Discover the rich world of the arts at the KašArt Festival 2024, which features legendary performances by the groups MI2 and DAN D, the ethnic rhythms of the band Čompe, a performance by the Slovenian poet, writer, actor and street theatre producer Andrej Rozman Roza, theatre provocation by Matija Solce, chansons by Branko Završan & Band, evergreen tracks by Aleksander Mežek, the wild sounds of the band MRFY, the magic of the Brompton Quartet, inspiring watercolours by Andrej Jemec, screening of the film Zgodba Save (The Story of the Sava), and fairytales by Irena Leskovšek.

Let the arts connect us in Žirovnica, the cradle of Slovenian culture!

KašArt is summer festival of the arts in Žirovnica, or Kašarija as the locals call the villages beneath Mt. Stol. KašArt combines stories, poetry, popular music and spending time outdoors with socialising with friends while discovering a wealth of cultural heritage.

Well-known Slovenian musicians and guest musicians from further afield perform at the festival, as well as independent folk performers and alternative artistes. The main theme of the festival is storytelling, since Žirovnica is above all known as a Land of Good Stories and a place from where hail numerous men who are accredited merit for Slovenian culture, art, the Slovenian alphabet and language; the greatest Slovenian poet France Prešeren, the linguist Matija Čop, the beekeeper Anton Janša, the writer Janez Jalen and the great Slovenian writer Fran Saleški Finžgar.

Various events take place within KašArt in four unique locations:

Fairytale Evenings in Front of Finžgar’s Birth House

Slovenian culture is a rich treasure trove of folk fairytales, witty anecdotes and mysterious stories, as witnessed by the heritage of Fran Saleški Finžgar. Visitors will be able to listen to Finžgar’s stories and guest musicians at Fairytale Evenings in the pleasant atmosphere of the writer’s birth house. This year’s Fairytale Evenings feature some excellent artistes:

• Andrej Rozman Roza, with the play Passion de Pressheren, a dramatic depiction of the life of France Prešeren, focused on the key periods and events in the poet’s life.
• Čompe, a six-member ethno jazz band that delights with its unique genre-diverse repertoire of original compositions based on works by acclaimed Slovenian poets. The band comprises the well-known Slovenian actor Janez Škof on the mouth organ and vocals, Neža Zinaić on violin and vocals, Breda Krumpak on alto saxophone and vocals, Jure Boršič on alto saxophone and clarinet, Žiga Saksida on alto and baritone saxophone and vocals, as well as Silvo Zupančič on guitar and Marjan Stanič on drums and percussion.
• Matija Solce, with the performance Harms je kriv!, which combines an object-theatrical drama of the absurd with a live concert, provokes the stereotypes of the present and subtly criticises the stability of society.
• Branko Završan & Band, a Slovenian actor, musician and chansonnier whose renditions of Slovenian versions of the chansons of Jacques Brel, delights audiences both on Slovenian and foreign stages.
• All the Fairytale Evenings will be opened by the fairytale teller Irena Leskovšek.

Concert in Završnica – MI2 and DAN D

Discover the lush Završnica Valley and enjoy listening to music by acclaimed Slovenian musicians amid magical scenery, alongside a lake surrounded by forests and the peaks of the Karavanke mountain range. This August’s concert in Završnica will play host to two excellent rock groups – MI2 and Dan D. This exceptional event unites great music with the charm of nature, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy listening to two popular bands on the same stage on the same day.

• MI2 has been present on the Slovenian music scene since 1995, when the band first broke through onto the airwaves of Slovenian radio stations with the track Črtica. This was followed by numerous hit songs, which led to the band being a permanent presence on Slovenian stages. The band’s concerts are known for their energetic concert performances and the unforgettable atmosphere they create among the audience.
• Dan D, a rock band from Novo mesto, was formed in 1996. Thanks to the band’s recognisable sound and sincere lyrics it quickly captured the hearts of listeners. Its first track Igra became an instant success, followed by numerous other tracks and albums, which fortified Dan D as one of the most important and most popular Slovenian rock bands.

Small Venue in front of Čop’s Birth House

The idyllic village environment in front of Čop’s birth house, in the heart of Žirovnica, is the setting for three interesting events this year. Entrance is free to the Mala scena (Small Venue) events in front of Čop’s birth house.

• The first event is the opening of an exhibition titled Colourful Journeys: watercolours by Andrej Jemec on 27th June at 6 pm. Born in 1934, Andrej Jemec is a versatile artist, known for his paintings, graphics and drawings, and the recipient of numerous international awards. His works, which also include sculpture and graphic design, are exhibited around the world. Andrej lives and creates in Žirovnica. The exhibition will be on view until 15th September 2024.
• The second event is the screening of the film Zgodba Save (The Story of the Sava) on 23rd July 2024 at 8.30 pm. The film, directed by Rožle Bregar, follows four kayakers on a journey down the Sava River as they explore its environment, history and significance for local communities.
• The third event is a magical fairytale afternoon for children on 27th August 2024 at 5 pm, where Irena Leskovšek will read the fairytale Zvezdica Zaspanka (Twinkle Sleepyhead) and lead a creative workshop.

Directions

Žirovnica is well connected by public transport. Choose the mode that suits you best!

Thank you to our sponsors

Partners

Organiser

The Žirovnica Institute for Tourism and Culture in collaboration with the Municipality of Žirovnica and the Ministry for Culture. The organiser will record and photograph the public event for the purposes of promotion. Photos/videos will be published on the website and on the organiser’s Facebook and Instagram profiles. The organiser reserves the right to change the programme.