Summertime Blues?

On the Lord's Orders

This could also be the title of a book; however, it is not the case here.

We set out to finally dedicate an evening to the Ötigheim open-air stage. Although the weather report wasn't as promising as we had hoped – the organizer's note that the audience area was covered calmed our nerves. We decided on the BLUES BROTHERS; over 40 years ago, it was a huge box office success. The music is a mix of Rhythm & Blues, Soul, and Gospel. Among others by Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin, whose voices remain unmistakable to this day. The song Everybody needs somebody to love, which has been covered by many other artists, is undoubtedly the best-known song from the film.

Ötigheim has been known for more than 100 years for its festivals with many amateur actors from the town and surrounding areas. The license plates indicated that audience members even traveled from Munich and Berlin, as well as from France and Denmark.

Food and beverage distribution that evening was organized by the LIEDERKRANZ ÖTIGHEIM. The association can truly be pleased with the support of so many volunteers of all ages.

But not only were there many helping hands – impressive were also the dancing feet and swinging hips of the many extras on the huge staircase that make up most of the stage. Additionally, there was a vintage car in the role of the Bluesmobile, an American police car, and for a chase scene with six additional horses, which did not seem to bother the amusement much.

The fact that there were showers of rain in between did not impress the performers in any way. While I was thinking about how dangerous the wet steps would be in the case of a fall. After all, the stage was not covered. Everything went smoothly up and down the stairs. It seemed no one was concerned about wet clothes. Once the rain had stopped, even a few bats fluttered over the audience and actors. They were unbothered by the people or the noise.

In Ötigheim, apparently ALL residents are involved in this spectacle. It was definitely worth it for us and why did we wait so long to visit? One thing is for sure: we will surely come back.

See you soon!

See you soon!