EHZ: new location, same spirit

Basque: EHZ: head of the mountain, head of the river

Arrosa, Idauze-Mendi, Heleta, Lekorne, Irisarri and, since the edition that begins this Friday, Arberatze-Zilhekoa; the festival EHZ (Euskal Herria Zuzenean) opens its headquarters this 2024 edition, and the organization is already satisfied with the new location, apparently in the assembly work; “We hope that people will come to Arberatze and, in general, to the Amikuze region. From the moment we started the assembly work, we thought that the venue looked very good,” explains Julen Oillarburu, member of the organization.

EHZ festival assembly tasks

The people in charge of the musical event want to delve deeper into the relationship between the festival and the territory that hosts it: “Our aim is to promote cultural dynamics in Amikuze, doing our bit. In the same way that Arberatze and Amikuze will contribute something to the EHZ, we will see what we can contribute, without pretensions. We will coordinate several common projects with the agents of Amikuze,” says Oillarburu.

The inhabitants of Arberatze have been able to receive a basic Basque course from volunteers from the EHZ, and the festival works together with the local school, ikastola, conservatory and dance group.

EHZ

For the first edition of the EHZ in the town just 5 km from Donapaleu, the organization has prepared a truly luxurious poster. “At the EHZ we prioritize groups emerging from Basque culture, especially new creations: the RTZ collective will present the EP they published in April,” says Oillarburu.

“In addition, we try to ensure that all festivalgoers can find their favorite music in the programming; heavy metal lovers will be able to enjoy the Su Ta Gar concert, those who want to swing dance can do so with Octopussy and we have Belako for the and those who enjoy post punk and rock. In the end, our goal is to offer a showcase to Basque groups, but at the same time discover other musical universes to the public.

As an example of this eclectic line-up, Friday’s line-up is populated by the metals of Broken Brothers; the funk, soul and pop of Janus Lester; the punk old school of Sei Sega; the sextet Auhencreated by rapper Ødei; Belakoalready mentioned by the organization; the authors of two of the most interesting albums so far in 2024, the hardcoreros bananas (in Errekak nola the melody has ended) and the pop rockers Pelax (here and now there are not many better songs published than “Bat” and “Bi” from their latest album), both from Donostialdea; and, to finish dancing, Tshegue, Benizze (presents Basatialbum recorded thanks to a grant from EHZ himself, Elkar and Antxeta Irratia) and Meule. Tremendous.

The second day’s programming is not far behind that of Friday. In the square, free of charge, you can enjoy musical bertsos and concerts by Honky Tonky Trio, Anari and the electrotxaranga Punttu Kakotxwhile on the Arberatze and Zilhekoa stages they will perform, from 5:00 p.m., Free (presents the disc Here you go), RTZ Collectivethe French trio Lysistrata and its mix of noise, post rock and melody, Harat, Gorka Urbizu (will present Hasiera bat), Your Ta Gar (What can be said about a group that after more than 35 years of career publishes a hit like Alarm?), the dark electronic post punk of Nakar and Sunethe luminous trikitixa and electronic project by Josune Arakistain (Huntza). What a Lepo and Vox Low They will be in charge of closing the night.

On Sunday, to close the festival, among others, will perform: Raymond the Basket-weaver; the classics Gozategi; the swing group Octopussy; Rüdiger; the spectacular Valencian bassist Vincen Garcia; the punk rock group Ezezez; Bloñwho recently blew us away with his live performance; the DJ OR and the funk of Old School Funky Family.

Once the music stops, the figures will take a back seat in the EHZ’s balance sheets, as the organization tells us: “For the EHZ, success is not based on figures or the number of tickets sold. The EHZ will be successful if people enjoy the festival in a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.. “May all the festival goers feel comfortable during those three days.”

So far, the task of recruiting volunteers for the festival has been successful: “Registration has been very successful, this year too, as many young people from Iparralde have signed up to lend a hand over the three days. During the year, there are usually about 60 of us working to prepare the EHZ, and the festival itself needs about 500 people.”

EHZ

The program, both musical and theater and talks (will discuss, among other topics, the situation in Palestine, migration, the situation and demands of the first sector, the use of technology by the police forces, the of festivals…) is already prepared; let the music play!