Local Ambassadors 2025 - Over the Border Festival - Opening Night

In the organizer's words:

Concert by the Local Ambassadors
as part of the Over-the-Border-Festival 2025


The Local Ambassadors have been a central part of the Over-the-Border-Festival in Bonn since 2016. Every year, this unique project presents a completely new line-up that brings local musicians together with international artists. The aim is to overcome cultural boundaries through joint rehearsals and performances and to set an example for recognition, understanding and against exclusion.

In March, the Local Ambassadors invite you to a rousing concert at the Pantheon Theater. Under the musical direction of virtuoso pianist Marcus Schinkel, who masterfully combines classical, jazz and world music, a varied program will be offered. The instrumental backbone of the ensemble is formed by:

Bob Vogston (guitar): Inspirational guitarist, composer and producer (Lipaka Studio) with an unmistakable fusion of jazz and rock.
Felix Lehrmann (drums): One of Germany's most sought-after drummers, known for his precision and energy.
Pape Seck (percussion): comes from the renowned Senegalese griot family Seck and is one of the most sought-after percussionists for African music.
Ben Jud (bass): known as "The Singing Bassist" with a broad stylistic spectrum from funk to jazz.
Florian Hertel (trombone): Creative trombonist and composer known for his expressive playing style. Bandleader with Druckluft.
Fixi (accordion, arrangements): from Paris, who inspires with innovative accordion arrangements, mixing styles such as hip-hop, musette, reggae, afrobeat. Musical director: L'Ultrabal
Maïa Barouh (vocals, flute): Multi-talented artist with Japanese roots who combines traditional sounds with modern influences.
Rema Diop (vocals): a great new voice from Senegal who shines in both West African and European styles. She is taking off in Africa with her songs.
Gal Tamir (vocals): as founder and lead singer of the ensemble Al'Fado, he combines Ladino-Sephardic music with fado and flamenco.
Gergana Dimitrova (vocals): One of the renowned voices of "Le Mystere des Voix Bulgares", she creates a unique musical universe with her solo project.

The cast of Local Ambassadors will be joined by a very special guest, whose name has not yet been revealed. Let yourself be surprised and look forward to another musical highlight that will make this special evening unforgettable!