Vražogrnac resonates with EKV songs as everyone sings along
On Sunday, August 24th, the town of Vražogrnec hosted its first rock music festival, just before the Guitar Festival in Zaječar, the neighboring town. The event, known as “Vražogrnački TočakRok,” was organized by members of the Association of Citizens for the Recovery of the Timok Valley, who are actively involved in various activities in the area.
The festival took place in the village center called Kapela, where a stage was specially constructed for the occasion. The area is currently a playground but used to house a school built in 1883. The festival served as a fundraising event due to the ongoing reconstruction of the village center. The motto for the event was “For the Chapel,” with the intention of raising funds for the restoration and further development of the village square, including the possibility of renovating the old school building.
The idea behind the rock festival in Vražogrnec was to not only provide a platform for professional, hobbyist, and beginner musicians to showcase their talents but also to bring together individuals connected to the village, either by birth or residence. Local musicians, such as Dragiša Lekić, Mladen Žikić, “Ekaver,” Srđan Andrejević, and several other bands and artists, presented a diverse range of music genres, including rock, folk, and pop. With over 1000 attendees, the festival successfully attracted people from surrounding towns and Zaječar, with different age groups enjoying the music throughout the day.
The festival featured an exciting lineup of performances that resonated with the audience, including covers of traditional songs and popular classics that brought together individuals of all ages. The event also celebrated the village’s rich musical history, with references to past performances on radio shows like “Minimax.” The initiative for the festival stemmed from the success of the annual “Vražogrnački točak” event, which has been a staple in the City of Zaječar’s cultural calendar for years.
Despite facing challenges due to political situations, the festival organizers managed to finance the event through the Association’s own funds and sponsors. The success of “TočakRok” highlighted the potential for cultural and artistic events to revitalize communities and provide a platform for creativity and innovation. The festival was a much-needed addition to the village’s cultural landscape, offering a modern and socially engaging experience rooted in tradition.
In conclusion, the inaugural “Vražogrnački TočakRok” festival was a resounding success, bringing together local musicians, artists, and community members in a celebration of music and culture. The event not only showcased the talent and creativity present in Vražogrnec but also laid the foundation for future cultural initiatives that can uplift and energize the community.