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Editor’s Note: This article was published in a previous edition of the Kaiserslautern American and the information has been updated to reflect this year’s event.
Kaiserslautern’s annual Barbarossa fest, “Swinging Lautern,” started Thursday and will continue today and Saturday in the center of town. The local sales promotion agency called “Kaiser in Lautern,” in cooperation with the city of Kaiserslautern, is sponsoring this fest with an international musical program featuring swing, blues, boogie, jazz, soul and salsa.
Numerous singers, music groups and marching bands perform in the streets downtown and on stages put up at Altenhof, Schillerplatz and Stiftsplatz.
“For years now, ‘Swinging Lautern’ can be found in our city’s event calendar,” said Kaiserslautern’s Lord Mayor Dr. Klaus Weichel. “Our sales promoting agency and city event office organized a diversified musical program with many performers who can be seen live on stage.”
Today, musical performances will begin at noon. Zech’s Washboard company will present jazz on the stage at Stiftsplatz at 3 p.m, while Die Jazzpolizei, a musical marching band, will perform in the streets from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Performances tonight include Sabrina & the Baker boys, Volker Klimmer Quintett, From Da Soul, and Havanna con Klasse.
USAFE’s Wings of Dixie will perform on the stage at Schillerplatz at noon on Saturday. Other bands performing on Saturday are Jimmy Beat, The Soul Providers, The Rosevalley Sisters and more.
“Besides a great musical program, stores will offer special activities, and caterers serve fine food in white pagoda tents around Stiftskirche,” said Stephan.
For the first time, an Italian market will be set up daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. offering delicacies including ham, salami, olives, oil, cheese, pasta, wine and more for sale.
A kiddie train will give free rides through the center. Children can participate in crafting, jump on a jumping castle and get their faces painted.
Fashion shows presenting this year’s fall and winter collection will take place at the stage on Altenhof, from 5 to 6 p.m. today, and between noon and 1 p.m. Saturday.
“I wish all visitors a great weekend in Kaiserslautern. Have fun with your family and friends and enjoy an international music program and culinary specialties,” said Weichel.
A pocket brochure listing the entertaining program is available at the Kaiserslautern Tourist Information office, Fruchthallstrasse, in stores and restaurants, or at www.kaiserslautern.de or www.werbegemeinschaft-kl.de.
