Smukfest Day 1: A Festive Kickoff Under the Danish Sky
Dyrehaven in Skanderborg once again plays host to Smukfest, and Maxazine is here from Wednesday through Sunday. We’re greeted by cheerful volunteers decked out in songs, flags, and pink tulle skirts, and the red carpet is quite literally rolled out. Nestled among the beech trees, the Danish “hygge” atmosphere is palpable, with smiles and a welcoming vibe all around. There’s ample space for expression, joy, song, and dance—even in the pouring rain, festival-goers happily danced to their favourite artists.
The festival grounds are impressively clean and tidy, reflecting Smukfest’s commitment to becoming greener each year. This dedication is evident in the way the grounds blend seamlessly into the forest, utilizing high-quality recycled materials and showcasing a clear sense of care and love. Smukfest truly presents itself in the best possible light; it is, indeed, a beautiful festival.
Andreas Odbjerg
The crowd gathered around the Bøge Stages with palpable anticipation for Andreas Odbjerg. The atmosphere was just right—rainy enough to keep things cool without being uncomfortable. The Bøge Stages, beautifully enveloped by the forest, added to the ambience with its wonderful scent.
Andreas kicked off his set with “Smugryger,” immediately engaging the audience. People were singing along joyfully, their voices echoing through the forest. The song’s playful take on secret smoking, whether it’s cigarettes or chocolate, set an upbeat tone for the concert and the festival itself.
Andreas’s stage presence was strong, and his band maintained an increasing tempo that set a promising start for Smukfest. With numerous hits currently in Denmark, it was evident that people of all ages were enjoying the concert. Andreas’s style and presence made him very relatable, embodying a confident yet humble persona that resonates well with Danish audiences.
Sanne Salomonsen and Antonelli Orchestra
As the rain poured down, soaking everyone to the bone, loyal fans remained steadfast, braving the thunder and storm to see Sanne Salomonsen and the Antonelli Orchestra. The familiar and beloved sound of Sanne boomed from the speakers, though it was noticeable that she was not as young as she once was. At times, the orchestra’s sound overshadowed her, which was a shame, as Sanne Salomonsen, despite the wear in her voice, remains Denmark’s Rock Mama.
Despite the relentless weather, Sanne and the Antonelli Orchestra managed to energize the audience, who danced to stay warm. It was a pleasure to witness that she still has the charisma and talent to captivate her fans.
Benjamin Hav and the Family
The crowd appeared sparse until just five minutes before Benjamin Hav and the Family took the stage. Then, as if by magic, the area around the Bøge Stages filled up rapidly. The high expectations for the concert were met with an incredibly energetic live show. While the album might be overly polished, Benjamin’s live performance was raw and engaging, showcasing a powerful voice that can sometimes get lost in studio autotune.
The audience thrived on Benjamin’s infectious energy as he burst onto the stage, creating a fantastic atmosphere. Benjamin Hav and the Family are undoubtedly one of Denmark’s top live bands, delivering an experience that feels both vibrant and authentic. It begs the question: why doesn’t this raw energy translate to their recordings?
Infernal
Infernal, a staple in Danish EDM for 28 years, proved their staying power once again. Twenty years after their first #1 Club Chart hit, they continue to dominate the charts. Despite the passage of time, Infernal remains refreshingly youthful in its approach.
Their set was a high-octane display of bass, smoke, and strobe lights. The Månen stage was packed to the brim, with every person jumping in sync with Paw’s commands. The stage was a spectacle of Gatling smoke cannons, modified hockey helmets with voice changers, t-shirt cannons, confetti, and classic vodka baths and champagne sprays.
Only one question remains: What was Infernal doing on such a small stage? Their performance certainly deserved a grander setting.
Photo’s (c) Morten Holmsgaard Kristensen
