Tirana Rocks the Block

TIRANA, May 14 – Rock bands from Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic and Sweden performed in downtown Tirana last weekend as part of Europe Month events being held in Tirana. “Rock the Block 2012” brought at the ex-Block pedestrian area the Crossbones band from Albania, “Rufus Spencer” and “Isdoncia” from Denmark, “House of Trees” from Sweden, “Liberty” from the Czech Republic, “Nona” from the Netherlands and “Orges & the Ochus Rochus Band” from Austria.
May 12, Saturday night gathered rock supporters in Albania. Attending the concert with a view to the dialogue between young people in Albania and in Europe, were present some ambassadors and various Albanian politicians.
Speaking at an earlier press conference the head of Political Section of the EU Delegation, Clive Rumbold said that “We will show to the Albanian youth and the citizens of Tirana, an open Europe, a Europe that rocks, sings and brakes down linguistic and cultural barriers. The music you would be listening tonight has the advantage that it does not need to be interpreted, it would simply speak to your European soul. The EU Delegation to Albania had the pleasure to join efforts this year with the Member States for this event, which promotes European cultural heritage and intercultural exchange of cultures.”
Danish Ambassador Karsten Ankjaer Jensen said “Everyone in Albania knows what is and where is the Block. By saying “Rock the Block”, we are trying to send a political message. Perhaps we need to wipe off a part of this country’s past and look towards the future. I think that these young people that we bring from different European countries show the future.”
An EU Info Relay for Albanian businesses, the running race and cycling event on the 9th of May, the European Film Festival, Rock the Block concert, the Festival of Diversity in the frame of Day against homophobia are some of the events scheduled as part of Europe Month events in Albania.