ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:
Jarosław Świrszcz
Director of the Wolsztyn Cultural Center
Dominik Tomiak
Mayor of Wolsztyn
Magdalena Łuszczyńska– production manager of the festival, exclusive booking agent for independent artists from the USA in Poland, road manager for American artists in Europe.
Event and concert producer in Poland and Europe. Promoter of country music in the media. Exclusive manager of the Polish Legend of Country Music – Michał LONSTAR.
Recipient of the Special Award from the Country & Folk Foundation and the coutrymusic.pl forum, member of the Country Music Association and the international jury of the AUSTRIAN COUNTRY MUSIC FEDERATION AWARDS.
Holds the statutory position of Representative of the non-profit organization CULTURAL INITIATIVES SOCIETY "ALAMO", a co-organizer of the festival, operating in the field of musical culture, national heritage, and tourism.
Manager of grant projects, quality manager of management and certification systems, specialist in risk analysis in processes, Sustainable Development, and ESG.
Michael Lonstar
Artistic Director
Waldemar Ligma
Festival Producer
MICHAEL LONSTAR
MAGDA "SHE-WOLF "
WALDEK & BEATA
REMINISCENCES:
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Dominik Tomiak
Mayor of Wolsztyn
After my first two concerts, I remembered Wolsztyn for two things associated with America. The old steam locomotives, evoking scenes from western movies, and the convoy of motorcyclists escorting me, embodying the romantic idea of the open road.
There was also a third element - the human factor: a group of kind enthusiasts who were also open-minded, constructively thinking individuals. I met Waldek Ligma - the driving spirit and force behind this group. It's good that the producer of the music event is a musician. Waldek is a musician. He knows the specifics (and challenges) of festival production from his own experience.
And on top of that - and this is the most important - he knows "what's this country thing".
The title "PURE COUNTRY" was enthusiastically embraced by the Mayor and by fans, as it carries two meanings: the ecological purity of this land and the stylistic purity of the music.
In an era of poor awarness, commercialization and often a lack of understanding of the essence of country music, we want to showcase the true value and charm of this music, all set in the beautiful scenery of the Wolsztyn area.
Most often, chance plays a significant role in our lives. This time it was different. Here, dreams come true. Back in the days of the Polish People's Republic, when Western culture was seen as something bad and hostile, I heard the first notes of country music.
In those times, when everyone listened to the new wave of native rock, it took a lot of courage to declare a country soul. Then I heard the first recordings of LONSTAR and it stuck with me. Country music began to appear more widely in the media... although still too little.
Yet somewhere in my mind, there were dreams of a big country event in the city I have been connected to since birth. I honestly envied the organizers of the Picnic in Mrągowo for that one weekend with country music.
"But why should I be envious? - I thought - better to organize a similar event, but with a great artistic cast and right here in Wolsztyn. I met Lonstar, Magda "Wilczyca"..."
"... AND THAT'S HOW THE "PURE COUNTRY" FESTIVAL WAS BORN IN WOLSZTYN!"
© "PURE COUNTRY" Festival 2010-2026
The International Festival "Pure Country" in Wolsztyn is an event that came to life thanks to the dreams and dedication of country music enthusiasts in Poland, initiated by:Waldemar Ligma, an activist from Wolsztyn, music educator, and cultural animator, the main producer of the Festival, Michał Lonstar, an international star and a Polish Country Legend (artistic director of the Festival) and Magdalena Łuszczyńska, executive producer of the Festival, manager of American and Polish country music artists.
The main goal of the festival is, in an age of commercialization and often a lack of understanding of the essence of country music, to showcase and widely promote the true value and charm of stylistically pure music from Nashville. Hence the name "Pure Country," which also refers to the ecological purity of the land where Wolsztyn is located.
Wolsztyn has been awarded multiple times for its pro-ecological activities, and the city's main tourist attraction is the only operational historical locomotive depot in Europe, which, besides its daily operational activities, also serves as a backdrop for many international cultural events.
The "Pure Country" Festival is a completely non-commercial event, admission is free, and the festival's budget consists solely of funds from the cultural fund of the city of Wolsztyn and possible grants, crowdfounding and sponsorship support.
The festival is a celebration for people who love country music, country-folk, country-rock, and songwriting in all its forms, while also delivering excellent fun and dancing in an atmosphere of friendship and surrounded by music of the highest artistic level, performed by Polish and international country artists, especially from the homeland of this music - the USA.
The event is under the media patronage of all significant media in Greater Poland, industry-related outlets, as well as Radio Warsaw.
Since 2010, the festival has gathered an audience of several thousand people daily during each of the three days of the festival and has received only positive feedback both from the community of country & folk culture lovers and among the residents of Wolsztyn and its surroundings.
It is currently the largest country music festival in Poland and the only such attraction in the Greater Poland region, attracting large crowds of tourists from Poland and abroad, as well as lovers of valuable music and its experiencing in friendly crowd of passionates.
Every year, on the second weekend of August, we look forward to seeing you by Wolsztyn Lake!
Waldemar Ligma - festival producer. The originator of the festival, leading the production team since the first edition in 2010. Director of the cultural institution Wolsztyn Steam Depot, and previously of municipal cultural centers and an animator of the cultural life in the region. Awarded by the Głos Wielkopolski magazine "Personality of the Year" in the field of culture in 2020. Listed in the Encyclopedia of Distinguished Wielkopolans. Political scientist, cultural studies expert, experienced cultural manager, multi-instrumentalist, youth educator, festival and cultural events producer.
Beata Ligma - Master of Music, vocalist with years of stage experience, certified teacher with many years of experience in primary and secondary schools, director and instructor of keyboard instruments and vocals at the Art-Mega Education Center in Wolsztyn, logistics manager for the festival's backstage and supply.
Dear Guests!
The Country music concerts, which took place for the first time in our town in 2010, were undoubtedly a very successful venture and beautifully promoted Wolsztyn. It is the only event of its kind in the whole Greater Poland region, attracting a large number of artists – well-known throughout Poland, and consequently, fans of this music.
I believe that not only the annual steam locomotive parade will be associated with our city by all guests and tourists, but also this festival has become a permanent fixture in the annual calendar of Wolsztyn's cultural events.
It is worth visiting Wolsztyn during these days. I warmly invite you!
Michael LONSTAR, serves in a social function as the Artistic Director and is the artistic ambassador of the Festival worldwide.
An undisputed legend of country music in Poland and Europe, the only Polish artist who has recorded and performed in the capital of country music, Nashville, USA, including on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
Awarded the medal from the Minister of Culture "Meritorious for Culture GLORIA ARTIS" and the title "Meritorious for the Municipality of Wolsztyn", a multi-award winner of national music polls.
Musician, composer, and lyricist of many songs including those for Edyta Gepert, Jose Cura, Jose Carreras.
Author of the Polish country hit of all time "RADIO" and the festival anthem titled "WHAT'S THIS COUNTRY THING", a translator and expert in American English, Italian, and film-related topics, permanently collaborating with EnergaCamerimage filmmakers festival..
Professor of the subject "English Language in World Film Culture" at the Social Academy of Sciences in Warsaw.