photo: Courtesy of Laco Déczi
Laco Déczi, a prominent jazz trumpeter of Slovak origin, and his Jazz Celula band arrive in Bratislava on May 16. The sincere spontaneity of their performances is said to move not only avowed jazz lovers, but also those without a deeper relation to this musical genre. A native of Bernolákovo, Déczi has been living in the US for 22 years, using hard work and talent to gain a reputation. Now he records his own albums, supports other bands, creates music for theatre and advertisements, and gives regular concerts accompanied by excellent musicians. He and his band have been inspired by various influences ranging from classical jazz and bebop to Latin-American music. The concert starts at 19:00 in Park Kultúry a Oddychu (Culture and Leisure Park - PKO) on Nábrežie L Svobodu 3. Tickets cost Sk199 in advance or Sk250 at the door. For more information, call 02/5443-1707.
Western SLOVAKIA
Bratislava
LIVE MUSIC: Andrej Šeban - Versatile guitarist Andrej Šeban gives a concert.
Starts: May 15 and 16 at 19:00. Admission: Sk300. Štúdio L & S, Námestie 1. Mája 5. Tel: 02/5296-7552.
Bratislava
PERFORMANCE: Signal - Austrian dancer Christina Hirt, cellist Christof Unterberger, guitarist David M Boyd, percussionist Willi Platzer and visual artists Eva Flatscher perform a dance, musical and visual show.
Starts: May 17 at 19:00. Štúdio 12, Jakubovo námestie 12. Tel: 02/5930-4720.
Bratislava
EXHIBITION: Vi:bra - This project deals with the transport connections between Vienna and Bratislava at a time when the journey between the two cities ironically lasts longer than it did during the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Open: Tue-Sun 11:00-17:00 until May 19. Admission: free. SAS Gallery, Panská 15. Tel: 02/5441-8607.
Bratislava
EXHIBITION: The Man, who Was Always on the Go - This display tells the story of Josef Polák (1886-1945), a Jew who launched the first Slovak-Jewish museum in Prešov.
Open: 9:00-17:00 until May 21. Admission: Sk60. The Slovak National Museum, Vajanského nábrežie 2. Tel: 02/5934-9141.
Bratislava
EXHIBITION: Echo and Cultural situations - This exhibition presents photo-collages by Kvetoslava Fulierová and Július Koller.
Open: Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00 until May 31. Admission: free. French Institute, Sedlárska 7. Tel: 02/5934-7777.
Častá
FESTIVAL: Fencing at Červený Kameň Castle - The popular castle hosts the best swordsmen from the Czech Republic and Slovakia in a rich and colourful programme that also includes dance, music and fire shows.
Runs: May 20-21. Červený Kameň Castle. Tel: 033/6905-801.
Skalica
Festival: Trdlofest - This competition for the best trdelník, a local speciality that's baked over an open fire, promises lots of fun, foods, drinks and various attractions.
Starts: May 20 at 10:00. Admission: Sk100. Františkánska záhrada (Franciscan Garden). Tel: 034/6903240-2, www.trdlofest.sk.
Central SLOVAKIA
Banská Bystrica
FOLKLORE: Play and Wedding - The prominent Slovak music and dance ensemble Lúčnica is accompanied by the Golden Violin orchestra in a performance of rich folk traditions from Slovak shepherds and peasants and the most beautiful wedding traditions.
Starts: May 21 at 18:00. Admission: Sk200, Sk230. Dom Kultúry, (House of culture), Nám. Slobody. Tel: 048/4155-085.
Dolný Kubín
EXHIBITION: America and Architecture of the World - Stano Toman exhibits his photos.
Open: until May 31. Mestské kultúrne stredisko (Town centre of culture) Nám. Slobody 1269. Tel: 043/5864-978.
Eastern SLOVAKIA
Košice
EXHIBITION: Jubilee Display - The exhibition of sculptures by Vojtech Löffler takes place for the artist's 100th anniversary.
Open: Tue-Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 13:00-17:00 until May 28. Múzeum Vojtecha Löfflera, Alžbetina 20. Tel: 055/6223-073.
Košice
LIVE MUSIC: David Hodek and Funkadelic Army - Eight-year-old David Hodek, often called a "Mozart on drums", rolls out a show with the band of funky saxophonist Gapa.
Starts: May 17 at 20:00. Admission: Sk120. IC Culture Train culture centre, Vyšné Opátske. Tel: 055/6424-488.
photo: Courtesy of the festival
Wood and Its Shapes is the central theme of the popular art and handicrafts festival at the Old Castle in Banská Štiavnica, now in its ninth year. Visitors can watch craftsmen from around Central Europe bring life to almost-forgotten styles of handicrafts. The rich programme accompanying the event includes historical fencing groups, marionettes and a magician. The festival takes place between May 19 and 20 in Starý zámok (the Old Castle) at Starozámocká 11. Tickets cost Sk70. For more information, call 045/6920-761.
