Dunkelschön's 10th Band Anniversary

It was nice to wake up on the day of a very special concert just 1 mile away from the event. I had a very long breakfast learning lots of bits from the hotel landlord. Then I collected all the more or less important bits and went to the next town with plenty of time to shop local specialities, like beer and wine. Franconia is famous for both.

Although the concert didn't start until 8 pm, plenty of things needed to be prepared and I arrived at the church just on time at 2 pm. At the beginning everyone was relaxed, instruments were unpacken and tuned and some last details were discussed. I prepared the "shop" for selling CDs, T-shirts and other mechandise like buttons, stickers, lanyards, etc. As the light and video help had become ill, I offered to do that job as well - nobody was going to buy anything during the concert. It meant giving up my seat in the front row. At least the husband of the cello player made some fantastic photos from my place. 

After some bread & cheese it was time to get dressed and to open the doors at 7 pm.

There wa a constant queue until about all 250 people were in the sold out church. It was exciting to meet so many friends again like every year at this church concert. This year I had asked a few to help me with the anniversary surprises, like writing into the guest book and getting others to write into it as well. One couple gave every visitor a sparkling light without the band noticing.

The concert was fantastic: songs from the very beginning, through all 10 years as far as new songs from the upcoming CD. In the back ground slide shows with photos from the past gave a nice view of many concerts. At the end all the audience sang Happy Birthday and lit the sparkling lights - and at the final the band and audience sang together a song about parting.....

Watch the video of the final (click here)

At the end the band got presents and a "Birthday cake".

Many fans wanted to talk to the band members and it must have been midnight until most had left. Some stayed to help making space for special photos for the next CD cover. Unfortunately the light wasn't enough and the session had to be repeated on Sunday. 

It was 3 am by the time I was back at the hotel.......and got an unexpected surprise. But that's another story.

More photos - click here