tuesday
Breakfast. Departure for ethno - village Kostunici. Stop for a visit to Monastery Vracevsnica and Takovo along the way. Ethnil lunch in Savinac village. Arrival at Kostunici. Accommodation, dinner and rest.

Day 6: Wedresday
Breakfast. Visit to the plant for packaging of forrest fruit and shopping. Continuing to Topola over Mt. Rudnik. Visit to the monument from the First Rebellion Against the Turks in 1804. and a visit to Oplenac. Visit to St. George's church and mausoleum of the Karadjordjevic Dinasty. Lunch in Oplenac with wine degustation from the royal cellars. Continuing to Bukovicka Banja Spa and a visit to the famous mineral springs in Arandjelovac. Accommodation, dinner and rest.

Day 7: Thursday
Breakfast. Departure for Belgrade by minibus. Lunch in Belgrade. Sightseeing tour of the city and NATO bombing ruins. Accommodation in hotel. Goodbye Party with dinner and music on one of the famous rafts in Belgrade. Rest.

Day 8: Friday
Early breakfast. Transfer to Belgrade Airport

What else:
- Eat healthy ethnic food and take kajmak from Kopaonik and forest fruits from Kostunici as souvenirs with you.
- Spend time in the fresh mountain air, beneficial for people with respiratory problems.
- Relax and enjoy nature the ancient way.
- Receive a surprise gift.

Tour details:
- 7 half boards
- 6 lunches
- A number of transfers
- Guide Service: 2 + 1
- Tickets for all locations.

Carska bara

Carska bara, spacious and clear blue mirror, dressed in a cane and grass streaks, steppes and willow trees, is placed between three cities: Belgrade, Novi Sad and Zrenjanin. Its rich water network is made of rivers, canals, lakes and puddles, so colors vary from blue lakes, green and brown forests to yellow and white pastures. This area was once filled with swamps. Today, a number of river meanders are turned into sloping bogs.

One of ten "perfect places" in Serbia, kingdom of birds and oasis of peace and untouched nature, is placed between two rivers - Begej and Tisa - and occupies around 1700 ha. Mosaic character of the reservation comes from interlacing different ecosystems [rivers, puddles, swamps, meadows, pastures and forests] and major parts of it are: old river banks of the Begej and Perleska Bara, Tiganjica and Carska bara, the jewel of the nature.
Every one of the eight European heron species nests here, so this bird is our trade mark. 250 different bird species [140 nonmigratory and 110 migratory species] represent the greatest treasure of the reservation. Many of these birds can be found in the Red Book of endangered species. Concerning the mammal fauna, importance of this region lies in the presence of the otter and the wild cat, very rare and endangered species in Europe.

because of these natural values, and mainly as the significant habitat of swamp birds, this reservation is acclaimed Ramsar and IBA region and it's under the protection of UNESCO. The sound of silence and the song of the nature are being heard here.

Program:
- 08.00h Deprture from the assigned terminal.
- Leaving for Carska bara. A visit to Carska bara, a well known natural reservation, where over 300 bird species nests.
- A motor boat ride throught Carska bara, with the professional tourist guide.
- A walk on the Wellness path [with the possibility of renting a bike].
- Lunch in the hotel restaurant Sibila ** [high quality hotel conformed with natural surrounding, restaurant with terrace, air condition in the whole object]
- Free time.
- Return in the afternoon hours.

Transportation:
- Transportation by Minivan tourist class minivan [CD player]
- Transportation by bus tourist class bus [high floor, TV/CD player, air condition].

Price of the arrangement includes:
- transportatioon [bus or minivan]
-a visit to reservation
- lunch in the Sibila hotel restaurant
- services of the local guide
- trip organization and guidance

Price of the arrangement does not include: bike rental

Minimal number of passengers is 35 for bus and 14 for mini-van.