The largest and most prestigious annual culture festival is hosted by Afisha magazine, a major Russian entertainment and listings biweekly. Since its start in 2004, the Afisha Picnic has followed the concept that blends a world-class music festival with shows by local independent musicians and an urban-style event with a wide variety of entertainment.
As special guests of the festival, Poland's most vibrant DJs, producers and musicians of the electronic music scene presented an eclectic mix of soul, funk, hip-hop, nu-disco, minimal techno, break beat and more. Featured acts in the park by Kolomenskoye Museum included Burn Reynolds, Papa Zura (SoulService), Max Skiba, Artur 8 (King of Kong), Jacek Sienkiewicz (Cocoon, Recognition) and DJ Krime. Janek Smoczyński conducted a special bigband ensemble performing new arrangements of music from the 1970s. Urszula Dudziak joined in with a funky vocal performance.
The unexpected sound of Poland's freshest club music broke through stale categories and boundaries, bringing new and innovative sounds to get people moving and partying. Two of the most successful bands on the Polish rock scene were also performing - KAMP! and L. Stadt brought an impressive dose of energy, melody, skilled instrumentals and smooth vocals.
The focal point of the festival is the concerts, but there are also other attractions, such as a designers’ market, food & beverage area, games, movies, and lectures. The events are visited by 50,000 visitors annually. As an alternative to traditional rock festivals, the Afisha Picnic has a strict non-alcohol policy, keeping the festival accessible and safe for a wide audience, including teenagers and families with children.
After the festival, KDMS and Polish Funk collective rocked on in two Russian clubs. KDMS is Max Skiba and vocalist Kathy Diamond, known for her work with Toby Tobias and Aeroplane. The group played at Denis Smatchev club. Kult club hosted DJs of Polish Funk collective: Burn Reynolds, Papa Zura and DJ Krime. The performance of Jacek Sienkiewicz in Mir preceeded Afisha Picnic on Friday the 22nd of July.
Date: 22nd-23rd of July, 2011
Venue: Kolomenskoye Park, Denis Smatchev, Kult, Mir, Moscow
Organised by: Afisha Magazine, Adam Mickiewicz Institute
Project cofinanced by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland.
For more information on Afisha Picnic, see: picnic.afisha.ru
Music links
Mr. Krime
Burn Reynolds
Maximilian Skiba
Artur 8
Kamp!
L. Stadt