German Community Music Festivals Attract Families in Jena and Sandhausen

On August 30, the Brass Band BlechKLANG staged a free open‑air picnic concert in Drackendorfer Goethepark, Jena. Organized by the Blasmusikverein Carl Zeiss Jena and led by Alexander Richter, the event featured a mix of ABBA, Oasis, rock and pop arrangements performed by a modern brass ensemble, alongside family activities such as a mobile music workshop and food stalls.

Later in July, the Musikverein Sandhausen hosted its annual Waldfest on the forest festival grounds in Sandhausen. The evening opened with the Stadtkapelle Walldorf under Michael Weick, followed by a glow‑party with DJ Mirco, a light show and a diverse food offering. The next morning a youth orchestra directed by Jutta Worsch performed, and a big‑band set led by Julian Seiler concluded the festivities. Both events drew large, multi‑generational crowds and emphasized community participation.