Breminale 2011

Poster with a reference to the Bremen Town Musicians

Osterdeich Bremen, the embankment road

 Breminale is a local festival synonymous with the phrase “umsonst und draußen” which means “free of charge and outside”, which was originally held as an alternative city fest and is financed by private businesses, donations and sponsors. It is located right by the river Weser inside the embankment. The main acts are usually located in four tents of various sizes. Different styles of music are being played by bands and musicians from all over the world, you can expect anything from country to punk, chanson to ska, sometimes even reggae.

Osterdeich, the embankment - a local meeting point and hang-out in summer

Hal över - the local ferry circulating back and forth for about € 1.30 per person

In between the tents you can find lots of little stalls supporting charities, selling clothes or food from all over the world and of course lots of beer and other drinks, benches and tables invite you to chill out in beer garden style and enjoy the illustrous views. You might see walking acts or watch the children play in their designated areas. 

People on the embankment enjoying a mild summer night

Usually, there are several supervised activities for the little ones, some are carried on throughout the night like a steep Bobby-Car http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobbycar track down the embankment, which still caused much amusement in the late hours for everyone watching children and men – some of whom very intoxicated - while seated around on the embankment grass enjoying the lovely warm summer evening.

swb-Bühne im Bremen Vier-Zelt - Main stage and my destination for the night

Fetsum singing a mix of pop, soul, jazz and hip hop

Stall owner selling clothes and enjoying the view of the sunset

Most spotted item at Breminale - the Beck's beer bottle

I mainly went to catch the mood and to see Joy Denalane, a wonderful German soul and R&B singer, who had just released her third studio album called “Maureen”. She brought her band and a lovely vibe from Berlin and I must say, seeing her was my musical highlight for Bremen this year. Her performance in which she even sang a duette for a male and female voice, moved me to tears and I did see one or two young men wiping their eyes, too.

Joy Denalane moved people to tears with her soulful voice