Kaiserslautern swings during Barbarossa Fest

by 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs 

Editor’s Note: This article was published in a previous edition of the Kaiserslautern American and the information has been updated to reflect this year’s event.

Musical performances and other activities lure visitors to Kaiserslautern’s Barbarossa Fest Sept. 5-7.

Kaiserslautern’s annual Barbarossa fest, “Swinging Lautern,” starts Thursday and will continue thru Saturday in the center of town. The local sales promotion agency called “Kaiser in Lautern,” in cooperation with the city of Kaiserslautern, is sponsoring this fest with an international musical program featuring swing, blues, boogie, jazz, soul and salsa.
Numerous singers, music groups and marching bands perform in the streets downtown and on stages at Altenhof, Schillerplatz and Stiftsplatz.
“For years now, ‘Swinging Lautern’ can be found in our city’s event calendar,” said Kaiserslautern’s Lord Mayor Dr. Klaus Weichel. “Our sales promoting agency and city event office organized a diversified musical program with many performers who can be seen live on stage.”
Thursday, musical performances will begin with Mama’s Shakers that won the audience choice award at Megéve, France, in 2017 and will present jazz on the stage in the Stiftskirche from 5:30 p.m, followed by Stefan Flesch Trio at Altenhof at 7 p.m. Performances that night include The Incredible Firecacadoos in Stiftskirche, Helmut Engelhardt & Luther Club Band at Stiftsplatz and Sixpack at Schneiderstrasse.
Le Paris Swing will perform on the stage at Altenhof at noon on Friday. Other bands performing on Friday are Smitty’s The Voice Duo, Ismael Rheinhardt, Die Jazzpolizei and many more.
“Besides a great musical program, stores will offer special activities, and caterers serve fine food in white pagoda tents around Stiftskirche,” said Volker Stephan, Kaiser in Lautern chairman.
A kiddie train will give free rides through the center. Children can participate in crafting, jump on a jumping castle and get their faces painted.
“I wish all visitors a great weekend in Kaiserslautern. Have fun with your family and friends and enjoy an international music program and culinary specialties,” said Weichel.

A pocket brochure listing the entertaining program is available at the Kaiserslautern Tourist Information office, Fruchthallstrasse, in stores and restaurants, or at www.kaiserslautern.de or https://www.werbegemeinschaft-kl.de/books/SwingingLautern/SL_programm_2019/14/.