Schwarmstedt
I just got back home from our gig at the Schwarmstedt Strassenfest
, a big sprawling streetfest in Lower Saxony. Schwarmstedt, not far from Hanover, is a cute little town whose architecture reminds me strongly of the Brentwood Public Library. Red brick buildings (there were lots of red brick roads too) abounded, often with religious texts on them.
Our part was with the stage hosted by the non-profit Lachende Kinder e.V.
Earlier in the day, two semi-finalists from RTL’s talent show performed: the adorable Carlotta Truman, and the precocious Richard Istel, both age 9 or so. Carlotta was joined by her little sister, who worked the stage like any three-year old would. Richard sang Leonard Cohen’s “Halleluja”, gracefully omitting that one verse alluding to cunnilingus.
We played following a massive fireworks display, reportedly sponsored by the EU to the tune of 7000 Euro. The Cashbags were in exceptionally good form, despite the drummer breaking 3 sticks between soundcheck and the first 3 numbers. And when Johnny ventured to sing an alternate text “Daddy Sang Bass” (Mama ________) the guitarist was so surprised he dropped his pick.
The sound crew was super excellent. They were crazy tight and got it done in lickety-split. Good lads, too.
The inn where we stayed was nigh opulent. Chickens lived next door, so I had a chance to practice my bock bocks, with some success.