Trnava’s 17th Annual Dobrofest Celebrates John Dopyera ‘s Contribution to Music.

July 3, 2008

Over a dozen different musical acts from as many different countries descended upon Trnava from June 26 – June 28 to take part in the 17th annual Dobrofest. The international music festival, partially sponsored by the Embassy, was first held in 1992 to celebrate the music of the Dobro, the resophonic or resonator guitar invented by native Slovak John Dopyera in the early twentieth century. This year’s program, which was organized by Mr. Peter Radványi, featured musicians from Slovakia, the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Great Britain. Among the Americans performing were Ken Emerson and Freddy Roulette of Steel Guitar Wizards Band, Bert Deivert, Paul Stowe of Matching Ties, and members of Laco Deczi’s Cellula New York band. Shows took place at various venues around Trnava, with the weekend’s main concerts held at Trnava’s outdoor Amphitheater, and showcased a wide variety of musical styles, including country, bluegrass, jazz, blues, folk, and rock, all incorporating the Dobro.