Rockin' on the Vltava

Nothing says summer like outdoor music festivals. If you live in Prague, you don't even have to leave the city this weekend to stand in a muddy field and hear some great live music. Instead, you can just walk to the Vltava riverbank between the Legií and Jiráskův bridges and see dozens of bands from 20 different countries.

"Our goal is to show that music is very diverse, energetic and original," says United Islands organizer David Gaydečka. "We want to provide a platform for new and foreign bands."

Now in its sixth year, United Islands kicks off with a club night Thursday, June 18, when 15 indoor venues, ranging from the classy new Jazz Dock to the underground Bunkr, will showcase more than 40 Czech and Slovak bands and DJs. On Friday and Saturday, nearly 60 bands, DJs and solo performers will take to six outdoor stages, each with a slightly different feel and emphasis. "We try to follow the atmosphere of the localities," says Gaydečka.

For famed Czech singers and songwriters, head to Žofín, probably the most elegant of the participating islands. Střelecký ostrov houses the main stage with an emphasis on rock, punk ska, world music and all things danceable, as well as an ethno and folk stage. The Kampa stage, which is sponsored by Radio 1, will feature calm and jazzy sounds, while Dětský ostrov, staying true to its name, will provide entertainment for children and parents. The Mánes stage features electronic music and DJs. There will also be an open mic stage set up at Janáčkovo nábřeží; you can sign up for a slot via e-mail, or simply show up and play. Jazz Dock will also continue as a festival venue throughout the weekend, featuring late-night jam sessions.

The weekend headline performers include N.O.H.A. (Noise of Human Art, shown on the cover), a multinational dance club band that mixes funk, pop, breakbeats and modern jazz with a lineup featuring Prague-born saxophonist Philip Noha, New York rapper Chevy and Spanish singer Minerva Diaz. "I think it's a huge advantage that we bring so many different cultures together," Noha says. "It definitely enriches our music."

The band was supposed to play United Islands last year, but couldn't fit the date into its busy schedule. "I'm looking forward to this year," Noha says. "The festival has an element of world music, which is a really rare thing in the Czech Republic."

Orka, a band with members from the Faroe Islands and Denmark, promises to be incredibly interesting to watch, since they build their instruments from industrial waste - for example, an empty gas tank replaces the drum kit's high hats, with the sound coming from air released through the tank's nozzle. Catch them Friday at Radio 1's jazz stage at Kampa. That same night, the main stage on Střelecký ostrov features the popular Czech ska band Fast Food Orchestra, along with Germany's Yellow Umbrella and the Swiss group Mad Manoush.

For some experimental punk rock, check out The Prostitutes, who in 2007 were named band of the year by the Czech music magazine Filter. They will play on the main stage Saturday night. "We are looking forward to returning to United Islands. It was the first festival we played at," says singer Adrian T. Bell.

Some other recommendations: To experience a Czech singer-songwriter whose music is reminiscent of Patti Smith, head over to Žofín Saturday afternoon to see Monika Načeva perform with Michal Pavlíček. For some excellent world music, be sure to check out Almasäla, a project that features Paloma Povedano Díaz, a Flamenco dancer and former singer with the well-known Spanish band Ojos de Bruto, performing early Saturday evening on Střelecký ostrov.

This year's bill also includes some interesting electronic groups, such as Lavagance, a Slovak band that has opened for Depeche Mode. They are fresh out of the studio working on a new album with Eddie Stevens, who has produced Fatboy Slim and Moloko. They will be at Bunkr Thursday night.

Entry to all United Islands events is free, and, along with the music, there will be ample opportunity over the weekend to sample cuisine from around Europe. "I always encourage people not to eat at home, so they can experience the great food we offer," says Gaydečka.

Prague is overdue for a good start on the summer, which so far has seemed more like fall this year. Whatever the weather, United Islands should be the perfect kick-off.

Sarah Borufka can be reached at
sborufka@praguepost.com