«Explosive funk thanks to a new association».

The new cultural association «erlenmusic.ch» brings musicians from all over Switzerland to Erlenbach. With the funk band «The Next Movement» on October 7 at the Erlibacherhof, it promises itself a brilliant start. And: It also wants to be a springboard for young people.

Erlenpop, Erlenfunk or Erlenrock – with such mottos the cultural association «erlenmusic.ch» wants to stir up the music landscape in Erlenbach. Founded only in May, the association has already managed to put on its first concert. On October 7, the Swiss funk band «The Next Movement» will play in the hall of the Erlibacherhof. «We want to make a name for ourselves as a meeting place for music lovers,» says association founder Safet Salai.
The 62-year-old has been active in Erlenbach’s cultural scene for several decades and wants to fill a gap with «erlenmusic.ch». The new cultural association is intended to appeal to a broad audience. Whether pop, jazz, rock or funk, the association sees itself as a complement to the existing music scene in Erlenbach. While choir and orchestra music are already firmly established, Safet Salai wants to offer a new platform for Swiss band and solo musicians. The level of recognition is not important, says Salai, what is important is: «The quality has to be right.»

As a long-standing musician, he is well connected and has proven a lucky hand with the engagement of the funk band «The Next Movement». On tour throughout Europe with gigs in Germany, Latvia and Georgia, the Solothurn funk trio shared the stage with greats such as Candy Dulfer, Incognito and Marcus Miller. «An explosion that makes it impossible to keep your feet still,» is how Salai describes the first act in his concert series.

A lot of heart and soul invested

For 30 years he played the drums, for 8 years he was a board member of the Erlibach cultural association «INSPIRIN» and since 2015 he has been grappling with the Open-Air Kino Erlenbach. Safet Salai is always looking for ways to help shape the cultural landscape of Erlenbach. With the hall in the Erlibacherhof, he has found the ideal location for his first concert series. «The hall is too beautiful to stand empty so often. It was the perfect opportunity to propose my idea to the people in charge,» says Salai. The municipality and Hotel Erlibacherhof were immediately enthusiastic about the project.

«erlenmusic.ch» is still young, currently counting three members, and yet there is a lot of effort behind it in the initial phase. Designing the website and flyers, advertising with posters and social media, and finding musicians are all challenges that have to be mastered. As a graphic and web designer, the overall appearance of the association comes from Salai’s pen: «That saves money, but costs a lot of time and heart and soul.» For the first act of the concert series, Salai traveled especially to Interlaken to listen to the band live and to get to know the band on site. The association is financed by membership fees, sponsors and ticket sales in advance and at the box office. However, the concert organizer is not looking for big profits. «The income must be enough for the next event and a fair fee,» says Salai.

Promote young bands

«erlenmusic.ch» has big plans. Four to five concerts are planned per year. Other artists, such as a flamenco guitarist or a well-known pop band are already in the pipeline. The names and exact dates are yet to be announced. In addition, the association also wants to offer young musicians an opportunity. Young bands can contact the association under the heading «Springboard» and book a short performance. Three bands of 45 minutes each would fill the evening.

Thinking in the long term, Salai can also imagine hiring musicians who are known throughout Switzerland and who see the performance at «erlenmusic.ch» as a rehearsal before a tour. «For that we have to become better known, but I am confident,» says Safet Salai.