“Sweet Sixteen” Live in Budapest

Budapest Park

Budapest – Hungary

Monday, July, 2. 2018.

6 p.m.

Probably no one has to particularly introduce Billy Idol one of the biggest ’80s punkrock icon.

Billy Idol is as cool as he used to be. The same cheeky Rock Rebel as back in the eighties.

After more than a decade Billy Idol is returning to Budapest with a headline show! The legendary singer’s latest album was released in 2014, but he will surely bring his gigantic hits like “White Wedding” or “Dancing With Myself”, not to mention “Sweet 16” at his Budapest concert.

Indeed, his concert is considered to be a sensation. The list of super hits by Billy Idol could be continued for a long time  …  And when the punk icon with the shock-haired hair rocks the stage with these songs, it’s hard to believe that Billy Idol celebrated his 60th birthday in 2015.

His career began in his native England, where Billy Idol met with like-minded men at Sex Pistols, The Clash and Generation X, whose vocalist he eventually became. In the early ’80s he moved to New York and then to Los Angeles, where he still lives today. The international breakthrough came Billy Idol with “Rebel Yell” (1984). The single “Sweet Sixteen” from the third album was his most successful hit single.

The excesses of that time have left Billy Idol behind, but in his music and especially live in his performances, he has remained uncompromising. Apart from the 2010 festival action in 2006 was the last time with independent concert.

Update Aggie Reiter

 

„Alan Parsons Live Project” – Budapest – 2018.

„Alan Parsons Live Project”

Members of the band: Maggie Reilly- singing, David Paton – bass guitar – vocals, Calais Brown – guitar, Irving Duguid – key, Dave Stewart – drums.

November, 14 and 15. 2018.

8 p.m. MOM Sport – Budapest.

When legends meet, we can really expect magic to happen!

Probably many have the original (vinyl) and also the CD! but to hear them live will be a treat for their music lovers by bringing old memories and joy.

PILOT, ALAN PARSONS PROJECT’s music core and MAGGIE REILLY from the MIKE OLDFIELD BAND will unlock their treasure chest with their cuttings as they jointly.

There will be a 2 day concert bringing an unforgettable musical experience to the audience in the house. The super-music of the three decades, and full-scale production as powerful step towards the future CLASSIC ROCK.

Alan Parsons LIVE project – a legendary music icon – has been nominated for the Grammy Award 11 times. The sound of progressive rock. Alan Parsons, a real renaissance man and a talented musician, created the Alan Parsons project. The biggest commercial successes that met extraordinary applause, among other successes, Billboard Top 40 hits, such as “Eye in A Sky”

They have created a genre that leads generations to the life of their movie music. After a long list of “Magic”, “January”, “Just a Smile” and “Call Me Round”, PILOT has moved on to become a column member of the project. As part of the ALAN PARSONS PROJECT (APP), the PILOT rock band played on all albums from “Tales Of Mystery And Imagination” to “Stereotomy”. Leaders were with tools such as “Eye In The Sky,” “Do not Answer Me,” “Lucifer,” and “Let’s Talk About Me”and many more on both German and American charts.

Jumping into the past … „Parsons Project were an English rock band active between 1975 and 1990, whose rosters consisted of Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson. They were accompanied by a varying number of session musicians. Alan Parsons met Eric Woolfson in the canteen of Abbey Road Studios in the summer of 1974. Parsons had already acted as Assistant Engineer on the Beatles’ albums Abbey Road (1969) and Let It Be (1970 and had produced several acts for EMI Records. Woolfson, a songwriter and composer, was working as a session pianist; he had also composed material for a concept album idea based on the work of Edgar Allan Poe.. Most of the Project’s titles, especially the early work, share common traits … these were likely influenced by Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon (1973).

The Alan Parsons Project – Don’t Answer Me – 1980  … The tune whispers the atmosphere of the 80s

Update Aggie Reiter

The VII. Gönci Barack (Apricot)  Pálinka Annual Fiesta @ Boldogkőváralja – 2018

At the Klassz Restaurant located on Andrássy Street was held the press conference to the Gönci Barack (Apricot) Annual Hungarian Fiesta.  The media representatives have been welcomed for lunch based on Gönci Barack (Apricot) flavors. Was told that the sweetest Zemplén Hungaricum once again bring together on the weekend of July, 6-7. 2018. Locals and foreigners are highly welcomed to Boldogkőváralja. Hungary’s northern fruit-growing region is favorable area on its hillsides, terraces and plains called Hegyalja along the River of Hernád. The hilly region is 150-300 meters above sea level. Also highlighted Gönci apricot’s uniqueness throughout the country and international renown originate from a combination of favorable climatic conditions, fruit cultivation traditions and strict adherence to production, harvesting, storage and transport technologies. Pálinka is gathering name for the Hungarian fruit spirit having 40 % in average of alcohol, often called in English language as brandy.

Was also told that when the Prince of Wales payed a visit to the region of BESTILLO praised the Gönci Apricot Palinka, by saying its the characteristic of the region … Better with soda water than whiskey and better in the tea than with rum.

There will be no shortage, dive into the delights of the programs and have a splendid time. Apart from Pálinka, jams, syrups, cocktails, sweets all basic of Barack (Hungarian Apricot), concert performances, arts and crafts, contests, family programs, visual art and plus a market place for producers showcasing the homemade cheese, ham, sausage, jam, honey, chocolate and other local delicacies and a lot more things to see, taste and to do. The BESTILLO Distillery will showcase its finest spirits at the Fiesta. (The BESTILLO Distillery is situated in an idyllic meadow of Eastern Hungary, close to a small village called Boldogkőváralja. The distillery has been producing an exceptional Hungarian Fruit Pálinka  for nearly 12 years. Over two hundred years ago, pálinka was closely bound up in the lives of every family in Boldogkőváralja. The pioneering spirit, inspired by the local experience, runs through the history of Hungary and is just as prevalent today.) Whilst staying in the area worthwhile to visit the BESTILLO Distillery which is known beside other famous apricot fields on the Hungarian fruit Pálinka map.

You can bathe in the pleasures of beauty in the landscape, but in the Pálinka you do not have to bathe, but the fragrant fruit-flavored will after last year’ success this festival, family friendly event will be back again simply at the Northern part of Hungary.

The Hungarian Apricot Fiesta is a unique gastronomic event where visitors can taste different types of traditional and fusion Hungarian food by creative chefs and sip the best pálinka.

Give yourselves a treat spending your week-end at Gönci Barack (Apricot) Pálinka Fiesta where it will be packed  also with many apricot based foodies delights.

So on the bottom line mark your calendar to join the Hungarian Pálinka Fiesta where else than at the Gönci Barack (Apricot) fiesta. Have a taste of the unique fusion of Hungarian gastronomic delights by creative chefs and sip along with the best homeland fruity Palinkas.

Unloose yourself with family, hubby, friends to make your time at a real festival holiday!

Update and snap Aggie Reiter

Wholesale Market Night – Budapest – 2018

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This was the second time the Wholesale Market Night was held on June, 20 in Budapest. Last year, there was a press event on the 25th anniversary of the Wholesale Market. The media representatives also were invited to attend to the Market Night Event to visit the wholesale stores, open-air stands on the market.  A short press conference was held by  Zoltán Házi – director – Budapest Wholesale Market Ltd., saying Q.: ”First have to say …It’s an organized chaos! The Budapest wholesale market is the biggest in the country where the product offer of the growers and wholesalers is meeting the demand of the retailers six days a week. Fresh vegetables and fruits, citrus-type fruits, mushroom, egg, honey, canned products, preserved food, sweets, refreshments can be continuously purchased through the year. The market is open also for the everyday consumers, but the sale is done in commercial quantity units only. The market can be entered by both the growers and customers …retailers, wholesalers, institutions. The produce directly supplied by growers coming from almost every part of the country makes up almost 50% of annual sales. The 35-hectare Wholesale Market in Budapest sells about 500,000 tons of vegetables and fruits annually, and is the largest in the country where six days a week meet the demand of the retailers. Fresh vegetables and fruits, citrus-type fruits, mushrooms, eggs, honey, canned products, preserved food, sweets, refreshments can be continuously purchased throughout the year. The Budapest Wholesale Market Ltd. is a member of the World Union of Wholesale Markets and the CEI – Wholesale Markets Foundation. The market is also open to the consumers, but the sale is done only in commercial quantities units”

We have visited the banana maturation land with Ecuador climate …  Hungary is not banana-producing country but with the ripening containers large deposit tons of bananas are awaiting to reach consumers after it matures. Was shown the difference in 5 to 7 days, what color difference is achieved in the case of raw import fruit. Rolling around the market visited the producer sector, which included the open-air market where producers are already offering their goods. Another highlight visiting the unique products from overseas around the world was at the stand of Péter Somogyi – managing director of Virtual Fruit Ltd.  A special place to purchase vegetables, fruits, herbs out of season throughout the year. In particular,  the tray of edible flowers and pea-sized colorful deadly strong peppers  captivated the attention of media individuals,  also the countless of hardly known at this part of the world  assort of spices and  veggies kept in the cooler.  Undoubtedly, the Virtual Fruit Ltd. is not only for eyes but for high quality restaurants serving special needs and last but not least extra exclusive culinary lovers.

Charity cooking was out on the spot where invited Márk Lakatos – Hungarian stylist, show director, fashion journalist and Anikó Nádai – in Hungarian Reality Show joined the night at  the Wholesale Market Show.

The public visitors were taken on a two-hour tour started at 6 p.m. centered around the most exciting spots on the market. The purpose to visit  the night at the market was to find out how the goods are brought from here to the market halls or groceries before shopping them to take home and place fresh vegetables and fruits on the table or in the fridge. The night closed with a fireworks.

 

Update snaps, video Aggie Reiter

Air Race F1 @ Budapest – 2018

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Monday’s press conference called to the forthcoming Air F1 competition Zsolt Gyulay – President and CEO of Hungaroring Sport Ltd. pointed out that in addition to the Formula 1  the Red Bull Air Race is one of the best advertising and tourist attractive event in the Hungarian capital city.

Clemens Jaeger –  Director of Competition, recalled that they had to react to weather conditions in Budapest for two years and had to make quick decisions. He added that water was competing, but over-river flying in a downtown area requires a different attitude from the organizers and the pilots.It is not easy to turn a man-made downtown into a motor sport ground.

Michael Goulian – World Cup currently leading pilot Q.: “When in Budapest it’s like being winning in Monaco in F1 and it feels like that when you are here. It’s a momentous week, you sits here right now and know you are going to fly underneath it, you know it is Peter’s home town which is pretty cool. It is a magical place and when the wheels touch down on an airliner you know your about to embark at a special week. Really our aim in one way is simple, and in another way very difficult … so when you look at it, it is very simple what we have been doing this year, the difficulty part is to try to keep your emotions in check, knowing you’re doing so well and your team is clicking, so for me is just to relax, put one foot in front the other, we know that we have a great team, we know we are flying well. You can’t force a win but you have to put yourself in a position to win. That’s the idea!  We put ourselves in the  position to win  the last 3 race, we only won 1 out of those 3 in front, but we’ve been on the podium all 3 of those 3 times. So that is the idea, just try to be on the final on Sunday, fly a really solid lap and let everybody else try to beat you. It was very warm day on the 2009 finals, as it is today.”

Péter Besenyei  (a.k.a Godfather of Air Race) in the year 2000 he flew for the first time under the Chain Bridge.“In the last 18 years 180 times at organized various events. “At the Red Bull WC was 20 times under the bridge. Between the Bridge and the River Danube is 8-9 meter gap  flying in a speed of 300kms/h … must be assessed to determine the appropriate distance in advance in the head when already leaving the start point” … so he said. His combination of classic aerobatics and personal items of one-of-a-kind of improvisation. He stopped officially at the age of 60 years. As for his return, he said Q.: „If someone locks the door behind him, no need to strain … you have to open other doors. Now has the time come to start to car racing, playing piano, fishing, wine party. Now working, manufacture one new aircraft, this secret now have plenty to do. In Budapest as last year and the year before I flew on the track each year. It’s interesting to see that once a year being on the air track again is as if I just left it, I do not feel nothing has changed. Old joke is new for every newborn… but it may be that is only a saying …Why is a propeller at the front of the plan? It is in order to cool the pilot in front, but when the propeller stops, the pilot immediately begins to sweat.”

At the press event was also announced that will be accompanying programs this weekend. There will be a Wakeboard show on the River Danube, referring to the Russian Football World Cup, is freestyle football, and as there will be car traffic in the city center, those wishing to run can take the streets on Sunday from 8 a.m.

Update and snaps Aggie Reiter

 Red Bull Air Race – Top Air Racing Moments in Budapest – 2018.

Francois Le Vot of France performs during the qualifying day of the fourth stage of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship in Budapest, Hungary on July 4, 2015.

The Red Bull Race is often called the Formula One Motorsports in the Air.

This year’s fourth race will be the mid-season stop, scheduled to be during June, 23-24 in the heart of the capital of Hungary.

Fly High! Locals and Foreigners on the ground don’t miss to watch the fabulous Red Bull Air Race in Budapest.

A spectacular venue to the race over and under the Chain Bridge on the River Danube will be breathtaking. Each venue and surrounding around the world is captivating and Budapest is one of them in the 10 most beautiful cities around the world to hold the Red Bull Air Race.

The spectacular venue in Hungary is unique by itself in the aspect as the Master Class pilots of the single-seater aircraft performing during the race time. The World Championships always pulls a huge local and foreigner crowds all over the world to witness, see the awesome air race action … here also in Budapest with their own eyes.

Below can follow minute-by-minute the full program of events:

Saturday, June, 23. 2018. – Qualifying Day

10 a.m. – Activation Zone Opens

10.50 a.m. – CHALLENGER CLASS – Free Practice 3

11.10 a.m. – Side Act – Pál Takáts – Paramotor

11.50 a.m. – Side Act – Flying Bulls Aerobatics Team

1.20 p.m. – MASTER CLASS – Free Practice 3

2.40 p.m. – Side Act – Péter Besenyei – Aerobatic Display

3 p.m. – CHALLENGER CLASS – Qualifying

3.10 p.m. – Side Act – Jet Pack Man

4 p.m. – MASTER CLASS – Qualifying

5.30 p.m. – Side Act – Flying Bulls: T28, Alpha Jets, B25

6 p.m. – Activation Zone Closes

Sunday, June, 24. 2018.  – Race Day

10 a.m. – Activation Zone Opens

10.30 a.m. – ide Act – Szebi Szóláth –  Wakeboard

11 a.m. – CHALLENGER CUP

11.10 a.m. -Side Act – Pál Takáts – Paramotor

11.40 a.m. – Side Act – Péter Besenyei –  Aerobatic Display

12.45 p.m.  – Side Act – Jet Pack Man

12.55 p.m. Opening Ceremony

1 p.m. – MASTER CLASS – Round of 14

2 p.m. – Side Act – Flying Bulls: T28, Alpha Jets, B25

2.40 p.m. Side Act – Szebi Szóláth –  Wakeboard

2.30 p.m. – CHALLENGER CLASS – Prize Giving

2.40 p.m. – Side Act – Flying Bulls Aerobatics Team

3 p.m. – MASTER CLASS – Round of 8

3.30 – MASTER CLASS – Final 4

3.55 p.m. – MASTER CLASS – Prize Giving Ceremony

4 p.m. – Side Act – Jet Pack Man

4.10 p.m. – Side Act – Boeing C-17 Globemaster Flyby

Ceremony

4.40 p.m. – Celebration of the Winners

6 p.m. – Activation Zone Closes

Update Aggie Reiter

First International Beer Festival at Gyula – Part2

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The Central European Beer Awards 2018 beer competition was announced at the  Beer Festival at Gyula on Saturday afternoon in the spa town of Békés.County. The prizes were awarded in two categories, and the grand champion prize for home amateur breweries was awarded to Ákos Krakow. In the category of small craft breweries, the main prize was awarded to Győrújbarát Vaskakas Co. Ltd., American Hop Dog.

In the home amateur brewer’s competition awarded nine international bronze medals, two silver medals, four gold medals and four champions. In the category of craftsman six bronze, ten silver, eight gold and six champion prizes were awarded as special prizes. In the latter category, several Slovak, Czech and Polish cooks were awarded.

Thursday, Day 1 as the sun slowly went down, reflection of colored light shone on the big stage, and the awaited highlight to the evening came the EDDA band on stage. Ongoing enormous ovation filled the air as receiving the well-known songs and tens of thousands in the audience sang along. Many visitors were from outside Gyula, arriving from Baja, Békéscsaba, Szolnok even from Pécs.

Friday, Day 2 organized a conference where among other things the hood looked at small-scale brewing. The beer revolution in domestic and worldly manifestation of the new excise law also held presentations by interested parties. The festival’s guest of honor was from Fót.

Still on Friday, a mass of beer lovers also joined the party day tasting the wide scale of beers. In the late afternoon hours the Hooligans band was extremely welcomed, the crowed sang together with the hits of the band. Unfortunately, the evening’s concert started later than in advance play time by Duo Majka and Curtis and the audience were rather impatient and sounded out of their dislike.

Saturday, Day 3 the Apostles band and the Irigy Hónaajmirigy (Envy Armpit gland) band attracted their fans with various styles of music to all expectations.

The whipped cream on top of the cake was  late Saturday night’s concert. Not even one step space to enter the gigantic crowd. The more than ten thousand  Tankcsapda band (TankTrap) lovers were curious about feeling the tricky lifestyle of the band. Beer in the hand, singing loud as possible the lyrics along with cheering and applause to the Tankcsapda songs  proved the huge togetherness. The audiences were hypnotized , full of joy of their at the concert.

Sunday, Day 4  Throughout the day  to visit the festival was free of charge to visitors. The Irigy Hónaljmirigy (Envy Armpit gland) band closed the series of superb concerts.

From Day 1 up to Day 4 proved this part of Hungary has hunger for finest craft and artisan beers and attracted to the various styles of good music. Throughout the festival the venue fulfilled with incoming visitors from the opening, arriving to the large premise around the Castle of Gyula.

See you Next Year…Visit Gyula.

Report and snaps Aggie Reiter

First International Beer Festival – Gyula – Part1

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

Need not go to the doctor to get a prescription to heal, relax, watch the world go by before attending to the First International Beer Festival in the City of Gyula. Not-so-secret goal was by many beer and concert lover visitors to attend, taste the smooth craft  and artisan beer enjoying their time. A 4 days event with good live music concerts, food, playground for children and most of all not just the official juries to jury the craft beers and breweries  but the visitors were welcome to taste the smooth craft beers and to have a ball.

Gyula used to be the capital of the county, until the First World War. For mainly visiting Gyula in the first place is its healing hot spa and whilst in the city visiting other main attractions such as the Almássy Palace, the former home of count Almássy and the adjacent Medieval Castle. Since the 19th century in its current form, but the original structure dates back to the 17th century. The city was the main home of the Almássy Family until the World War II.. The size of the city is 255.8 km2 (98.8 sq miles) and the population is cca. 40 thousand. Taking into account of the size of Gyula, visitors beside visiting the so-called “liquid bread”  i.e. beer, were most probably witnessing many touristic venues not even expected.

The fan off Thursday welcoming the audience was by Dr. Ernő Görgényi  – major of Gyula and prominent members of the beer business. Within opening the festival spoke about the aim of the competition jointly with the festival to bring beer culture, a chance to introduce itself at  Gyula. The goal was to get acquainted with several small breweries products and their members. At the opening ceremony was urged the prizes to be handed over to the beer winners award on Saturday. Also added that there are two breweries operating in Gyula and in Békés County aBékésszentandrás distillery as well, This beer festival from now on will also call the tourists visiting Gyula whilst  healing at the hot spa to have an unforgettable memory happening at Gyula in  Békés county. This tipical event was organized for 17 years at Békéscsaba. This year, the event will not take place there. The local government of Gyula was immediately next to having the beer festival. Therefore, to the new venue an agreement was made between the major of Gyula  and Varga-Bora to organize the beer festival surrounding the Castle of Gyula. Most probably not on my own by saying there is no other Beer Festival in Hungary and maybe in Europe that is arranged in the heartbeat of a Medieval Castle, not to mention  having its peaceful hot spa just steps away from the event and many other attraction.

The 4 days of the craft beer masterpieces and street food dishes were the focus of attention, as well as publication of the Central European Beer Awards 2018 competition. The beer competitors came from Hungary, Belgium, Austria, Slovenia, Serbia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to participate in the international beer festival, namely small brewery breweries and homemade breweries in the competition. It was in 16 categories with 167 samples examined by international jury, with Czech, Slovakian and Hungarian members.  Exactly 15 people tasted the liquid bread jointly 3-member commissions. The competition director was László Kovács from Slovakia who said,  lot of very good quality beer had arrived. He explained that drinks were thoroughly criticized for fragrance, taste, overall impression and other aspects using a state-of-the-art computer program, according to an American system.

To be continued … part 2

report and snaps Aggie Reiter

Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra @ Pécs 

Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra @ Pécs 

KODÁLY CENTER  

Sunday, June, 22. – 7 p.m.

The Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra is attempting to guide us to the dark world of Hades.

According to the New York Times, „members of the band play with cohesion and maturity despite their age”. They show their outstanding talents and brilliant play with the direction of Benjamin Zander in Pécs, at the Kodály Center. The not-so-secret goal of this summer concert is to guide us to Mahler’s most famous masterpiece of emotional, cathartic world.

Showcasing: Butterworth: The Banks of Green Willow Ravel: La Valse and
Mahler: Symphony No. 9  … Conductor: Benjamin Zander

Tickets and Season tickets on sale at the ticket offices of Filharmonia, in the Kodály Center.

Update Aggie Reiter

The Zsolnay Light Festival at the City of  Pécs – 2018.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

JUNE, 28 – JULY, 1. 2017.

Pécs is the fifth largest city of Hungary, located on the slopes of the Mecsek mountains in the south-west of the country, close to its border with Croatia. It is the administrative and economic centre of Baranya County. Pécs is also the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pécs. Pécs always was a multicultural city where many cultural layers are encrusted melting different values of the history of two thousand years. Hungarians. In 2010, Pécs was selected to be the European Capital of Culture sharing the title together with Essen and Istanbul.

The Zsolnay Light Festival at the City of  Pécs won the title of Qualified European Festival, the one of the most sophisticated European certification organizations that was justified by the EFFE -Europe for Festivals – Festivals for Europe. This year having the Zsolnay Light Festival will be the second occasion organized

The Zsolnay Light Festival brings together truly a festival venue that represent their own communities and as well the European and international relations. The criteria system focuses on how much the festival focuses on the local community, develops their creative skills, engages local organizations and citizens.

The title, the Zsolnay Light Festival also received the rating logo, which indicates that the event was recognized by the profession at European level. The festival has been added via the EFFE website to an international database containing the most important European festivals. In addition, the Zsolnay Light Festival is competing for the Great European Festival Prize, which represents an even higher level on the international palette. Winning the festival certification is a huge joy for the city and gives further impetus to even continue the ongoing quality work at a higher level.

The Zsolnay Light Festival brings together truly a festival venue that represent their own communities and as well the European and international relations. The criteria system focuses on how much the festival focuses on the local community, develops their creative skills, engages local organizations and citizens.

The title, the Zsolnay Light Festival also received the rating logo, which indicates that the event was recognized by the profession at European level. The festival has been added via the EFFE website to an international database containing the most important European festivals. In addition, the Zsolnay Light Festival is competing for the Great European Festival Prize, which represents an even higher level on the international palette.

The high-quality art represents a new festival in Pécs, and have a significant impact on the local, national and international levels. Furthermore, in the future other events would be drawing attention to the city on the Hungarian map.

Update Aggie Reiter