Gwanak-gu Resumes Cultural and Artistic Performances for Local Residents

[Seoul District News] Busking Performances Held at Gwanak's Attractions Including Nakseongdae Park, Byeolbit Naeruncheon, and Gwanaksan Water Playground & Captivating Quality and Popularity with Indie Music, Gugak, Jazz, and Ska

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Jun-hee) announced that it will hold the ‘2022 Open Stage in Gwanak’ a total of three times from the 6th to the 14th.

‘2022 Open Stage in Gwanak’ is a busking performance directly planned by the Gwanak Cultural Foundation (CEO Cha Min-tae) that ‘comes to the residents.’ Professional musicians from various music genres that transcend boundaries such as indie music, gugak (traditional Korean music), jazz, and ska will perform on stages at famous spots in Gwanak that are easily accessible to residents.

First, on the 6th at 7:30 PM, a performance centered on ska and jazz will take place at ‘Byeolbitnaerimcheon Waterfront Stage,’ a famous spot in Gwanak. Starting with a performance by ‘Kingston Rudieska,’ famous for the insert song in the popular drama ‘Yumi’s Cells Season 2,’ audiences can also enjoy the French gypsy band ‘Dusky80’ and the stage of ‘Lee Jae-won World Jazz Unit,’ an active group in Gwanak-gu.

On the 12th at 7:30 PM, various indie music artists will perform at ‘Nakseongdae Park.’ Rising stars in the indie scene, ‘Jung Aro,’ ‘Lee Oneul,’ and singer-songwriter Jo Jun-ho, formerly of the band Joahseohaneun Band, will appear.

Finally, on the 13th at 1 PM, a gugak performance will continue at ‘Gwanaksan Sillim Valley Water Playground.’ A rich stage is prepared with ‘Haystring,’ a trio of gayageum players, the four-member creative folk song group ‘Jeoldae Gain,’ and the young pansori singer ‘Badak Sori.’

This performance was prepared to support local artists who lost their stages due to COVID-19, and since it is held for free in easily accessible spaces, it is expected that residents will also be able to easily enjoy the performances.

In particular, while last year’s event was held online and non-face-to-face due to social distancing measures for COVID-19, this year’s performance embraces the spirit of ‘Open Stage’ meaning ‘anyone can easily’ and will be able to breathe together with the audience, making it even more meaningful.

For more details about the performance, please contact the Arts Promotion Team of the Gwanak Cultural Foundation.

Meanwhile, Gwanak-gu is accelerating renovations with the goal of reopening in October to use Gwanak Art Hall, the district’s only public performance hall, as a cultural and artistic space for residents. It is also challenging the designation as the 5th cultural city hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism with the vision of ‘Gwanak, a special city of youth that affirms each other,’ and is awaiting the results.

Park Jun-hee, Mayor of Gwanak-gu, said, “I hope people feel various cultural arts together with nature at Gwanak’s famous spots,” and added, “We will work harder to grow within the region and create a unique cultural city only for Gwanak-gu.”