LARGO VILLA COMUNALE

9:15 pm

THE DRUMMERS OF OTRANTO

SALENTINE HEART AND SOUL

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CONSUELO ALFIERI

In the heart of Grecìa Salentina, on Aug. 7 the traveling festival of La Notte della Taranta arrives in Zollino, where it will transform Largo Villa Comunale into a vibrant stage full of energy. From Aug. 3 to 22, with an extra festival stop on Aug. 25 in Galatina's historic center with La Notte delle Ronde, the festival will make stops in a total of 20 towns in Salento, offering more than 50 events that highlight the richness and beauty of local historic centers, all enlivened by the pulsating rhythm of the pizzica. At each stop, the public will be able to attend two concerts and enjoy three special performances by the Popular Orchestra Notte della Taranta. The festival is not limited to music: an important section is dedicated to dance, with the show "Pizzica in Scena" and nine pizzica workshops that will offer participants the opportunity to fully experience this tradition. In its 27th edition, La Notte della Taranta confirms itself as Italy's largest traveling festival, capable of fusing music and dance in an artistic dialogue that stimulates reflection and cultural insights. Each stage brings us closer to the grand finale, the August 24 Concertone in Melpignano (LE), a night of creativity led by Maestro Concertatore Shablo. In recent days it has been announced that the Melpignano Concertone will feature a first guest, the revelation artist of 2024, Angelina Mango.

9:15 p.m. I Tamburellisti di Otranto: young guardians of the Salento tradition

Massimo Panarese, a Salento musician, founded the "Tamburellisti di Otranto" in 2009 to protect and pass on Salento's musical traditions to future generations. This initiative involved forty children who are passionate about music and talented in playing the tambourine, creating a mix of pure energy that links back to the region's cultural roots. The group, which was formed by the "Music...ando" Artistic-Cultural Association, has grown rapidly from a small nucleus of 13 young tambourine players to now have 55 members. The "Tamburellisti di Otranto" have become a unique phenomenon in the national music scene, attracting attention and admiration for their authenticity and engaging rhythms. Their shows are a tribute to the land of Salento, including folk songs and cultural tributes, such as thesong dedicated to Don Tonino Bello. Their mastery of the stage is amazing, combining energy, passion and talent under Panarese's careful guidance. The result is a picture of young musicians who, through music, express their sociality and give sincere emotions to the audience.

Consuelo Alfieri: "Siroco"

Next comes to the stage the music of Consuelo Alfieri and band with the musical project "Siroco" stands out for its ability to celebrate the rich tradition of Salento folk music, mixing ancient melodies and engaging rhythms with contemporary sounds. The name "Siroco," inspired by the warm desert wind blowing in the Mediterranean, perfectly reflects the essence of this group: a deep connection with the musical roots of Salento and a projection into new sonic frontiers. Each performance of "Siroco" is an exciting journey through the culture and traditions of Salento, guided by the infectious energy of the artists who make up the group. The audience is invited to live a unique musical experience, where past and present come together in a harmonious embrace of sounds and emotions. The goal of "Siroco" is to preserve and spread Salento folk music both nationally and internationally. With their passion, dedication and artistry, the artists of "Siroco" bring the magic and authenticity of Salento's musical traditions to a growing audience, conveying a message of unity and connection through music. The band is made up of talented musicians Consuelo Alfieri (accordion and vocals), Giuseppe Astore (violin and vocals), Sergio Pizza (frame drums), Giacomo Contaldo (guitar), and Carlo Massarelli (woodwinds), Gianmarco Alfieri (accordion and violin), and Serena Pellegrino (dance). Together, these artists create a symphony of sounds that makes each performance of "Siroco" an unforgettable event.

Theme of the 2024 edition of the Festival is Responsibility. After the passing of the great masters of folk music Luigi Chiriatti, Daniele Durante, Giovanna Marini, the Festival presents the folk revival groups that over the years have inherited the rich heritage of traditional songs and are constantly experimenting with new connections.

The Ragnatela della Taranta continues: Aug. 8 Nardò with Tarantarneo and Officina Zoè; Aug. 9 Ugento with Ionica Popolare and the Popular Orchestra Notte della Taranta; Aug. 10 Sant'Andrea - marina di Melendugno with Cesare Dell'Anna, Redi Hasa and Ekland Hasa and Antonio Castrignanò & Taranta Sound; Aug. 11 Sternatia with Mino De Santis and Stella Grande; Aug. 12 Carpignano Salentino with Edoardo Zimba and Enzo Petrachi & Folkband; Aug. 13 Galatone with Carmen Greco and Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino & Inude Pulse; Aug. 14 Lecce with Giancarlo Paglialunga's Arneo Tambourine Project and Antonio Amato Ensemble; Aug. 16 Soleto with Antonio Smiriglia and Gli Sciacuddhuzzi; Aug. 17 Galatina with Orchestra Popolare and Corpo di Ballo La Notte della Taranta; Aug. 18 Castrignano de' Greci with Nando Citarella & Vesuvio drums and Salvatore Galeanda, 

Aug. 19 Alessano with Fonarà and Mascarimirì x 2, Aug. 20 Cutrofiano with Enza Pagliara and Kamafei, Aug. 21 Martignano with I Briganti di Terra d'Otranto and Alla Bua, Aug. 22 Martano with groups from Faeto and Celle San Vito in the province of Foggia: La Corale la nuova Provenza and Terra Nostra Folk, followed by Hysterrae and Ashèblasta. Extra Festival August 25 La Notte delle Ronde in Galatina.

FREE ADMISSION

The Itinerant Festival is a cultural project of the La Notte della Taranta Foundation supported by the Region of Puglia and the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with Unione dei Comuni della Grecìa salentina and the Diego Carpitella Institute.

The festival will travel at zero emissions with the contribution of Mercedes De Mariani Group. Artists and guests will travel in environmentally friendly electric cars.