The Leone Band of Victoria is presenting its 8th edition of Leone Goes Pop, next Saturday, for the first time ever at the Villa Rundle public gardens in Victoria.

This was explained at the official launch, during a press conference at the Villa Rundle held jointly by the Leone Philharmonic Society and the Ministry for Gozo as one of the main sponsors.

Leone Goes Pop has been on the forefront of pop-culture by local bands since its inception. Back in 2008 it was groundbreaking and it has remained ever since as it was exported from Victoria city to Marsalforn, to the Palace Courtyard in Valletta, to St George’s Square and even Pjazza Teatru Rjal.

Leone President Dr Michael Caruana said that, “since the city-core of Victoria is going through major infrastructural works, the Leone Band seized the opportunity to make this 8-year old innovation, once more innovative. Therefore it is presenting a new concept of the Leone Goes Pop as allowed by the open-air amphitheatre and the environs of the graceful Villa Rundle Gardens.”

Gozo Minister Dr Anton Refalo, praised the initiative of the Leone Band that grows stronger each year. The very fact that Leone Goes Pop arrived in its 8th edition shows a strong commitment by the administration.

The Minister praised the idea of having the concert at the Villa Rundle, because, he said, it is very much in line with the philosophy of the garden being a public open air space for the arts – be them visual or performing.

Dr Samuel Azzopardi, Mayor of Victoria, noted with gratitude the efforts of the Leone Band Club which through the collaboration of the Local Council will be organising a large-scale concert which will boost in no uncertain way the musical profile of city of Victoria.

Victoria’s Mayor also praised this initiative, saying, “events like Leone goes Pop are keeping Victoria’s cultural aspect on a very high scale which give a certain honour to our city.”

The 8th edition of Leone Goes Pop will see the star participation of Kurt Calleja and Raquel together with an 80-piece Leone Band. Music line-up includes an eclectic mix of Latin, rock, jazz, pop and blues music from the legendary Led Zeppelin and the nostalgic 883, all the way to Cuba and Mexico.

There will be an area for priority seating with tickets free of charge being distributed from the Leone Band Club and another area for free seating, while the public is also being encouraged to follow the event from the standing area as there will lots of music to dance the night away with!

Leone Goes Pop on Saturday, the 13th of June 2015 starting at 9pm. Entrance at the Villa Rundle Gardens is free of charge.

Photo: MGOZ/George Scerri

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