The performances given by three Vietnamese bands, namely Band 47, Ngu Cung and Polemica Pravda, on April 5 were very impressive. 

 

In an interview granted to a VOVNews reporter, Band 47’s drummer Tran Nhat Huy  said, “The festival was amazing. I was really moved by the buoyant atmosphere. We had a real chance to freely express our feelings through our performances. This is also a good opportunity for us to learn from foreign bands.”

 

“However, I only saw few Vietnamese people come to the event. I know that more and more Vietnamese young people love electric and DJ music, but they have little chance to enjoy and participate in a similar event. I hope that a similar festival will be held in the future with more Vietnamese participation.”

 

On just finishing their performance, “Your Other Favourite Uncle” band’s guitarist Edward Merlin seemed to be satisfied, he said “The atmosphere was great. Both the local and foreign musicians had a place to come together to play and enjoy the music.”

 

He also hoped that he would see more Vietnamese young people holding a similar festival in the future. 

 

“This festival is the first of its kind held in Hanoi. I expect it will be more in the future, with the participation of more and more Vietnamese people and bands. I know, there will be an Australian Big Day Out on May 10 at the same place. Hopefully more people will be able to come and enjoy the show,” he said.

 

“The festival is a nice combination between the past and the present. It is eclectic,” said Bethany Bauman, an American in the audience, who is currently working in Vietnam.

 

Dan (right) and his friend

As a member of the organising committee, Dan Dockery elaborated that he had been working hard several days before the event but was really happy as the organisers efforts had been reciprocated by the success of the event.

 

“It brought us a lot of fun. I think we succeeded in getting people together to enjoy the music. We also hoped that through the event Vietnamese bands could share their experiences and passion with other foreign bands.”

  

The festival also featured a variety of international cuisine with the participation of restaurants such as Jaspas, Al Fresco’s, the Indian restaurant Khazaana, Ukrainian restaurant Budmo, Ren from Japan, Festa from Italy and others from Vietnam./.