From Lindenhof, Neusüdende, to the State Theatre of Oldenburg (Germany)

Walter Fuchs and Angelika Torrie report:

Very reluctantly, but forced by many inconvienences, Klaus Grotelüschen announced in June 2006 he had to discontinue his traditional Whitsuntide Festival in Neusüdende. Many could not believe it, but decisions had been made.

At that time, Klaus couldn't dream about the unique constellation, which would appear only a few weeks later, enabling him to continue his tradition, but on a higher level. There was - amongst all his close friends - his 'financial consultant', as he likes to call him, with positive thoughts and suggestions. There was a new general manager in charge at the state theatre of Oldenburg, with new ideas. Existing relations and the great results with sold-out events of the International Bluegrass Festival in Bühl (Germany). And, of course, there was Klaus himself with all his expertise as a concert and festival producer.

The match was perfect, and many hours of negotiating completed the oeuvre: on the occasion of his very last fall festival on 21 October 2006, and in presence of the above-mentioned general manager, Klaus was able to announce the following:

'We are going to continue in 2007 with an annual concert in a totally new environment, namely the renowned State Theater of Oldenburg, built in 1883. On Sunday 6 May 2007 we will hear singer/songwriter Claire Lynch, a top-notch representative of modern bluegrass music, with her band, the Claire Lynch Band.'

The new venue will give bluegrass music room in an acoustically first-class environment, and the atmosphere of such old buildings has proved to be a great combination already in the past. Success can already be predicted for this new and great setup!