Nature enthusiasts gather at an open-air forest spot near Jena to converse with a bird expert
"Hang out under the trees and dance the day away" - That's the gist of Jena's "simply outdoors" open-air event in a nutshell. This groovy extravaganza, daring to defy your typical music festival scene, is the creative brainchild of Jena's Micro Club. Originally launched as an outdoor solution to pandemic woes, it has fortuitously evolved into a staple event featured on their calendar.
On June 14, this charming festival will celebrate its sixth round, boasting a lineup that'll make even the staunchest house music skeptics sway in their boots. Jan Nagler-Jahn, the man behind the Micro Club and the event magician, shares the genesis of "simply outdoors". Born out of sheer excitement to make music, indoors was off the table, prompting them to take the party to the greener pastures outside. Initially, it all started on a meadow, in the shadow of the Rothenstein sports field.
An intimate, exclusive bash among nature's wonders
The Micro Club in Jena is hailed as one of the last genuine lover's clubs in the city - petite, cozy, and resolute in its inherent charm. This sentiment is beautifully reflected in the open-air format, as our hero asserts, "We don't want to host a massive festival, but a tasteful, intimate event in a magical setting."
Deets for your calendar:
- When: June 14 | 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Where: Bastei Rothenstein
- Genre: Electronic, House
Bringing the party to the meadows means scaling back on the soul-crushing disco lights and commercial vibes. Instead, you'll find a bar, a nom-nom food wagon, loving trimmings, and the jaw-dropping vista that makes Jena's outdoors events a delight. Avoiding overburdening the natural backdrop, the dance floor and the flora reign supreme side by side. Hence, the event now starts mid-day and wraps up in the wee hours of the night, taking heed of the local wildlife.
A symphony of electronic music and Mother Nature
As they tread lightly on the leafy terrain, they've taken the recommendations of nature conservationists to heart, insisting, "We adapt." In doing so, both the electronic nightlife and Mother Nature get to coexist harmoniously, proving that a day rave in the woods can be a reality.
Super Flu headlines the festivities
The star of the show will be none other than duo Super Flu, hailing from Halle and a beacon of electronic music beyond Central Germany's borders with their melodious, funky sounds. "Super Flu has been the soul of many a Micro Club night, and their tracks have held us captivated through countless hours - they embody the ethos of what we understand electronic music to be," says Jan.
Other performers gracing the stage include Ava Irandoost, acclaimed artist of the Berlin label Katermukke, and Daniel Stefanik, a household name in Germany's house and techno scene. Of course, the Micro-Residents, with their cult-like status in Jena, will be there too, sprinkling their magic.
Kater Blau on the horizon?
While an official partnership with Berlin's legendary club Kater Blau has yet to materialize, Jan teases with a wink, "Who knows what's in the works?" Ava's personal recommendation from Dirty Doering, co-founder of Katermukke, is certainly an encouraging sign.
A festival with a stance: Nature-friendly and people-focused
The event sets itself apart from other festivals by eschewing grand main stages, corporate sponsors, and flashy fanfare - instead choosing to prioritize sound, ambiance, and community. Jan affirms, "We're not attempting to compete with massive events; we're offering a deliberate counterpoint."
Dance in the woods, not for the 'gram
Jan concludes eloquently, "We're not throwing parties for Instagram; we're throwing them for ourselves." So, if you're a funky bop master, yearn for a day among the trees, and seek a break from saccharine techno, make your way to Jena. Relish the blend of nature and nostalgic electronic beats at this intimate outdoor extravaganza.
- The Micro Club's "simply outdoors" event in Jena aims to create an intimate, nature-focused experience, with electronic music, a bar, food, and a stunning outdoor setting at Bastei Rothenstein, promising a day rave in the woods.
- On June 14, the event will feature a diverse lineup, including the headlining duo Super Flu, Ava Irandoost, Daniel Stefanik, and the Micro-Residents, promising a symphony of electronic music and Mother Nature, with a focus on co-existing harmoniously with the local wildlife.
- avoidance of grand main stages, corporate sponsors, and flashy fanfare, the festival prioritizes sound, ambiance, and community, promising a deliberate counterpoint to massive events and a tasteful, intimate event in a magical setting.
