Lutherkirche Südstadt

Dance introduction from 4 PM

Everyone dances along! In pairs, in a circle, in chains, in groups of several people, or alone. Live music, fun, joy of movement, and sociability in a special atmosphere. This does not sound like a dusty and rigid dance event – and it isn't. It is BAL FOLK!

BAL FOLK is one of the forms of participatory dance evenings in Germany that are increasingly spreading here. At BAL FOLK, the dances from the French regions are usually danced to live music, with the respective composition of the dance mix depending on what the band plays. It's not about perfection, but about the joy of dancing – the dance of the day is practiced with everyone at the beginning. Dancing offers a good balance to the daily routine of school, study, or work.

The dances are suitable for everyone, whether with or without dance experience, and completely without the competition or performance pressure we know from sports, for example. During the balls, the dance partners are playfully exchanged again and again, so no one needs a fixed dance partner. 
People of different ages, social backgrounds, and geographical-cultural origins come together casually and dance – completely without a dress code. Everyone is invited to join in!

4:00-5:00 PM Dance introduction to some dances. No prior knowledge is required. 
5:00-8:00 PM Bal

Bring-and-share buffet – everyone is warmly invited to bring something simple finger food. Drinks will be sold by the Luther Church team as at every event. 

A project by Südstadtleben e. V. in collaboration with Bal Folk Köln and Bal Folk Bonn

Important information for people with disabilities
The main entrance has a step. On the opposite side of the main entrance, there is a barrier-free back entrance. Please use the path from the parking lot for this. The church is then completely accessible. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair-accessible toilet. We are happy to reserve an appropriate place in the church for you and your companion. Please inform us in advance of your visit. Thank you.

Captivating classical Mugham singing

The Mugham style reflects various epochs in the history of the Caucasus country at the Black Sea and its contacts with Persians, Armenians, Georgians, and other Turkic peoples. The music overlaps with several traditions that have shaped the country's own sound world for many centuries. Mugham belongs to the modal styles with scales that have specific micro-intervals with emotional tonality. The goal of a Mugham instrumentalist or singer is to elaborate a mode as creatively and virtuously as possible, in a constant and unceasing flow. This sound art is not defined by the perfection with which fixed notated melodies are interpreted, but by the subtleties and freedom of improvisations! 

Originally, Mugham was mainly played at secular occasions such as weddings and in salons of music lovers in private settings, as well as being cultivated as a spiritual form of Sufi orders.
Today, Azerbaijani Mugham belongs to the popular music forms in the country, although it is taught as a classical academic art. Divided into three groups: instrumental, vocal-instrumental, and rhythmic Mughams, the music is based on popular melodies from bards, folk musical dance rhythms, and special virtuosic playing techniques. 

In 2008, UNESCO inscribed Azerbaijani Mugham on the International Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and in 2012 the craftsmanship and performance practice of the long-necked lute Tar.

Cast:
Nisbet Sedrayeva – Vocals, Daf
Rustam Muslumov – Tar
Elnur Salahov – Kamancha
Siyavush Karimov – Nagara

Pop, funk, disco, and soul across the years.
Our DJ ensures a lively party atmosphere and the Lutherkirchen team provides delicious snacks and drinks.

Important information for people with disabilities
The main entrance has a step. On the opposite side of the main entrance, there is an accessible back entrance. Please use the path through the parking lot. The church is then completely accessible. We would be happy to reserve a suitable place in the church for you and your companion. Please inform us in advance of your visit. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair-accessible toilet. Thank you.

With their adaptations, they manage to transfer traditional songs into the present day, captivating both young and old in Greece, as well as abroad. Their concerts are full of emotion, dance, and joy. Notably, they have collaborated with renowned Greek musicians such as Thanasis Papakonstantinou, Villagers of Ioannina City, Hainides, Matoula Zamani, and many others.

Gidiki was founded in 2014 in Thessaloniki, Greece, and has since played numerous gigs in the city as well as throughout Greece. Tasos Kofodimos, Konstantinos Lazos, Konstantis Papakonstantinou, and Thodoris Sioutis experiment with various traditional songs from Greece and blend them with modern vibes. Their own unique performance style has been very well received by the local audience and has opened doors for the band to foreign stages.

The four multi-instrumentalists use various instruments (Greek lute, clarinet, Greek bagpipe, guitar, violin, drums) that can produce the multitude of sounds of traditional Greek songs and combine these with modern vibes.

The band members are:
Tasos Kofodimos: Lute vocals 
Kostantinos Lazos: Clarinet, bagpipes, guitar  vocals 
Kostantis Papakonstantinou: Percussion 
Thodoris Sioutis: Violin, vocals

Be Peace was created to introduce you to one of the most joyful and powerful forms of meditation: Kirtan. This simple, beneficial, and profoundly enriching practice has been cherished by people worldwide for generations – and now we invite you to experience Kirtan with us.

Through the practice of mantra meditation, you can experience inner peace, serenity, and true happiness – the harmonious balance between body, mind, and soul, as well as a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.

At the heart of yoga meditation is Kirtan – the meditative singing or reciting of spiritual mantras. These transcendental sounds are not conceived by humans; they do not belong to any specific group, culture, or religion. They are universal, timeless, and open to everyone.

No matter your background, age, or faith – Kirtan transcends all boundaries and languages, inviting each of us to reconnect with our innermost self through sound, harmony, and joy.

Come, sing, meditate – and be peace.

For the content of the event, the organizer Be Peace Community is responsible.

Important information for people with disabilities
The main entrance has a step. On the opposite side of the main entrance, there is an accessible rear entrance. Please use the path through the parking lot for this. The church is then completely accessible. We would be happy to reserve you and your companion a suitable place in the church. Please inform us in advance about your visit. Unfortunately, a wheelchair-accessible toilet is not available. Thank you.

Murad Demir, born and raised in Hakkâri/Anatolia, is an impressive voice that collects the traditional sounds of his homeland and breathes new life into them through his unique interpretation. With his music, he brings the soul of Anatolia to the stages of various European cities, where he encounters a steadily growing audience.

His musical journey began during his university years in Urfa, before he moved to Istanbul to continue his artistic path professionally. With his first single Hoy Nerme – an anonymously passed down folk song – Murad Demir won the hearts of listeners. This was followed by numerous works, including Rez (with lyrics penned by his father), Dîlber, Çip Çip Rondika, Çavreşê, Şemzîna, Şîlanê, Narînê, Şekir Axa and Dola Zêbarê, with which he further solidified his musical signature.

With his latest album ZÊ, which received great resonance, Murad Demir continues his artistic journey on a powerful and unmistakable line – driven by that passion that impressively unites tradition and modernity.

Born and raised in Hakkâri, Murad Demir, as a strong voice that compiles and performs the traditional music of his homeland with his own unique interpretation, meets his listeners in various cities across Europe.

The artist began his musical life during his university years in Urfa and later moved to Istanbul to pursue his professional career. With his first single, the anonymous song Hoy Nerme, which gained the appreciation of the audience, Murad Demir has since introduced various works to music lovers, including Rez, whose lyrics were written by his father, as well as Dîlber, Çip Çip Rondika, Çavreşê, Şemzîna, Şîlanê, Narînê, Şekir Axa, and Dola Zêbarê.

Most recently, with the release of the ZÊ album, the artist has received great interest from his listeners and continues his musical journey on a powerful and unique line.

Important information for people with disabilities
The main entrance has a step. On the opposite side of the main entrance, there is a barrier-free rear entrance. Please use the path via the parking lot for this. The church is then completely accessible. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair toilet available. We would be happy to reserve a suitable seat for you and your companion in the church. Please inform us in advance about your visit. Thank you.

Experience an unforgettable day full of music, movement, and emotion! The Urban Kizomba Day Cologne  is the perfect opportunity to discover, deepen, and celebrate Urban Kiz together. Whether you are a beginner or advanced, here you can learn, feel, enjoy, dance, and meet wonderful new people. Look forward to inspiring workshops,  high-energy beats, show moments  and a long party night full of connection, flow, and passion.


PROGRAM

14:00-14:45 h 
Musicality Workshop – Foundation to Advanced with dance teacher Chris
Learn to really feel music and perfectly connect your movements with rhythm and emotion.

15:00-15:45 h 
Afrodance – UrbanKiz Fusion Workshop with dance teacher Zeuf
Power, groove, and expression – a dynamic  fusion of Afrodance and Urban Kiz.

16:00–16:45 h
Flying & Cross Steps Workshop with dance teacher Zeuf
Modern movements, technique, and flow for your next level on the dance floor.

17:00–18:00 h
Social Practice Time & Show Time
Practice, connect, enjoy, and experience impressive show moments.

18:30 h
Group Warm-up Dance
One song together to get back in and connect the energy.

18:30-01:00 h
Urban Kiz Party Night
With top sounds from DJ Lion, DJ Shasha, DJ Chris
Nonstop dancing, best music, and pure Urban Kiz vibes deep into the night.

Tickets:
Full Pass (Workshops + Party) Pre-sale 30 € / Box office 50 €
Party from 18.30 h: Pre-sale 15 € / Box office 20 €

Why you should be there
* High-quality workshops  for all levels.
* Inspiring teachers
* Intensive social dance experience shows & community feeling
* Unforgettable party atmosphere

Let’s connect, dance, and create magic together.
We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor!

Important information for people with disabilities
The main entrance has a step. On the opposite side of the main entrance, there is a barrier-free rear entrance. Please use the path through the parking lot for this. The church is then completely accessible. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair toilet available. We would be happy to reserve a suitable place for you and your companion in the church. Please inform us in advance of your visit. Thank you.

Hanuman Project Live in Köln 
with opener YOPI & Ecstatic Dance with Beatbishop 

For the grand finale before the summer break, we bring the warm, heart-opening Bali vibes to Cologne. The internationally celebrated Hanuman Project, based in Bali, invites you to a powerful Ecstatic Kirtan concert – to sing along, feel, and completely immerse yourself in the music.

Afterwards, Beatbishop will guide you with an energetic Ecstatic Dance set into free movement, ecstasy, and connection – an evening full of rhythm, community, and vibrant presence.

In the courtyard, you can also look forward to an inspiring summer market with selected stalls, handmade art, and small culinary highlights. An evening that moves both heart and body alike – and a worthy conclusion before the summer break.

Come by, sing, dance, and celebrate life.

Schedule: 
15:00 Doors open 
16:00 Hanuman Project Live Kirtan Concert (standing concert, no seating available)
18:00 Break 
19:00 Doors open for Ecstatic Dance 
19:30 Ecstatic Dance 
22:00 End 

Tickets from 28 euro

Important information for people with disabilities
The main entrance has a step. On the opposite side of the main entrance, there is a barrier-free back entrance. Please use the route through the parking lot for that. The church is then completely accessible. Unfortunately, a wheelchair-accessible toilet is not available. We would be happy to reserve a suitable place for you and your companion in the church. Please inform us in advance about your visit. Thank you.

At the center of the music of Sakîna Teyna Septet are the numerous Kurdish makams. With specific melodies and structures, different moods and emotions are generated, which are also brought to the fore anew by the diverse backgrounds of the musicians. The use of microtonal systems is meant to invite the discovery of new sound worlds that are connected with elements of classical music and contemporary jazz.

This results in syntheses between traditionally Kurdish music, interpreted by Sakina in the three Kurdish dialects Kurmanji, Zazaki, and Sorani. The skillfully played fretless guitar by Mahan Mirarab, as well as the instruments cello, bratsche, violin, double bass & percussion create a field of power that breaks open the harmonic makams through specific combinations of tones and melodies, reinterprets them, and deepens them with feelings, themes, and stories.

Delicate and gentle as well as dynamic and powerful, a interplay of timbres and moods.

Important information for people with disabilities
The main entrance has a step. On the opposite side of the main entrance, there is a barrier-free rear entrance. Please use the route via the parking lot for this. The church is then completely accessible. Unfortunately, a wheelchair-accessible toilet is not available. We would be happy to reserve a corresponding seat for you and your companion in the church. Please inform us in advance about your visit. Thank you.

Mahsa Vahdat is an internationally celebrated Iranian vocalist recognized for her deeply expressive voice and distinctive artistic vision. Infusing classical Persian traditions with contemporary influences, she has created a musical language that transcends borders.
Despite the prohibition on solo female vocal performance in Iran, Vahdat has become a powerful cultural ambassador and a symbol of artistic freedom and women’s empowerment. Her diverse artistic collaborations connect musical traditions and audiences worldwide.

About the Program
My Voice Is My Home is a concert project where voice, poetry, and music meet, woven into a living tapestry across centuries. Rooted in the classical Persian vocal tradition and shaped through fresh interpretations, the program brings together heritage and renewal in a shared musical language formed through a long artistic journey.
Mahsa’s voice, joined by musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds, creates a space where Persian vocal and poetic traditions enter into dialogue with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean musical languages, an expressive world that is both ancient and contemporary.
The repertoire draws on classical, modern, and contemporary Persian poetry, much of it composed by Mahsa Vahdat, where modal structures of Persian music meet rich instrumental colors and evolving arrangements shaped through improvisation and cross-cultural interplay.
My Voice Is My Home is an expression of artistic defiance and continuity. In Iran, since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, women have been banned from singing solo in public, their voices restricted and silenced by authorities. Singing as a woman, Mahsa Vahdat affirms the voice as a bearer of memory, imagination, and renewal.
At a time when voices from the Middle East are often framed through conflict and politics, My Voice Is My Home offers another form of testimony, one shaped by poetry and musical encounter. It reminds us that cultural heritage is not a relic of the past, but a living practice, capable of transformation, dialogue, and shared meaning.

Line up:
Mahsa Vahdat – vocal
Emre Sinanmis – duduk 
Ahmad Al Khatib – oud
Kaveh Mahmudiyan – percussion

Ticket Price: €45,00 (including service fees)

Important Information for People with Disabilities
The main entrance has a step. On the opposite side of the main entrance, there is a barrier-free back entrance. Please use the route via the parking lot. The church is then completely accessible. Unfortunately, there is no wheelchair toilet available. We would be happy to reserve a corresponding seat for you and your companion in the church. Please inform us in advance about your visit. Thank you.