Midsummer Prog Festival 2024, In Valkenburg – Photo Gallery
The Midsummer Prog Festival in Valkenburg (Netherlands) is a highlight for progressive rock music enthusiasts. Organized since 2017, this festival has grown into an iconic event within the prog rock scene. The setting in the historic Openluchttheater Valkenburg, with a capacity of only 750 people, contributes to the festival's unique, intimate atmosphere. Despite its small size, the festival has managed to feature an impressive lineup with names like Riverside, Haken, Anathema, Gazpacho and Leprous. This year, the festival took place on June 28 and 29, and once again the event was a sold-out success.
Rob Palmen, the driving force behind the festival, described his motivation at the first edition in 2017: "Welcome to the Midsummer Prog Festival 2017, a brand new festival for The Netherlands! The journey to today’s event started many years ago. As a booking agent and manager of a large number of bands at Glassville Music and being a (prog) music lover all my life, I have been to many festivals over the years. Outdoor prog rock festivals were (are) quite popular in other countries, so I thought this should certainly be possible in my home country."
Friday
This year, the festival started on Friday with an energetic performance by Theraphosa. The three Dubout brothers brought songs from their latest album "Inferno" to life with their heavy metal show. Despite some vocal shortcomings by Vincent Dubout, the band managed to captivate the audience with their uncompromising metal sound, reminiscent of giants like Black Sabbath and Opeth.
Following Theraphosa's powerful opening was Kristoffer Gildenlöw with a set full of refined progressive rock. The Swedish musician, known from Pain of Salvation, delivered an evening of emotional depth with songs from his recent album "Empty" (2024). The highlight of his performance was the rendition of the title track "Empty." Together with his band, including solo guitarist Paul Coenradie and his wife Liselotte Hegt on bass, Gildenlöw created an unforgettable atmosphere. The delicate balance between melancholic melodies and powerful rock elements gave the performance a special touch.
The evening continued with Arena, a well-established name in the prog rock scene. Singer Damian Wilson used the entire theater as his stage, delivering a solid set of classic Arena songs with his impressive vocal performances. The replacement of John Mitchell by Dutch guitarist Mark Bogert brought fresh energy to the band, although the nostalgia for Mitchell was for me undeniable. Clive Nolan's brilliant keyboard playing and the solid rhythm section of Mick Pointer and Kylan Amos provided a strong foundation for the band's dynamics. Arena's performance was a celebration of their extensive career and an ode to the fans who have supported them for years.
The first festival day was concluded by the Steve Rothery Band (SRB). Rothery, known from Marillion, delivered a set that was a mix of two of his own songs and iconic pieces from the Marillion repertoire. With songs like "Kayleigh," "Lavender," and "Heart of Lothian," he took the audience on a nostalgic journey. Martin Jakubski's vocal performances, effortlessly weaving the styles of Hogarth and Fish, completed the show. The band created a magical atmosphere where the emotions of both the musicians and the audience came together in a beautiful symbiosis.
Saturday
Saturday began with Haunt The Woods, a band that impressed with their combination of progressive rock, folk, and harmonies. Although I missed their performance, I heard rave reviews from other festival-goers.
Isolde Lasoen, known as the drummer for Daan, was a delightful surprise with her mix of sixties and seventies music. Her seductive voice and the alternation between French and English lyrics created a captivating atmosphere. With her charismatic stage presence and a unique blend of genres, she effortlessly enchanted the audience. The subtle nuances in her music, supported by a talented band, made her performance one of the highlights of the day. Especially the songs "Douce Mélancolie" and "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" stood out and provided a nostalgic yet refreshing experience.
Hasse Fröberg's HFMC followed with technically impressive but emotionally less engaging songs. The long and complex structures lacked the spark needed to truly captivate. However, Hasse Fröberg's sympathetic demeanor and hoarse voice added a unique element to the performance. The musical virtuosity of the band members was clearly appreciated by the audience, who admired the technical skills and complexity of the compositions.
Temic, a prog metal band, delivered an energetic performance, with new bassist Miguel Pereira and singer Fredrik Bergersen Klemp standing out. Despite the overwhelming sound due to dominant bass and drums, Temic managed to receive an ovation from the audience. The dynamic and powerful presentation of the band provided an intense experience, where the energy from the stage transferred to the audience.
Plini Roessler-Holgate, a virtuoso from Australia, captivated the audience with his complex guitar work. His static presentation and lack of interaction with the audience did not detract from the appreciation of his musical skills by fans of technical virtuosity. Plini's performance was a demonstration of pure technical skill and musical genius, leaving the attendees in awe.
The festival concluded with Karnivool, who delivered an exhilarating show with their signature mix of menacing riffs and complex time signatures. Singer Ian Kenny's charismatic presence elevated the performance. The band's sound, ranging from ethereal and subtle to overwhelmingly powerful, was masterfully presented. Their biggest hits, such as "New Day," "Themata," and "Goliath," brought the audience to a frenzy. The dynamics and energy of their performance provided a fitting end to the festival, completely immersing the audience in their musical world. Kenny's interaction with the audience and the intense atmosphere created by the band made their performance an unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
The Midsummer Prog Festival 2024 was an intense and diverse musical experience. The intimate atmosphere of the Openluchttheater Valkenburg, combined with the breathtaking nature, made this festival a unique event that will be etched in memory for a long time. Both established names and new discoveries provided unforgettable moments. The organization, led by Rob Palmen, deserves all praise for putting together an engaging lineup and creating an event that continues to capture the hearts of prog rock enthusiasts. The Midsummer Prog Festival remains a must-see for every fan of progressive rock music, and the 2024 edition once again confirmed why this event is so beloved by both artists and attendees.
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