Living pictures of music and art

RIGA - There are pictures which surround us, proving how strong and fragile we can be, portraying everything that can be found right before our eyes, or within the lines. These images are drawn displaying the full spectrum of art – text, melody and color. Anyone who believes that ‘the picture’ serves only as a painting is invited to change this opinion for good by visiting the festival of music and art “Bildes 2011,” which is going to delight audiences from Oct. 16 – 29 in Riga.

Bildes festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year in the cultural life of Riga, and it is definitely one of the richest in traditions, as the festival celebrates its 26th anniversary in 2011, maintaining its colorfulness in music and art and exploring new ways in how to express any story which needs to be told. Since 1985, when Bildes appeared on stage for the first time, this festival has turned into a major league event where various musical forms are represented, such as blues, jazz, folk and even music for children. Alongside new artists, who perform their pieces, spectators also enjoy ‘veterans’ of Bildes, creating an interesting mix of musical generations and interpretations. This festival has let us know about many Latvian musicians, like “Dzeltenie Pastnieki,” “Ainars Mielavs and Jauns Meness,” “Putnu Balle,” “Opus Pro” and many others. Next to the music, art pieces are displayed, where the artists are men and women of the creative professions, for example – musicians themselves.

It is evident that 2011 is not an exception, and the festival offers its proven values – young and old share the stage to demonstrate what quality they are made of. In seven concerts the audience is going to see different musical understandings, and the hardest task is to find the appropriate one, as the names include Latvian Blues Band, Niks Matvejevs, Ieva Akuratere, Pete Anderson, Otra Puse and Linga. Additionally, the shopping center Spice Home holds an exhibition of mandala drawings till Oct. 25. This time, the shoes of the painter were tried on by Olga Rajecka, Marts Kristians Kalnins, Varis Vetra and others, stressing the highest reality that signifies the spiritual entirety – the state of the soul which is crucial for both art and music.

Bildes is probably the most diverse festival around. Moreover, the pluses outshine the possible drawbacks, one of which presumably is the preconception that Bildes gives preferences to those musical styles which cannot find their place in typical popular music. While the festival is a significant stage for musicians, a big part of the audience can assume that the concerts are made for an exclusive public, with another part being completely uninformed about the existence of such a festival. Still, at the same time, Bildes widens its musical tastes, from traditional pop to alternative, ensuring that the festival is special, not ordinary – something that is not ladled out to the masses, but kept for the public, which appreciates it. This is where we can say that the musical intimacy which is provided by the hosting venues turns out to be the biggest advantage. Thus, Bildes gains a reputation as a friendly environment, which is accompanied by a love of the public and dedication of musicians.

There are pictures which we put in our memory to always keep them safe. Afterwards we are able to feel these images with eyes and ears, as they have been learnt by heart. Bildes displays its pictures using the most powerful tool it owns – the love of music and art, which gladly opens its doors to everyone who wants to come in.

More information on the festival’s program is available at: www.bildes.lv. Tickets for concerts can be purchased at: www.bilesuparadize.lv