Tales from Fragment’s reunion tour – Day 7

Fragment, one of the most popular central European bluegrass bands ever, is celebrating their 30th anniversary by doing a reunion tour. Bass player and vocalist Jana Mougin is chronicling their tour for us at Bluegrass Today.

Fragment DAY 7:  November 29, Kosice, Slovakia

Fragment performs in Kosice, Slovakia - photo by Peter LazarakOur seventh day on the road was very special to us from many reasons. The invitation to play in Kosice initiated the whole idea of putting together our 30th anniversary tour. Through the years, we’ve played in this city on regular basis and we were looking forward to see our old buddies – musicians and fans.

To me, this part of my home country is even more special, because my mother was born in this part of Slovakia, and many members of my family live here. But the main reason, why this night was so exceptional was, that the concert held in the beautiful Old Town Hall, was a tribute to our friend Peter Dula. Peter was a great country singer, songwriter and guitar player, who lost his battle with cancer four years ago, at the age of 28. He was the lead singer/guitar player in Slovakian band Peter and The Rowers (Veslari). Fragment was honored to be a part of this event, along with three other formations Country Pohoda, Dusan Dobias & Erich Bobos Prochazka and Slovak Tango.

The tradition of the “Tribute to Peter Dula” started four years ago and as a part of the concert, Honorary Awards of Peter Dula are presented to a few personalities actively working on the country/bluegrass scene as publicists, festival or event promoters. Fragment, Henrich Novak, Richard Cifersky and myself were very honored to be inducted in Peter Dula’s Hall of Fame. On behalf of Fragment, our dobro player Henrich Novak also accepted Peter’s  “traveling” guitar, that he will keep until the next year and pass it on to the next awarded artist.

To me, the highlight of the night, besides great music and wonderful audience, was meeting Peter’s parents for the first time. Along with Ladislav Sasak (family friend and a long time member of The Rowers) they keep the memory of Peter and his musical achievement alive. I’m thankful for that as it was a night I will cherish forever.