Vápenicefest @ Ateliér 57, Beroun, 27.7.2025
This year’s second Vápenicefest was held yesterday in its traditional place, at the best jazz club in Prague, the one in Beroun 
. And in a traditional way, which included excellent music, excellent audience, excellent catering and of course excellent weather. Everything in the unique environment and with the exceptional atmosphere that has come to be the trademark for Ateliér 57. These once in a month happenings have become something to really look forward to, just because of its very exceptional characteristics that I just described, and yesterday did not deviate from the formula.
. And in a traditional way, which included excellent music, excellent audience, excellent catering and of course excellent weather. Everything in the unique environment and with the exceptional atmosphere that has come to be the trademark for Ateliér 57. These once in a month happenings have become something to really look forward to, just because of its very exceptional characteristics that I just described, and yesterday did not deviate from the formula. Three of Seven ft. Osian Roberts
The musical session started of with the mutl international group Three of Seven, Libor Šmoldas – g. and Europe; Jesse Simpson – dr. and North America; Samual “Sam” Zerna – b. and Australia, this time with special guest Osian Roberts – sax. and the continent of Wales as he was introduce 
. Dispaite it relatively young age this trio has already established itself with us lovers of good music, and last night they showed us why. With the skills that you can expect from these individuals, knowing their background, have together found a sound and a special joy in their performance that is hard to put your finger on but makes you want to come back for more. And last night with Osian on the sax didn’t change that in any way, on the contrary when professionals meet and have fun together, that means that also you have fun, and we did.
. Dispaite it relatively young age this trio has already established itself with us lovers of good music, and last night they showed us why. With the skills that you can expect from these individuals, knowing their background, have together found a sound and a special joy in their performance that is hard to put your finger on but makes you want to come back for more. And last night with Osian on the sax didn’t change that in any way, on the contrary when professionals meet and have fun together, that means that also you have fun, and we did. Daniel and the last minute changes
The evening’s second performance Laura Drion – voc; & Daniel Bulatkin – p; Duo faced literally some last minute changes when Laura had to cancel at the very door step of the Vápenicefest. And when I say last minute, this time I really mean it. Coming on the train to Beroun yesterday I was accompanied by singer Mim Crellin and guitarist Morten Duun Aarup who came straight from Berlin to stand in for Laura. Call it devotion or love for music or both, maybe something else? It doesn’t really matter, together with Daniel this now trio (with the rhythm section still intact from the previous set Jesse on drums and Sam on bass), gave us a nice end to Sunday’s musical experience. With a set that was pure improvisation, of course, they bonded with the audience in a way that it was hard to believe it was their first time playing together.
How do they do it?
One thing still made me wonder last night. I know Jesse is responsible for the musical part at Ateliér 57, as I know that the better half of the family Bara Simpson is the one we are to thank for the catering etc. But, and I asked this before, how do they manage with the weather? Yesterday in spite of all the forecast and heavy clouds the first drops of water came more or less when the last chord rang out over Beroun…?
The next concert at Ateliér 57 is due at 24.8, 19.00 with Julian Hesse Quartet, see you there…
To see all the evening’s pictures click HERE!
