Jeroen Latour (master's student in Human Media Interaction) is the executive manager of the festival this year. He is responsible for the oversight of the entire festival, including all financial decisions. He further clarifies, `It's a relatively big festival with over a hundred concerts, so sometimes people have to work independently of each other, and I'm here to make sure that goes well.'
Latour discusses the event organizers: `In 2005, the festival became independent from Apollo - the original organizer - and a foundation was formed. Since then, each new edition of the festival has attracted a diverse group of people and this one is no exception. There is now a group of about 20 people working hard to make Februari Muziekmaand a success and a few dozen volunteers will be added to that group to help during the month. Of course, we can still use some hands, so people are encouraged to contact us if they want to join.'
Asked how February Music Month manages to attract so many musical acts, Latour responds: `We contacted many of them ourselves, using contacts we have accumulated over the years and by searching the internet and directories. Apart from that, we tried to reach as many people as possible through the media. All in all, it seems to have worked. We have more groups participating than ever before, and I am really excited about the program that we have now.'
With concerts for every kind of music lover, these are just a few highlights of February Music Month:
2/2: Grand opening: a series of three fabulous performances in the Balengebouw (Roombeek), featuring jazz, funk, and Celtic music. Free!
4/2: Starting 11:30 am: concerts of various Enschede groups, in the Grote Kerk, Jacobuskerk and Sam Sam. Free!
9/2: Funky Friday: live music in lots of Enschede cafes. Free!
15/2: StuKaFest: mini-shows in student rooms throughout the city. Prices vary.
24/2: Noabers street festival all over Enschede and a sizzling finale in de Grote Kerk with dancing all night long. Free!
More information at www.februarimuziekmaand.nl/ albeit in Dutch.
