Vápenicefest @ Ateliér 57, Beroun, 22.6.2025
Prague’s best jazz club, the one in Beroun, 
saw this season’s first Vápenicefest yesterday. This already established and unique music event took place in conditions that can only be described as idyllic, with the weather, Bara Simpsons catering, the very special environment etc, it had it all, and that was to be seen on the smiling faces of a fairly big audience. But most of all, of course, it offered, once again, some very high class music performances, this time by pianists Igor Yakovenko and Olivia Trummer who took turns in front of the rhythm section for the night, Makar Novikov – bass and our host Jesse Simpson on the drums, and what a perfect set up and arrangement it was in all, nice work work with the coordination Jesse, since I’m aware of that you are the one to be held responsible for it.
saw this season’s first Vápenicefest yesterday. This already established and unique music event took place in conditions that can only be described as idyllic, with the weather, Bara Simpsons catering, the very special environment etc, it had it all, and that was to be seen on the smiling faces of a fairly big audience. But most of all, of course, it offered, once again, some very high class music performances, this time by pianists Igor Yakovenko and Olivia Trummer who took turns in front of the rhythm section for the night, Makar Novikov – bass and our host Jesse Simpson on the drums, and what a perfect set up and arrangement it was in all, nice work work with the coordination Jesse, since I’m aware of that you are the one to be held responsible for it. World class
By now we are used to/spoiled with the world class performances at A57, yesterday made no exception, so I will not repeat myself telling you about the skills and professionalism that all these artists hold, you should know this by now, after all, it has become a trademark for A57. I just try to give you a brief view of yesterday’s happenings, so you know what to expect next time. 
First to break the ice yesterday was pianist and composer Igor Yakovenko, who with his versatile approach to music, that yesterday mixed jazz with classical music(?) was the perfect start with his very laid back, slow tempo performance that captivated the audience almost in a magical way. The listeners in Beroun are not so easy to flirt with, they hold a surprisingly high knowledge of the music performed, but yesterday Igor had the ovations he earned with his performance, thank you… 
First to break the ice yesterday was pianist and composer Igor Yakovenko, who with his versatile approach to music, that yesterday mixed jazz with classical music(?) was the perfect start with his very laid back, slow tempo performance that captivated the audience almost in a magical way. The listeners in Beroun are not so easy to flirt with, they hold a surprisingly high knowledge of the music performed, but yesterday Igor had the ovations he earned with his performance, thank you… The epitome of positivity
Sunday’s second artist, Olivia Trummer, who also belongs to the new generation of artists that are not afraid of mixing classic and non academic music, a pianist, composer and singer in one person who can only be described as The epitome of positivity, she was something so refreshing and enjoyable that it left nobody cold, be that a kliche or not but it was so true. Olivia’s set mostly included her own originals, which at least I was quite impressed with, but also a few covers that surprised most of us. Olivia’s performance was a musical journey filled with love, hope and optimism that she was not afraid to share, something that we all need a little bit more of today, using Olivia’s own words, and was she ever right! Thank you Olivia for making my day a happy day!
Just as a reminder, the next event at A57 is this summer’s second Vápenicefest, starting 27.7 @ 18.00!
To see all the evening’s pictures click HERE!
