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During winter, there are days where our thoughts are bombarded with notions of spending long hours outdoors, simply relaxing. We imagine ourselves leisurely enjoying a stroll through a park, sitting a few hours with friends in a cafe, sitting by the edge of water and occasionally jumping in to escape the summer heat.
When we think of relaxing, of days spent recharging and playing, many of us also imagine closing our eyes and listening to moving melodies. Hearing music outdoors amplifies the sensation. The majority of people think of summertime and fun when they hear the word “concert.” In midwinter, most of us daydream musical experiences we want to have during warmer weather.
We assume that when summer arrives, we will automatically have freer spirits and a relaxed schedule to plan these experiences.
It’s unfortunate that when summer arrives, we still have the same responsibilities as in other seasons. Sometimes we have more ― especially if you’re a parent, as you have to spend energy making sure your children have stimulating activities to keep their bodies, minds and social life healthy. Summertime magic can quickly turn to summertime sadness when you feel like the time is slipping from you, and you haven’t spent it the way you imagined.
Sometimes, we just don’t have enough energy or time to do the things that we need to do to enjoy ourselves. This is when it is important to keep resources and recommendations accessible. Return to these suggestions for an easy way to implement a little of that outdoor “summertime music” into this year’s special season:
The Volkspark
The Volkspark in Kaiserslautern offers nine concerts on various Sundays through the summer. Many of the bands are renowned blues and bandstand musicians. Concerts start at
11 a.m. and admission is free. Bring a brunch picnic, or enjoy food and drinks for purchase at the park bistro that serves culinary delicacies and refreshing drinks. This is a great place for families, as the spielplatz, or children’s playground, is very close to the music venue.
Homburger Musiksommer
Any music lover will be satisfied with the huge range of musical talent offered through numerous concerts at the Homburger Musiksommer. Set in the scenic historic square, these free concerts are guaranteed to impress you. The concerts are held from 7 to 10 p.m. every Friday, and the Jazz Brunch is held from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every Saturday. With such a wide selection to choose from, it’s no wonder that this musical tradition is a fixture in the community. Concerts take place through Sept. 5. For details, visit http://www.dtswing.de/musiksommer-homburg.
Hotel Bremerhof
Love biergartens? Love live music? Hotel Bremerhof in the local
woods close to Kaiserslautern combines these two easy passions every Thursday evening through the
summer. Be sure to get there well before 7 p.m. to ensure a table, and enjoy the fine food and wonderful ambiance. Concerts run through Aug. 27.
Rhine music festival
The 15th annual Middle Rhine Music Festival outshines all others. Imagine a whole valley alive with a series of concerts that range from entire philharmonic orchestras to rock groups and solo folk singers. The venues range from outdoor amphitheaters that sport musical picnics in the park, to castles and palaces. Music lovers are guaranteed to be impressed by the calendar. For more information, visit www.mittelrhein-musik-festival.
Neuleininger Burgsommer
Only 30 minutes from Kaisers-lautern, Neuleiningen is poised to romance any resident or visitor with its castle, it’s wine and gourmet food.
The town rests 300 meters above sea level and offers sweeping views of the Palatinate forest, the highland hills and vineyard covered plots. The castle was built for a noble family, Leiningen, in the 13th century, who deemed it to be “neu” or new. This lesser visited castle offers amazing views and a spectacular sense of history of the region.
Take this beauty and easy access and add to it a monthlong program of entertainment during the Neuleininger Burgsommer 2015 Open Air Culture. Comedies, theater, and many musical offerings will be sure to romance any visitor you are guiding for the
day. Entertainment can be enjoyed through most of July. For more information, visit http://zellkultur-zellertal.de/burgsommer-neuleiningen/.
