American Embassy supported URBANATOR DAYS project a Success

Michał Urbaniak (more photos)

Polish Jazz legend Michal Urbaniak and guests treated an enthusiastic crowd to a spectacular concert June 22 in Warsaw’s Sowinski Park to close out the URBANATOR DAYS weekend. The American Embassy supported this special Polish - American music project, which was a unique opportunity for musical youth to debut their talent on stage with top professional jazz musicians. “We are very proud that we could offer our assistance for this great event,” announced Cultural Attaché James Wolfe. The weekend of activity included music workshops on Saturday June 21 and the concert by Michal Urbaniak’s URBANATOR and selected young musicians. This project was a chance to work with American and European artists: Michal Urbaniak, violin; Troy Miller, drums; Otto Williams, bass; Femi, guitar; Dan Blackman, keyboards & vocal; and Nato, drums.

For more info: www.urbanatordays.com

21.06.2008 - an all day music workshop lead by Michal Urbaniak and his leading six-man band. The workshop was held in the "Bambini di Praga" club (Jagiellonska 26) in Warsaw and attended by over 50 young musicians. The artists invited gave lessons in violin, percussion, guitar, voice and keyboards. A web site was specifically designed for the entire project so that young musicians can continue discussions, keep connected and seek advice through chat rooms and e-learning. A virtual record label will be formed to distribute CDs and mp3s. A booking agency and a platform for creating internet sites for young musicians and bands will be offered in the near future.

22.06.2008 – finale grande concert in Park Sowińskiego  (Elekcyjna  17) - Michal Urbaniak's URBANATOR band concert with young musicians chosen from the workshops. The MC of the event was Radio PIN’s Michael Moritz. Young musicians joined the pros on stage to perform on keyboards, drums, guitar, bass, vocals – and even on didgeridoo and a primitive Slovenian flute.