Near and Dear

Onepointfivemetersociety is a word that makes Sven Ratzke (1977) reach for his canister of talcum powder. It makes him itchy, for it clashes with his spirit, passion and everlasting desire for connectedness. However, he promises to keep at a safe distance for six summer nights. But purely physically, out of respect for these measures. But artistically? That’s a different story altogether. Musically Sven Ratzke knows how to close any gap. With near and dear he sings you irresistibly close.

Together with Boulevard, the festival where Ratzke started his international career in 1999, he developed this exclusive series of open-air concerts on six Friday nights. Ratzke comes out to play with heroes that make his hankering heart run wild. Names? Drumroll and names: the American soprano and opera singer Claron McFadden, the renowned harpist Lavinia Meijer and the equally virtuoso bandoneonist Carel Kraayenhof. Also: the very versatile wonder of jazz, soul and gospel, Michelle David, the multitalented Janne Schra [the founder of Room Eleven] and singer Gregory Frateur of the Flemish cult band Dez Mona.

During Boulevard editions of 2017, 2018 and 2019 Ratzke confirmed his reputation as an extravagant entertainer with his theater concerts Homme fatale, Starman and Where are we now, all homages to idiosyncratic songwriters and the star himself: David Bowie.

P.S. During this performance we will follow the general Covid-19 guidelines.