Martina Franca, Puglia, Italy. Sunday 15-September-2024.
Every year the Martina Franca commune organise a two day, free music event in the town. This year was the 27th edition. We had a late lunch / early supper at home so we could spend the evening listening not eating. We then drove over to try out their new multi-story, underground carpark as parking can be tricky, especially on days like this. It was great, easy to find, plenty of spaces and only €1 per hour - what an exciting life we lead!
First stop was in Piazza XX Settembre to listen to an excellent and lively band: Afro Dream an afro beat/pop group from Senegal / Martinique / Argentina / Italy. We sat at a nearby café with a drink so we could listen in comfort. I was particularly impressed by the lady on guitar. The front man was a great showman trying to whip up the crowd but they weren’t really responding.
Next we wandered into the rabbit warren that is the old town and found our way to this small square, Piazzetta Stabile, where Dixie Heritage, an Italian jazz band, were playing up on the balcony.
For most of the set they were joined by their vocalist who often used a powered megaphone as the modern equivalent of the old fashioned metal version. Vo-do-deo-do!
Back to Piazza XX Settembre for flamenco, we arrived just as the troupe were on their last 60 seconds and then left the stage! Fortunately there was a second performance scheduled for later.
This being a good Catholic country it seems that no large scale event would be complete without a parade of the BVM carried around on the shoulders of the faithful. What this had to do with the festival is anyone’s guess and I wonder who thought it would be a good idea to parade a statue and marching band through the narrow streets of Martina Franca already jammed with people!
As it happened the next venue we wanted was along the main passagiata route so we joined the parade down to the cloisters of Piazza Immacolata.
By now we had met up with our friends Trudi and Steve. We parked ourselves at a café directly opposite the stage, ordered a couple of drinks and settled in to enjoy some excellent lively music. Pablo Y Luna are from Italy but played music from around the world - we recognised Irish, Scottish, Balkan and some other distinctive styles we couldn't put a name to.
Once Pablo Y La Luna had finished instead of vacating the stage they remained there and were joined by Lydia Koikocheva E Balkan Orkestra from Bulgaria and Italy for another accomplished and fun set. Even higher energy than the first band alone and they all looked like they were having way too much fun. Definitely the high spot of the evening.
Back to Piazza XX Septembre for the Barcelona Flamenco Company we missed earlier. This time we caught a decent chunk of their second performance.
We were heading back to the car when we came across Aly Keïta and Dobet Gnahoré in Piazza Roma from the Ivory Coast playing some excellent African music. We stopped for a couple of songs and then carried on our way.
All in all an unexpectedly enjoyable evening with high quality musicianship. Will definitely watch out for this festival next year.
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