Summerlied

Summerlied: The Great Adventure of Alsatian Song

Born in 1997 from the passion of Jacques Schleef, a man of the field and convictions, Summerlied has established itself as the reference festival for regional music in Alsace. Its name, meaning "summer song" in Alsatian, summarizes the spirit of this unique event: celebrating the richness of the Alsatian language and culture through music, song, and poetry.

An Enchanting Setting in the Heart of the Forest

The festival takes place in the Ohlungen forest, about twenty minutes from Haguenau and about 40 km north of Strasbourg. This exceptional natural setting gives Summerlied an intimate and authentic atmosphere, far from large standardized festivals. Under the foliage, several stages host artists, while visitors wander between concert areas, local craft stalls, and food areas offering Alsatian specialties.

A Program Between Tradition and Modernity

Summerlied's strength lies in its ability to combine tradition and modernity. The common thread is the Alsatian dialect, presented in all its forms of expression: cabaret, lyrical songs, humorous tales, poetry. But the festival also opens widely to world music, Celtic music, folk, rock, and even rap, with the desire to imagine more contemporary forms of expression.

Over the editions, Summerlied has hosted major artists such as Francis Cabrel, Alan Stivell, Tri Yann, Dan Ar Bras, Stephan Eicher, I Muvrini, and Emir Kusturica & The No Smoking Orchestra, alongside dozens of regional artists who keep the Alsatian musical heritage alive.

A Biennial Festival Rooted in its Territory

Having become biennial from 2000 onwards, Summerlied has maintained its strong identity while renewing its programming. The festival has gone through periods of questioning, particularly after 2018, before returning with renewed energy. Its adventure has been documented in a reference work, Summerlied, l'Alsace en musiques, published by Jacques Schleef and Albert Weber by Le Verger editions, with a preface by Léopoldine HH.

A Space for Encounters and Sharing

More than just a music festival, Summerlied is a place for intergenerational encounters where several generations of artists and spectators meet, united by a love for Alsatian culture. Traditional dance workshops, craft discovery areas, and convivial moments around local gastronomy make it a complete cultural experience deeply rooted in the Alsatian terroir.