Not just for small children then? Riga Circus...
RIGA - When friends invited me to go the Riga Circus, I thought, “What, are we in third grade?” I was pleasantly surprised, however, too see a show that was not only funny and entertaining, but also slightly death defying. After buying a five-lat ticket, we were ushered into the dim, horse-scented tent-like building that has housed the circus since 1888. While waiting for the show to begin several little kids rode around on a pony and dog drawn sleighs. My friends and I looked around at all the children in the audience and wondered if maybe this really was meant for the under 12 crowd.  The show began (as many events in Latvia do) with loud techno music, followed by an acrobatic a...

  Living in the jazz age...
VILNIUS - Lithuania has stubbornly managed to hold on to its reputation as a buzzing center for jazz and improvised music, and has kept its ecstatic audiences despite the proliferation of so many other entertainments and attractions. Helping to keep jazz traditions alive is multitalented vocalist Neda Malunaviciute. The highly touted singer and flutist, who will dazzle listeners with her amazing vocal range and improvised flute playing at Tamsta Club on May 10, stands at the apex of a flourishing and innovative modern jazz music tradition in Lithuania that goes back to the sixties.  Mama Jazz, one of the jazz scene’s most flamboyant personalities and one of the organizers of the a...

  Upcoming Events...
Celine Dion June 9: Hartwall Arena, Helsinki Lenny Kravitz June 10: Saku Suurhall, Tallinn June 19: Siemens Arena, Vilnius June 21: Arena Riga Kylie Minogue June 13: Hartwall Arena, Helsinki June 20: Arena Riga Avril Lavigne June 30: Hartwall Arena, Helsinki July 1: Saku Suurhall, Tallinn July 2: Arena Riga July 3: Siemens Arena, Vilnius Bjork July 16: Arena Riga Deep Purple August 17: Saku Suurhall, Tallinn August 18: Arena Riga ...

  Banned ballet is back...
RIGA - When we think of ballet, usually the image of flowing skirts, graceful movement and tutus come to mind. Prepare to be shocked then at the 13th International Ballet festival held in Riga, Jelgava, and other big cities around Latvia. The Latvian National Ballet never fails to be risque. They banned Cinderella two years ago and it is just now on show again. There is nudity, violence and even some dancing. It is easy to see why the ballet was banned, especially after seeing the younger audience attendees asking their parents at intermission questions like: “what’s going on?” and “why was that lady holding a whip?” The Festival Director and ballerina Lita Beiris is matter of fact abou...

  Dance festival’s shadows and fear ...
Now in its eleventh year as an increasingly important regional showcase for contemporary dance, New Baltic Dance once again presents an exciting combination of well-known and upcoming performers from both eastern and western Europe. Starting in 1997 as a sloppy, amateur festival of questionable artistic merit, today New Baltic Dance attracts a range of both young and highly experienced choreographers who specifically want to show off their new creations in the Lithuanian capital. Of the 23 dance companies and independent choreographers presenting 27 individual performances, seven are from Lithuania. Contemporary dance has developed to such an extent in Lithuania over the last 10 year...

  Upcoming Events...
Demi Roussos May 3: Siemens Arena, Vilnius May 8: Arena Riga Celine Dion June 9: Hartwall Arena, Helsinki Lenny Kravitz June 10: Saku Suurhall, Tallinn June 19: Siemens Arena, Vilnius June 21: Arena Riga Kylie Minogue June 13: Hartwall Arena, Helsinki June 20: Arena Riga Avril Lavigne June 30: Hartwall Arena, Helsinki July 1: Saku Suurhall, Tallinn July 2: Arena Riga July 3: Siemens Arena, Vilnius Bjork July 16: Arena Riga Deep Purple August 17: Saku Suurhall, Tallinn August 18: Arena Riga ...