Orlek celebrates 36 years this year! They were formed at the end of the 1980s, precisely in 1989, and they consider the recording of their first demo recordings on the then Trbovlje radio station to be their official beginning. They won us over with an inimitable mix of rock'n'roll, brass, brass and accordion, with their unique 'folk punk polka rock', socio-humorous lyrics and an energetic stage performance, which often includes Slovenian national and international songs.

The Orlek Group has its domicile in Zagorje ob Sava, in the heart of the mining areas, in the heart of Slovenia. They got their name from the hill on the outskirts of Zagorje. Their music is an original mix of rock'n'roll, a kind of "folk punk polka rock". The varied instrumental line-up, which in addition to the traditional rock line-up also includes a wind section and accordion, classifies them as ethnic folk music. The specialty of the Orlek group is the lyrics, which are socio-humorous, with many expressions typical of the bitter mining life and work. They are very communicative and quickly establish contact and impress audiences from different cultural backgrounds.

The proof is the successful performances at festivals of this kind of music - WOM festivals, Tanz & Folk Fest in Rudolstadt (Germany), Folk Fiesta (Poland) and other concerts, Druga Godba (Slovenia) and other festivals around the world: Musikfest in Bethlehem (USA), Arts Lahore Festival (Pakistan), Folkherbst in Plauen (Germany), Fringe festivals in Australia and New Zealand (Sydney, Adelaide, Wellington...), Chaoyang Spring Carnival in Beijing, China and also in the Star Live club in Beijing and many other concerts in festivals in Hungary, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Russia and, of course, Slovenia. In October 2012, they had a very successful tour of Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, where they played for Slovenian expatriates. They are also known for their successful club concerts, we should mention that in 2002 they also performed at the legendary club CBGB in New York. They repeated the US tour in 2006 and added a concert in Philadelphia.

In 2019, the group celebrates its 30th anniversary, which it marked with the release of the CD ŽIVEL ROKENROL, which contains 11 new songs. It is characterized by the primal energy that made the band famous years ago. You can feel the influence of the younger authors who have taken on the greater part of the responsibility in writing the music and lyrics. Despite the freshness, change of sound, energy, according to the listeners, the album is very typical of the Orlek band. It feels like a real revival.

Orlek Band Members:

• Vlado Poredoš (vocals)

• Jure Tori (accordion, keyboards)

• Samo Poredoš (guitar, acoustic guitar)

• Ivo Vidergar (guitar)

• Mitja Tori (bass guitar)

• Kristijan Adamlje (saxophone)

• Ečo Matko (trombone)

• Jan Adamek (trumpet)

• David Slatinek (drums)

www.orlek.com