Successful collaborations and delighted guests at Bands on Stage 2015 at the Steinmühle

At this year’s Bands on Stage At the Steinmühle, it wasn’t just the “Band 5/6” school groups that performed, “Linda Balser & Hannah Boßhammer”, the “StoneMill House Band” and the jazz musicians from “The Suited” her extraordinary musicality—including the “Couch Potatoes” from the Marburg Music School and the “Crazy Crackers” The kids from the Compass Youth Center really let loose.

First, fourteen students from grades 5 and 6 got the show off to a rousing start. From their still modest repertoire, they performed their most energetic numbers and put the audience in high spirits with “Go Down Moses,” “Stay,” and “99 Luftballons.” Mr. Wemme had quickly formed a surprisingly harmonious ensemble with the young band, and Telea Funk once again showcased her amazing voice.

And the band Compass “Crazy Crackers” followed right up with “Zuhause.” Brothers Samuel and Aaron Ruff put their singer, Can Sisamci, in the spotlight, and he gave it his all. It’s rare to see a boy his age who has such masterful control over his voice and whose performance is so compelling—thanks to the band’s manager, Tina Kuhm! The closing song, “Feeling Good,” brought audible joy to the audience.

The jazz group “The Suited” performed “I Remember Clifford” and “St. Thomas,” two challenging jazz standards from the 1950s, through which the six musicians, led by Frank Wemme, were able to demonstrate what is possible when enthusiastic students enjoy playing together over the course of many years.

In the end, it was mostly blues. The “StoneMill House Band”, whose sound is characterized by a strong horn section and the voices of Paula Stauzebach, Sonja Mecke, and Linda Balser, drew on their extensive experience to perform some of their best songs and, with a fantastic performance, provided a wonderful conclusion to an evening full of pleasant surprises.