In the organizer's words:

live today and 1 hour longer:
BLOWZABELLA
The enchanting name of a little old English dance piece - with its sound, it stretches a thread of expectation all the way to Italy. The ensemble that named itself after it in London in 1978 is also exciting: "BLOWZABELLA". In its long history, the band has not only united all the essential elements of BalFolk in a prototypical way, but has also shaped its style: the strong interest in drone instruments (including their construction), the European view across national borders of the diversity of regional traditions and their connections with each other, the familiarity with the dance music of the French countryside in particular and the roots in the scene there, the openness towards more distant musical cultures, the respect for tradition and at the same time the drive to continue it with their own new pieces.

A living BalFolk legend: BLOWZABELLA - announcing their end for the 50th year of their existence in 2028. But next March, the much-loved, rare Big Seven will be playing the Spring Bal in Cologne:

Andy Cutting - diatonic accordion
Jo Freya - voc, clarinets, saxophones
Paul James - voc, bagpipes, saxophones
Benoit Michaud - hurdy-gurdy
David Shepherd - violin
Barnaby Stradling - acoustic and electric bass guitars
Jon Swayne - bagpipes, saxophones

and that's Bal Folk:
Everyone dances along! In pairs, in a circle, in chains, in groups of several people or alone. Live music, fun, the joy of movement and conviviality in a special atmosphere. It doesn't sound like a dusty and rigid dance event - and it's not. It is BAL FOLK!

BAL FOLK is one of the forms of participatory dance evenings that are becoming more and more popular in Germany. At BAL FOLK, the dances of the French regions are usually danced to live music, with the composition of the dance mix depending on what the band is playing. It is not about perfection, but about the joy of dancing - the dance of the day is practiced with everyone at the beginning. Dancing provides a good balance to everyday life at school, university or work.

The dances are suitable for everyone, with or without dance experience and without any competitive or performance pressure, as we know it from sport, for example. During the balls, dance partners are always swapped in a playful way so that no one needs a fixed dance partner.
People of different ages, social and geographical/cultural backgrounds come together and dance casually - without any dress code. Everyone is invited to join in!

Instruction: There is instruction for some dances between 4 and 5 pm. No previous knowledge is required.

Bring your own buffet - everyone is welcome to bring some uncomplicated finger food. As at every event, drinks will be sold by the Lutherkirche team.

A project by Südstadtleben e. V. in cooperation with BalFolk Köln