Black Forest Voices 2022

The time had come for us to visit a place very special and close to our hearts as the collective. Kirchzaten - The Black Forest, Germany, the hometown of our late founding member and hero, Tobias Hug. BFV (Black Forest Voices) was born out of love and connection in 2019 by Tobias, Nina Ruckhaber and Dorte Zillessen as a way of bringing vocal talents from across the region, Europe and internationally to celebrate the voice in as many ways as they can. Kirchzarten, a small town situated in the hearts of The Black Forest really is somewhere you have to see to believe. We could not be more privileged to be invited to such an amazing setting surrounded by such beautiful souls who share the same passions in some way or another. A weekend filled with all ages and levels participating in workshops, choir and solo performances and the wanting to inspire one another.

We were indulged from the offset on Thursday evening from amazing performances from the likes of Unduzo, Anders, 5pac, Dezibelles, Laulla and Neilon – their voices draping the walls and ceiling and everywhere in between, safe to say we were all smiling from ear to ear. Friday came, and it was time for Hobbit and Zani to get down the teachings! Hobbit starting the session with a masterclass in looping. Wowing the room with a small performance then some explanations on how he not only composes his tracks and routines, but also some technical insight into the equipment itself. Of course a workshop means getting involved, so some absolute magic then unfolded with some jamming and looping goodness. Zani then headed up the next part of the session with some ever amazing warm ups/circle jams and group composition teaching, safe to say everyone in the room took something home with them that day!

Saturday saw the entirety of the collective take reign on the workshops once again, heading up what we like to call ‘The time of your life sessions’ (programmed as ‘The Beatbox Experience’ there was some of that too). We started with the basics and slowly introduced individuals sounds from each member, our group really did leap at every technique we put up and plenty of fun was had in the process. It will forever amaze everyone what the voice can do with a little help from us and the willing to jump in and get involved, no matter how silly you think it may sound. We found time to see the resting place of our dear friend Tobias and smile together and bathe in his homeland, moments you never forget and fill our hearts. With that energy, we were ready to hit the stage. A beautiful outdoor setting on majestic grounds, it was incredible. A shrine to our friend and mentor Tobias watching from the back, some incredible performances from Jazzchor der uni Bonn and Rajaton – we were lifted and full of love and brought the energy. Shout out to our vocal brother Julian for jumping on near the end of the show and jamming in out the way he does best! Encores were had and the party was running wild by the end and we could not be happier.

Thanks again to all the team for the opportunity and love for what we do, long may we keep the flame alive for Tobias and his legacy that is, Black Forest Voices.