A quarter of a century of music and happy memories (PHOTO)

The ensemble led by accordionist Simon Gajšek celebrated its 25th anniversary with a concert at the cultural house in Gorica pri Slivniki, marking a quarter century of musical activity that began in the village of Doles pri Sentjur. The group, which bears Gajsek’s name, was formed two decades and five years ago, establishing a sound that has become widely recognizable throughout the Slovenian region. The celebration featured performances by the current lineup, which includes vocalist Natalija Potocnik, guitarist Miha Selic, and bassist Zoran Gracner, alongside a special appearance by twelve of Gajsek’s accordion students who joined the band on stage. The origins of the group trace back to 2001, when Gajsek established the ensemble with assistance from his parents. His sister, Mojca Gajsek, served as the lead vocalist for more than two decades, sharing stages, recording sessions, and rehearsals with the male members of the band. The initial roster included Denis Lenart, Andrej Sluga, and Andrej Cmok. This founding lineup released their first cassette, titled "From Doles to Sentjur," before issuing a CD named after one of their well-known polkas, "Zaljubljeni muzikant." Over the years, the group’s sonic identity, musical plans, and personnel evolved, leading them to perform both original compositions and works by other authors. Nina Lambizer, who hosted the jubilee concert, highlighted the personal history behind the band’s formation. She noted that Mojca Gajsek remained a recognizable voice of the ensemble until her departure three years prior. Her position was subsequently filled by Natalija Potocnik, a singer from the Carinthia region whose experience and energy introduced a fresh dynamic to the group. During this recent period, guitarist Miha Selic also joined the ensemble, replacing former member Primoz Pusnik. The current configuration allows the band to maintain a distinctive style while incorporating new influences. Gajsek has been teaching accordion since the very year he founded the band. For the anniversary performance, twelve of his pupils played alongside the professional members, expanding the group’s acoustic presence. The concert commenced with the songs "Srce ne pozabi" and "Ne dam ga," performed in front of a fully packed audience at the cultural center. The event was designed to reflect the extensive repertoire the group has developed over twenty-five years, including numerous collaborations with various composers such as Igor Pirkovic, Vera Solinc, Peter Fink, Matej Kocjancic, and Primoz Ilovar. Gajsek himself has also composed several pieces within the catalog. Guest artists contributed significantly to the evening’s atmosphere. Accordionist Brane Klavzar performed on the track "Drobna prevara," playing the instrument for the composition he authored. The stage also welcomed the Ensemble Dar, members of the Ensemble Zeme, and the humorous act Zlajfekov Anza. The main band temporarily expanded into a quintet when brothers Andrej and Bojan Zemet joined on trumpet and clarinet, respectively. They performed Avsenik’s composition "Cakala bom," which was sung jointly by Danijela Zeme and Natalija Potocnik. The concert concluded with all performers joining on stage to play Avsenik’s "Golica." Children of the band members presented a large cake, adding a final touch to the celebratory proceedings. The group’s history includes memorable production experiences, particularly the filming of the video for the polka "Snezaka sva nar’dila." Vocalist Natalija Potocnik recalled that this shoot took place during extreme winter conditions, creating a lasting memory among the crew. Beyond live performances, the ensemble has produced a substantial number of music videos, documenting their evolution from a small local group to a nationally known act. Their discography reflects a journey through different musical phases, with early recordings capturing the raw energy of the initial lineup and later releases showcasing a refined approach to traditional and contemporary styles. The anniversary concert served as a retrospective of the relationships forged within the band. Lambizer emphasized that the shared moments between the original members, including Mojca Gajsek, remain etched in their memories. The transition of vocalists and instrumentalists over the past decade demonstrates the group’s adaptability. While the core leadership under Gajsek has remained constant, the supporting cast has shifted to accommodate changing artistic directions and personal circumstances. The inclusion of student musicians in the finale underscored Gajsek’s dual role as both performer and educator, linking the future generation of accordion players directly to the band’s legacy. Local officials and community members attended the event, recognizing the band’s contribution to regional cultural life. The venue in Gorica pri Slivniki provided an intimate setting for the milestone performance, allowing for close interaction between the artists and the audience. The setlist balanced nostalgic hits with newer arrangements, ensuring that long-time fans and newcomers alike could engage with the material. The collaborative nature of the evening, featuring multiple guest acts and family members, reflected the communal aspect of the band’s history. As the night drew to a close, the collective effort of the performers highlighted the endurance of the group. From its inception in a small village to its current status as a prominent act in the Slovenian music scene, the ensemble has maintained a consistent output of music and public appearances. The presence of the accordion students symbolized the continuity of the tradition that Gajsek has helped sustain. The final notes of the concert faded as the audience applauded, acknowledging a career defined by dedication to musical craft and community engagement. The band’s story continues to unfold, with each new member and composition adding another layer to their ongoing narrative.