Euskaraz irakurri: EHZ: kokapen berria, betiko oinarriak

Arrosa, Idauze-Mendi, Heleta, Lekorne, Irisarri and, since the edition that begins this Friday, Arberatze-Zilhekoa; the festival EHZ (Euskal Herria Zuzenean) is opening its new venue for this 2024 edition, and the organisation is already pleased with the new location, as seen in the assembly work; “We hope that people will come to Arberatze and, in general, to the Amikuze region. From the moment we started the assembly work, it seemed to us that the venue looks very good,” explains Julen Oillarburu, a member of the organisation.

EHZ festival assembly tasks

The people in charge of the musical event want to delve deeper into the relationship between the festival and the territory that hosts it: “Our aim is to promote cultural dynamics in Amikuze, doing our bit. In the same way that Arberatze and Amikuze will contribute something to the EHZ, we will see what we can contribute, without pretensions. We will coordinate several common projects with the agents of Amikuze,” says Oillarburu.

Without going any further, the inhabitants of Arberatze have been able to receive a basic Basque language course from the EHZ volunteers, and the festival works together with the local school, ikastola, conservatory and dance group.

EHZ

For the first edition of EHZ in the town just 5 km from Donapaleu, the organisation has prepared a truly luxurious line-up. “At EHZ we prioritise groups emerging from Basque culture, especially new creations: the RTZ collective will present the EP they published in April,” Oillarburu says.

“In addition, we try to ensure that all festivalgoers can find their favorite music in the programming; heavy metal lovers will be able to enjoy the Su Ta Gar concert, those who want to swing dance can do so with Octopussy and we have Belako for the and those who enjoy post punk and rock. In the end, our goal is to offer a showcase to Basque groups, but at the same time discover other musical universes to the public.

As an example of this eclectic line-up, Friday’s line-up is populated by the metals of Broken Brothers; the funk, soul and pop of Janus Lester; the punk old school of Sei Sega; the sextet Auhencreated by rapper Ødei; Belako, already mentioned by the organization; the authors of two of the most interesting albums so far in 2024, the hardcoreros Bananas (in Errekak nola the melody has ended) and the pop rockers Pelax (here and now there are not many better songs published than “Bat” and “Bi” from their latest album), both from Donostialdea; and, to finish dancing, Tshegue, Benizze (presents Basatialbum recorded thanks to a grant from EHZ himself, Elkar and Antxeta Irratia) and Meule. Tremendous.

The second day’s programming is not far behind that of Friday. In the square, free of charge, you can enjoy musical bertsos and concerts by Honky Tonky Trio, Anari and the electrotxaranga Punttu Kakotxwhile on the Arberatze and Zilhekoa stages they will perform, from 5:00 p.m., Free (presents the disc Azal ezten), RTZ Kolektiboathe French trio Lysistrata and its mix of noise, post rock and melody, Harat, Gorka Urbizu (will present Hasiera bat), Your Ta Gar (What can be said about a group that after more than 35 years of career publishes a hit like Alarm?), the dark electronic post punk of Nakar and Sunethe luminous trikitixa and electronic project by Josune Arakistain (Huntza). What a Lepo and Vox Low will be in charge of closing the night.

On Sunday, to close the festival, among others, will perform: Raimundo the Basket-maker; the classics Gozategi; the swing group Octopussy; Rüdiger; the spectacular Valencian bassist Vincen Garcia; the punk rock group Ezezez; Bloñ, who recently left us speechless with his live performance; the DJ OR and the funk of Old Shool Funky Family.

Once the music stops, the figures will take a back seat in the EHZ’s balance sheets, as the organization tells us: “For the EHZ, success is not based on figures or the number of tickets sold. The EHZ will be successful if people enjoy the festival in a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.“That all festival-goers feel comfortable during these three days.”

For now, what has been successful has been the work of recruiting volunteers for the festival: “Registration is being very successful, also this year, since many young people from Iparralde have signed up to lend a hand during during the three days. During the year, there are usually around 60 people working to prepare the EHZ, and at the festival itself around 500 people are needed.”

EHZ

The program, both musical and theater and talks (will discuss, among other topics, the situation in Palestine, migration, the situation and demands of the first sector, the use of technology by the police forces, the of festivals…) is already prepared; let the music play!

Source: Eitb

Bruce

Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.