Liepāja's “Tavā un manējā Liepājā” music festival closes to standing ovations
Liepāja's concert garden “Pūt, vējiņi!” hosted the music festival “Tavā un manējā Liepājā” on August 14–15, held for the third year running and, for the first time, spread over two days.
The Liepāja concert garden “Pūt, vējiņi!” hosted the popular music festival “Tavā un manējā Liepājā” on August 14 and 15, marking its third edition. For the first time, the event ran across two days and featured two distinct concert programs.
On the opening night, August 14, the program celebrated composer Imants Kalniņš, marking his 85th birthday with a concert dedicated to his work. His songs were performed by Ainars Mielavs, Agnese, Igo, Kristiāna Stirāne, and National Theatre actor Gundars Grasbergs, who also hosted the evening. The musical accompaniment was led by pianist Juris Kristons.
On August 15, a concert titled “Liepāja's Golden Songs” showcased beloved tracks from Liepāja's pop and rock music heritage. Performers included Ainars Virga, Uldis Marhilevičs, Igo, Ance Krauze, Emīls Balceris and Marats Ogļezņevs, backed by musicians led by pianist Jānis Strazds. For the third consecutive year, an additional late-night concert followed. The evening was hosted by Maija Kalniņa and Valdis Skujiņš.
Maija Kalniņa, who wrote the festival's script and directed the event, said the two evenings once again showed music's power to bring people together, describing the festival as more than concerts — a gathering around songs in which people recognize themselves, their city, their memories and the people tied to those songs. She added that this year's expansion to two days, and the strong audience response, confirm the festival's lasting place in Liepāja's and Latvia's summer cultural life.
