Diana Ross Shines at Smukfest 2024 Saturday

The sun is shining, and the weather is sweet as excitement fills the air at Smukfest. The atmosphere feels like a huge family picnic, with kids hollering around their parents, pleading for sweets and ice cream, while a more mature crowd streams in, eagerly anticipating the great Diana Ross. Admiration and nostalgia are evident as everyone gets ready to hear her music again. We’re all excited for another day full of enjoyable music and treasured memories, with something for everyone on the varied roster, guaranteeing a happy day filled with shared experiences.

Kiefer Sutherland

By chance, we saw on the Smukfest poster that Kiefer Sutherland was going to play with his… band. It was an instant must-see! The excitement grew over what kind of music he would bring to the stage.

A small gathering of people showed up in front of the stage to see Kiefer. As soon as the music started, the crowd grew steadily, drawn by the intriguing sound and the energy of the performance. They did not necessarily know that it was the star from “24” on stage.

Kiefer has a brilliant voice—very smooth and raw at the same time. Very pleasant. There’s a realness about him. No gimmicks, not too much stage show, just a man and his band. Every song he sang captivated the crowd with his special blend of strength and vulnerability in his voice.

Kiefer was a humble man, presenting himself and the band without assuming that people knew who he was. It was an intimate concert in the very best way. His humility and sincerity came through, giving the concert a unique and intimate atmosphere. It was a welcoming and cosy ambience that left everyone with a lasting image of a truly gifted artist.

Diana Ross

This incredible woman made a lasting impression on everyone at Smukfest with her presence. Last year, the renowned Diana Ross visited Denmark as well, captivating her audience with the same charm she showed in 1973. Diana Ross has made more trips to Denmark in the last year than she did in the fifty years prior, which has been a pleasant surprise.

Diana wore a gorgeous crimson dress that captivated the audience the moment she arrived on stage. She exuded elegance and charm. As she took the stage, her radiant smile brightened the grounds. She naturally opened her act with the well-known song “I’m Coming Out,” which was the perfect way to start the evening.

Her performance was met with loud applause and cheers that could be heard all the way to the Danish-German border. It was obvious how excited the audience was, and this electrifying atmosphere made the evening one to remember. The audience’s intense applause and vibrant energy demonstrated the deep influence Diana Ross has had on her followers over the years. Her attendance at Smukfest was evidence of her lasting impact and her capacity to unite people through her timeless music.

Zara Larsson

Zara Larsson captivated the audience with her strong voice during her thrilling performance at Bøgescenerne at Smukfest. The Swedish pop phenomenon had the audience in the palm of her hand from the minute she took the stage, launching the evening with her smash hit “Lush Life.”

With each song, Larsson’s vocal delivery was flawless, hitting high notes with ease and evoking depth of feeling. She had an equally captivating stage presence, interacting with the audience, dancing fiercely, and projecting confidence. The show’s production values were excellent as well, with stunning light displays and clear sound design adding to the overall experience.

One standout moment was her performance of “Symphony,” a collaboration with Clean Bandit. The live performance was moving and powerful, creating a lasting memory.

Overall, Zara Larsson’s performance at Smukfest was a testament to her talent and star power. She left the audience wanting more, proving why she is one of the most exciting pop stars of her generation.

D-A-D

D*land After Dark. Not just one of the best, but THE best Danish live band! These four seasoned musicians bring so much experience to the stage that performing is just second nature. Each live show is a unique experience. The setlist might remain familiar, but the energy they bring is consistently unmatched!

Jesper, Jacob, Stig, and Laust are so meticulously consistent that their performances defy predictability. Mastering their material, stage, and show allows them to infuse each concert with fresh, spontaneous flair. Every performance feels like a new adventure, with the band expertly playing around with their set, delivering a distinct live version each time.

Their stage presence is amazing—every fan in the crowd feels genuinely engaged. The band excels at energizing and connecting with their audience, creating an inclusive atmosphere that makes every concert memorable.

As D-A-D celebrates 40 years of electrifying performances and hits, their impressive discography of 12 albums showcases their dedication to the cowpunk and hard rock genres they pioneered. Through decades of evolution, they’ve remained true to their roots, and for that, we offer our heartfelt thanks. Here’s to many more years of unforgettable live music from D*land After Dark!

Prodigy

This day has been absolutely filled with incredible music of all genres, and we end it on a classic, dare we say. Prodigy is most famous for their ability to fuse together so many different genres that they manage to become their own.

It was an insane experience to see these guys live. Not only was it the experience of a lifetime to see our youth on stage still banging hard, but as they started with the song “Breathe” everyone was on their toes.

From the high-octane “Firestarter” to the gritty edge of “Smack My Bitch Up,” their performance was a masterclass in genre fusion. The crowd’s energy matched the band’s intensity, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Keith Flint danced with us via laser images projected onto the large screen. It was wonderful to watch his silhouette move in images.

The night was both a tribute to their enduring legacy and a showcase of their ability to innovate. The audience’s thunderous applause as the last notes faded was proof that this band had changed many lives through their music. It was an exhilarating end to a day of musical brilliance, leaving everyone energized.

Photos (c) Morten Holmsgaard Kristensen