Singer-songwriter Jaromir Nohavica moving on to North America after shows in Ireland, UK
Jaromir Nohavica is one of the country's best loved singer-songwriters. He is so popular that his concerts are always sold out, despite usually not being advertised at all. But not content with resting on his laurels here in the Czech Republic, the north Moravian singer has just embarked on a tour of cities in the English speaking world. So far Nohavica has appeared in Dublin and London, from where his tour manager Michal Zacek told us how it has been going so far.
"Mr Nohavica played in London and Dublin. In London the venue was the prestigious Shepherds Bush Empire, where people like for example Sinead O'Connor, Jethro Tull and Bob Dylan and others have played. And in Dublin he played in the Living Room, which is a bar where some Czech events take place."
And who has been going to the concerts?
"It's 99 percent Czech and Slovak people. It was the same in Dublin and London, and everywhere in the world, because you have to understand his lyrics."
Jaromir Nohavica's "On the Road" tour continues in Toronto on Thursday night, before a string of shows on the East Coast of the United States. The size of local Czech communities was a factor in deciding the tour's itinerary.
"For example Chicago is for very well known for its Czech, Slovak and Polish communities. We know that from our last tour of the United States two years ago."
Tour manager Michal Zacek says Nohavica really enjoys stretching himself a bit by playing in new places, and decides what songs to play on the spur of the moment, depending on the audience.
"He can feel the atmosphere in the venue and he prepares the set-list for concerts at the start of the concert. He plays the first song then he feels the atmosphere and on that basis he makes a set-list for the whole concert. Ever show is different, every show is interesting."
For dates and venues go to www.nohavica.cz and click on "koncerty".