The_Raven_Times_6_-_ENG

Here comes the sun!

by Mich

What a relief to rediscover this entrancing smell of spring after these dark winter times... Birds claiming their singing rights after a long silent cold season, pollen in the air getting a rightful revenge on human’s allergic organisms while enchanting leaves grow and hormones spread sensual inspiration all around.

The time of hibernation is over and OMNIA is leaving the comfy warm theatre halls for a new season of festivals where we are going to meet our beloved huge noisy audience with their sing along, swirling balfolk dances, fairy outfits and jump around attitude. We’ll certainly have the opportunity to experience some results of our lovely climate disorder (our 2008 festival season was quite... wet and even freezing, in September!), but it’s the price we all have to pay for our own mischief. Let’s hope that our music will help to soothe Earth’s wounds a bit and make her let the sun shine during our gigs.

Spring is not only the season when the OMNIA members are putting their noses and instruments outside.

It’s also the time when songs are popping up like rosebuds in Steve and Jenny’s mind. You’ll discover in this edition how it all works: an unexpected visit to a musician’s brain. We’ll also let you see some of our “backstage” activities during this autumn/winter tour, and as promised, we made a selection of the most interesting or original questions from the PaganClan members, and you’ll get all the freaky answers in this Raven Times. We of course dropped all the questions like “why are you never playing in Botswana?” or “I’m living in a village in the mountains of Turkmenistan, when are you planning to play here?”, (the answer ofcourse being: when somebody books us to play a show there!) but I must say that many members sent us very interesting and original stuff too.

Beltaine and its fires are coming, and we hope it will be the start of a wonderful festival season. We also hope to see many of you during these events in the Netherlands, Belgium or Germany. Not only because it’s nice to play for a huge crowd, but because gathering the free spirits, that you all represent, for a big celebration of Nature and Earth, in these times when everybody is only talking about economical crisis, recession or trading circus, is probably the best way to get back to what’s essential in our Lives.

Greenthings, Mich © Marcel Bakker

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Breaking news and gossips

by Steve Sic

OMNIA in literature!

One of our (Jenny and me) all-time favourite writers: Robert Holdstock, will be publishing his new book “AVILION” in the summer of 2009. It’s the latest novel in his absolutely brilliant “Mythago wood cycle”. Robert has been (and remains) a major inspiration for us in our own song-writing and you will find a lot of his amazing “ancient forest magic” in various OMNIA compositions and Art. So we are big fans of Robert Holdstock, but... as it so happens Robert is into our Music as much as we are into his books, and he has done us the greatest honour imaginable by writing us (OMNIA) and our music into the timeless cycle of the tales of MythagoWood. So if you happen to read “Avilion” this summer watch out for the references to a certain band of musicians living and playing within the mighty chaos of the moving fairy army “Legion”.

If you have never read any of his works, I would advise you to go out and get everything you can get hold of by him right now, (especially the Mythago-cycle and the Merlin-codex)...and don’t stop reading till you’re finished!

This is the New Shit!

Look out for new OMNIA songs and some re-introduced upgraded old songs in the coming theatre gigs, because we’ll be trying out a lot of our latest material in the relaxed atmosphere of our present theatre tour in Holland.

And while you’re there... sitting in a comfortable chair, listening to the new sounds from the groovy high-end speakers, you can check out the magical light show provided by our new light-artist Arvid the Mad. (and I can assure you, I’ve seen a lot of light people at work in my years as a performer, but this guy is a veritable genius in creating exactly the right atmosphere for our musical world) © Marcel Bakker

© Marcel Bakker

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There’s a new CD cooking!

We are now working on a 13th anniversary “WORLD of OMNIA” CD which will be the one and only “all you need to know” CD about us ...what we were....what we are ....and where we are going!

This CD will be very interesting for all our fans of course, because of all the new material and upgraded re-recordings of old OMNIA classics. But also for the people who have never heard of us before. Because it will be like an “easy introduction into OMNIA-mania”.

You know the kind of people I mean: “so this is OMNIA?...they look kinda weird,what kind of music do they make?...death metal?”

Now we are going to finally describe ourselves and our unique attitude and music to the world at large, so that we can build our own little philosophical mind-world to inhabit within the mind of the current Zeitgeist,without having to be compared to any commercial rubbish, medieval madness ,pityfull celtic cover-bands or other such embarrassing vagueness ;-) Oh yeah...as OMNIA is brimming with energy right now, we’re already planning to release this baby at the end of coming Summer!

www worldofomnia.com Our webadress has changed for artistic as well as logistical reasons.

I don’t know if you can imagine the amount of times I’ve had to explain that the “dash” in between OMNIA and NEOCELT is the one in the middle of the letters (-) and not the low one (_) and that CELT is spelled with a C and not a K etc. And I think “World of Omnia” sounds kinda cool... “ Hello... ve are Omnia...vellcome to our Vorld! “ ;-)

Brown is da new Green!

We have new hoodies, special Girlie hoodies, hooded cuty shirts, longsleeves, regular shirts etc. and for the new season I have chosen to change the design colour to deep forest brown, so it will go well with black as well as with colours. (the leafy-green clashed a little for all the Gothies and Emos who dig on colours like blood-red and intestinal-purple etc. ;-)

Picture by Luka

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© Marcel Bakker

The following message was displayed on the OMNIA newspage, it’s news, so now it’s here as well: “Dere be a whole load o’ new Omnia shirts for sale at da gigs and on da webshop! So I’m telling you like it is Dawg! if you wanna be lookin’ just as phat as ma’ Homy Luka and ma’ main lady Jenny-F Pawn your Glock, Sell your wheels and give ya old clothes to da Homeless and get yourself all these new OMNIA-threads so you be cool, outta sight and totally fly!....y’all!

Peace!

MC Sic inda house” (sic)

From theatre to theatre...

by Mich

This is where it all begins...

Pim Jacobs Theatre, the day before the start of the European Roots Tour.

Steve’s focused on the set list. The secret and essential aspect to get the right inspiration? The slippers, just the slippers...

This was one of the most disturbing things for the fans during this tour: Steve’s “Jack Sparrow” look! But of course, Steve is unpredictable and he’s still wearing his hat sometimes, or nothing at all. Can’t wait for the moment he’ll come on stage with a giant mushroom or a cheese cake on his head.

Let Jenny introduce you to our new fluffy friend: Edgar Alan... Pooh! We tried to let him write some lyrics to make it easier for Steve, but it was hopeless. Songs about honey are not really our thing. (Thanks Jaschenka and Mieke for this wonderful gift!)

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Soundchecks can sometimes be a bit tricky. Just show a Cornish flag on stage and you can’t get Steve back to his mike. But I can reassure you: he didn’t start to scream and sing some vague football anthems.

Probably because Steve is not really into non-combat sports without swords or other weapons involved ;-)

Our new and multi talented light magician Arvid (you should hear him play the piano or the drums, it just gives you the feeling you’d better stay at home and let him do the show alone) at the time he was still convinced he would work with a Metal band. His relief was big after a few notes...

This was just before our very first TV show. Luka being spoiled by the make-up girl. Yes I know, it’s unnecessary to point out that it was maybe easier to make Luka sit down instead of climbing on this chair, but this was much more funny.

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Joe thinks he’s alone, but has all his carnival friends staring at him through the window.

Joe has a lot of weird friends...

Dinner time! Steve seems quite happy with his emergency menu. No food available in or around the theatre: let’s call the take-away pizza!

For the people who expect some heyaheya rituals, hours of meditation or some New-Age ceremony before we go on stage.

Well... here’s the answer!

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Luka with one of our most extraordinary discovery: the only toilets in the world which are for Ladies, Gents and... Space Invaders!!!

Really impressive, I know.

This is what happens when you get a Cave Troll to fix a coat rack. We also considered to share the picture of Luka using the toilets made by the Dwarfs, but it’s better to keep some things hidden anyway.

And while the theatre audience is getting a little break in the show to go to the foyer, get a nice cup of coffee with a biscuit, has the time to admire our merch stand and buy some stuff... we’re just enjoying the cold and wet weather and some “fresh air” on this beautiful parking lot.

Life can be so rock ‘n roll.

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End of the show! And super roadie Pieter seems really pleased in front of the van completely packed.

Here we have the traditional signing session... (picture by Anoek)

... and the rock ‘n roll version of it. The usual CD/poster signing but also some body parts (should I mention the boobs?), pants, shoes, shirts, bags, and even a walking stick. And of course the smell of sweat and beer for the special flavour. And you know what? We really love it! ;-) (picture by Marcel Bakker, with his I-phone)

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OMNIA answers your questions Could you name the top 5 of worst gigs you ever played and why. :-) Question by: Thomas, Germany JOE: Hmm, first let me say that 99.9% of the time Omnia gigs are great because the audience is great. There have been some really awful gigs but this has been nothing to do with the audience, so the list that follows will be dreadful gig purely because of the organisation or the weather or both  27-5-2006 “Gaudium Equites Poingorum “, Poing, Germany.

A nine hour drive to a festival where we found the stage being constructed by enthusiastic amateurs who seemed to think that musicians would have no problem playing in the rain. During our soundcheck the storm clouds gathered, the winds rose, the rain fell and water began to pour through the improvised roof and onto the lights. Hastily we evacuated our instruments and after a quick consultation with the sound engineers cancelled the gig. By then the rain had increased to spectacular proportions and it had got dark. We were forced to carry all of our equipment in the dark up a muddy hill which turned into a river as we were doing so. Next day the journey back took 13 hours because of traffic jams. Great!

21-7-2007 ‘2.Seenacht-Traumreise’, Wangenheim, Thüringen, Germany.

Almost a repeat of Poing except we had lovely weather and great food at the beginning of the afternoon.

Friendly organisers, lots of nice fans and a lovely place but suddenly the weather turned nasty, finally turning into a flood of biblical proportions. The festival had to be cancelled but we at least produced some good memories by getting into the only dry space for miles – a corner of the stage – and inviting the 50 or so wet and freezing fans who had not gone home to join us on stage for an acoustic set. Fun in the end!

2-9-2007 Spijkenissefestival, Spijkenisse, Holland.

The day before we had played the Miroque festival, Osterburken, Germany. After a nine hour drive back our van broke down (almost lost a wheel, which would have probably killed us) just outside of Spijkenisse. We had to be rescued by the roadside rescue service and towed to the gig where we arrived to find scenes of horror – a free festival, late at night with lots of loud, drunken people who would have been more at home at a pop techno event. Yes there were Omnia fans there and we played for them but we were not really “in the mood”!

21-6-2008 “3 Wishes Faery Fest”, Cornwall, UK. A two day(!) drive to Cornwall for what seemed like a promising festival. Alas we found only endless torrential rain, no proper sleeping accommodation for most of us, no facilities and a pitifully small audience.

A tip for all organisers of festivals – musicians like to have a bed, a toilet, some food and somewhere dry to put their stuff. Not rocket science.

20-7-2008 Mystic Fair, Ahoy, Rotterdam, Holland.

It’s always a bad sign when you arrive at an event and you find no stage manager. In fact nobody to even let you in, and when you finally do they tell you that, no, you can’t bring your van near the stage to unload it.

Add to this the fact that the gig is inside an enormous aircraft hangar, there are 50 people there and the other bands are very loud industrial goths and it all adds up to a very forgettable experience. But we haven’t forgotten…

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STEVE SIC: I myself have worked in the Archeological field both extensively and professionally (ie: I was getting paid, which is more than most Archeologists can hope to attain) as a draughtsman for the “Rijks museum van Oudheden” te Leiden. And as I was working mostly in Italy for them on a really groovy (originally proto Etruscan) roughly 3000 year-old heavy-duty holy place, I got a very good impression of how sacred items are treated and stored by modern academics......hum....

And my thoughts and feelings on this matter are quite strong. I shudder when I see the enormous piles of “unwanted” religious artefacts and offerings stacked into plastic crates in dingy cellars and storerooms...and my heart bleeds at the disrespect to the memories of our ancestors and the Gods they worshipped.

You see I believe that if something has been given to somebody, it remains a gift for as long as that somebody is still able to enjoy it. So if something has been sacrificed (given) to the spirit of the earth through the then-popular deities it should be placed back where it was found after the necessary research has been completed. Now I realise that a lot of stuff is sooo pretty or freaky that it should be placed in a museum for the real enthusiasts and the legions of bored plebs to gaze at.

But with all our fancy modern monkey technology it is perfectly feasible to make replicas of absolutely anything we can dig up out of the ground. Which will probably look and feel even better than the fragile originals. Just think of all the fantastic reconstructed stuff in the re-enactment and experimental archeology fields.

So my feelings are that all the wonderfull torques, swords, statues, chariots shields and other whatnots and shiny stuff that were dragged out of the prehistoric, Celtic and (early-) Roman holy places all over Europe should be copied and placed back where they were found, as a sign of respect and faith in the land, the people and the connection they will always share. Because they belong to the Earth and the Gods of our ancestors who thought it worthwhile to bestow these gifts upon them. And what was given remains given....I mean, no wonder the ancient Gods hate modern man! Maybe if we can give them their stuff back they will look more kindly upon us!

What is your favourite instrument?

Question by: Yuka Sumaki, Germany JENNY: A very hard question to answer…I’m not sure if you mean in general or one of the instruments I can actually play, so I’ll give you both: In general: The Cello … it makes my heart sing and I wish I could play it!

One of mine: For sound, I love the harp, for easy maintenance (never have to tune it) the piano, and for easy playing, the bodhran! So there, you have 4 answers in one.

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Steve Sic aged 22 at his work desk in Italy

I was wondering what the view of Omnia is concerning (ancient) religious artefacts in anthropology museums. At the moment I am researching certain groups of religious objects who are on display in museums in the Netherlands. I think that some artefacts deserve spiritual care, next to the conservation care they are receiving. For example: In America more than one Native American museum has freezedried sage stored in the depot, next to the objects, to keep them spiritually healthy. Or an Native America medicine-man will come along every once in a while to preform healing rituals on the objects.

Question by: Felice de Baare, the Netherlands

What ever happened to the swirlies? I went to your concert in Purmerend (great by the way) and noticed naked faces all around...

Question by: Irmy, the Netherlands MICH: You’re not the first with this question. There was even a topic opened on our forum which started to look like a big collection of conspiracy theories. Like everything in OMNIA, the fact that we’re most of the time not wearing swirlies for our gigs, came on a very spontaneous way. We just felt like: “hey guys, let’s try to do without it.” We also noticed that the face paint is for many people (especially in theatres) a sort of psychological border to be able to enjoy the music. The fact that quite often there just wasn’t enough time for Luka and Steve to paint them all before a gig was also a source of stress, not the best thing before going on stage. So we tried it and are getting ourselves used to it, even if we feel sometimes a bit “naked”. But it doesn’t mean that the swirlies won’t reappear one day. Chaos is a part of OMNIA, which means that things come and go, without a specific plan or strategy behind it. So don’t be surprised if you see us on stage with our ritual tribal face paintings again.

Have you ever been chased by an angry priest throwing holy water in your direction and trying to bless you in the name of his god ?

Question by: Charles Maxime, Belgium STEVE SIC: Well actually...Yes! (well not the actual holy-water chucking) but apart from that I’ve been made out to be a Demon, Satan’s representative on earth, close family of Lucifer, warlock and evil Pagan priest by (to date) two Christian priests, five extreme Christian (ranging from mad old woman in the streets to hardcore Christians of the various types of Constantinian Christ worship and one Muslim.)

However I’ve also been accused of being an evil-shaman, possessed spirit, mind controlling enchanter and black-witch by veritable legions of Wiccans, Shamanistic weirdos and pseudo Celtic-Druidy types..... so I try to avoid dogmatic religions as much as possible ;-) MICH: yes, they actually call it a baptism. ;-) I was just a few months old and nobody asked my opinion about it. Few people know it but in most of the Christian Churches, the baptism is also a “little exorcism”, it says enough about the sickness of it.

LUKA: Not exactly a priest, but there was once this bad ass leader of some religious militant papal order who got in my way. But I finally bagged him with my Steyr AUG .45mm. Took me about three 30-round ammo clips though, even with a Ranged Weapons Skill of 8 on a scale of 10...

How did you discover or create the spiritual path you currently follow(did you read particular books, hung yourself on a tree for a few days, talked to a Two Zillion Year Old Hippy, etc.)?

Question by: James Jones, USA JENNY: Hmm…everything just came on my path (as always in my life, can’t help it). Every time I needed or wanted to know certain things there would always be somebody popping up to help me, so it’s a long list of friends, (ex)boyfriends, ‘shopping around’ at different pagan groups and a long list of books which I won’t bore you with. But my greatest philosophical and theological teacher is still my husband (for the morons: Steve Sic) :o) STEVE SIC: Belief comes from within, my first belief in the power of nature and the all encompassing field of Life and magic that we all live in came to me during a very heavy fever that I had as a child. I was 9 years old and very sick and as I was tripping out, being pretty delirious. I got some very profound and astounding pictures in my head about how Life and the Gods work...(I know it sounds kinda vague, and I’m not going to go into details but trust me it shook up my perception of the world.....)

Then Life happened (I ran away from home and country when I was 15 and travelled extensively) Then herbs happened (we’re talking natural spiritual drugs like Mescaline and cannabis here) Then research happened (books and books and books of all different religions) Then ritual happened (starting small and working up to what we now call “an OMNIA gig” and then a path formed and it’s still forming every day, because true religion is non-dogmatic and should remain fresh and alive!

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MICH: Instinct, cultural backgrounds, unexpected meetings, a primordial and very simple connection to the elements and forces around and in us, but certainly no sacred books or any “become a Pagan in 12 lessons” workshop or this kind of shit. Books and self proclaimed spiritual “leaders” are the worst way to develop yourself. Just looking at the Life around you should be enough to know who you are.

Do you sometimes play as a guest musician with other bands (solo, I don’t mean such as a Faun / Omnia project)?

Question by: Andra Nork, Germany JENNY: Well, as a harpist you just get asked all the time (because hardly anybody plays this instrument well). So yes, here’s the little list of stuff I have done: -with Glenn Morgan, hammered dulcimer player from Ca, USA, also on CD -with Finglass (Irish folk project of Jules Bitter, Zeeland, NL), also on CD -with Faun, yes! hard work for a harpist so mentionable, also on several CD’s -with Transit Poetry, live at CF 2007 and on their CD “Invocation of Gaia” I play harp, piano and hurdygurdy -with Irfan live at CF 2008 and on CF 2009 of course!

-with Valravn at CF 2008 and possibly 2009 STEVE SIC: Transit Poetry’s “Evocation of Gaia” c’est toutes (I’m a really crap musician and I’m an ugly bastard so I don’t get asked a lot ;-)

© Marcel Bakker

LUKA: Nope.

JOE: The only band I have guested with was Omnia, back in the days when I was a member of another band, Shantalla. I have made some solo recordings though.

MICH: Does singing (completely out of tune) old Slavic drinking songs during family gatherings count?

Are any of the band members gay?

Question by: David Bolgert, USA MICH: I’m sorry I’ll probably have to disappoint you, but Luka, Joe and myself are very boring married (or living together) heterosexuals.

However Steve Sic and Jenny are quite a different matter, because both of them are and will always remain bi-sexual as well as being married to each other!

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Which one of your songs do you like the most?

Question by: Bas van Zetten, the Netherlands JENNY: Live: Auta Luonto Album: 2 songs that nobody knows yet to be published on our album planned for this winter ;-) STEVE SIC: I love all our songs because they all feel like our children to Jenny and me. But one of the new songs we’re currently writing is definitely one of my favourites now! It’s called “the wolf song” ! (and of all our old work the Raven remains the most emotional and pure for me) LUKA: Just one? Hmm, I’d pick.. Dil Gaya. I like the ethnic eastern character of this song. And I like the pretty belly-dancing girls in front of the stage during concerts...

JOE: I would say Etrezomp ni-Kelted (but I consulted my ipod top 25 and discovered Wytches Brew is the most played…!)

MICH: Etrezomp ni-Kelted, no matter where we play it or for what kind of audience, it awakes something very strong. For more pragmatic reasons, I’ll choose the Raven, because it gives me a nice break during the gig ;-) Is it true that behind the scenes, you can be real bastards. Cruel and mean to the other people? Just like all those other great artists, who have lost their head and think that they can do everything. (You’re probably laughing right now...)

Question by: Rianne Huijs, the Netherlands STEVE SIC: Yes! I’m a total bastard behind the stage. But it’s not because the whole “friendly tree hugging nice-guy” is just an elaborate act I use to promote the sales-figures of our latest product. (which it is of course, or did you think otherwise?...duh?)

But obviously I am only unkind to complete idiots, like...hmmm?...well like most people actually.

I ‘m an absolute genius and obviously need all sorts of special treatment and preparations before I will even consider entering a concert venue, like : special hand-made organic blue M&M’s, an indoor jacuzzi and sauna in my private dressing room, a separate meditation room with a certified Tuvanian shaman on standby for spiritual back-up, a Huge four poster bed for Jenny and me to sexually abuse pretty groupie-girls in after the gig. A team of specially trained pagan masseurs and physicians. specially trained professional backstage prostitutes on stand-by (for those evenings when all the groupies are just too damn ugly...again).

If all of the above points are not accounted for I won’t play (as you can well imagine!)

And I really really hate talking to fans and other such plebs! I only do it because I get paid extra to pretend to like all those fucking geeks that turn up at our gigs. (actually ,I’m only writing this whole answer, instead of writing just “fuck off” to you now because I’m getting paid by the sentence for this interview) But I realise that it is inevitable that people will want to talk to and meet such a brilliant and gifted, almost deific Artist like myself. And who am I to blame these poor unfortunate mortals?...just for wanting to bask, if only for a moment, in my greater glory, and so to relieve the mindless tedium of their miserable unimportant little lives by gazing upon my radiant countenance.

It’s not true that I think I can do anything, I KNOW I can do anything, it’s just the way I am. What can I say?...I’m just fucking brilliant. (who’s laughing now?)

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Which are your favourite mythology creatures and why?

Question by: Thunder, Bulgaria JENNY: Satyrs, Nymphs and Dryads….because they are beautiful and free, forever roaming in summer forests with a healthy libido and a great sense of humour.

STEVE SIC: Satyrs! Because they’ve been my roll model for soooo long! The way these guys hang out in the woods dancing, drinking and humping Nymphs and Dryads....wow!...that’s just gotta be the coolest way to live ...

LUKA: The werewolf, I don’t know exactly why. I drew wolf anthro’s when I was about 14 (and no, I do not walk around in a furry suit) and I was fascinated by the idea of a creature shape-shifting between human and animal form. Unfortunately, werewolves, or even normal wolves, are often seen as bloodthirsty monsters. But in my opinion, the old idea on the wolf being an abomination that should be destroyed is an ignorant point of view, yet still wolves are shot daily because of the human greed for more territory expansion. I think mankind’s so-called ‘culture’ is far more of a threat to the world than a whole pack of werewolves could ever be.

JOE: The leprechauns because they’re Irish and, erm, so am I. MICH: the Rusalka (Rusalky in plural), a beautiful, graceful and sometimes really cruel water Nymph from the Slavic (specifically Ukrainian and Russian) tradition. I had always a real attraction to these creatures, especially from the puberty, and I’m sure I don’t have to explain the reasons.

Luka, do you have a paid job beside music, and do you still paint?

Question by: Andrea Nork, Germany LUKA: No, I do not have a regular day-job besides Omnia. And yes, I still paint, but not the regular paintings on a canvas. I either paint small pewter miniatures that I can easily get out when I have a couple of minutes to burn, and put away again when duty calls. Or I paint big banners to use on stage with the band.

If you would have one chance to tell all the mankind one message, which could be heard an understood by everyone, what would it be?

Question by: Peter Weidmann, Germany STEVE SIC: Stop....please?, plant a tree?....erm.... kill yourself?.....uh, I’m sorry I really don’t know what to write. I mean we are talking humans here aren’t we? What makes you think anyone of those ignorant monkeys will listen anyway, most of them couldn’t even find their backsides using both hands, so what makes you think they will comprehend whatever I can ask them? ...

Ah yes! now I know, I would ask them to “THINK!”

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What do you enjoy about your life most?

Question by: Rhiannon, England JENNY: Sleeping. I just love it.

STEVE SIC: Nature and the free spirit of Life ie: Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll.

Well...and books!, I love a good book, but “Sex, Drugs and a good book!” might sound a bit weird.

LUKA: I like to play. Be it in a game, in music, or.. ehm.. in ‘private activity’... ;-) JOE: Being able to play in a great band, meet great people, go to nice places, have great friends, family and loved ones. I feel very lucky actually.

MICH: Freedom. At least a sense of freedom, which is something particularly relative. And I’m not speaking of a vague Hollywood concept from this New-Zealander wearing a kilt and speaking with a horribly fake Scottish accent. ;-) Omnia is getting bigger and I guess making more and more money. Could you reconcile that with your lifestyle and the beliefs you propagate?

Question by: Paul Meijer, the Netherlands STEVE SIC: Dude, I would love to be in a moral dilemma about the tonnes of money I have stacked in my bank account because I’m getting too much money for just living my life and being me. But alas fame is not always an instant access to ready cash. And even if it does make piles of denarii in the non-existant future, money is a monkey thing, it has nothing to do with me or my gods and morals. I have no problem with commercialism collecting people’s money, I just don’t like big businesses doing this while destroying my land, and torturing my friends the animals but I’ll tell you this : If society ever gets reckless enough to pour a pile of money into our hands we will use that power to help free the earth one way or another (and we’re not talking humans here) Have you ever been stolen by faeries?

Question by: Irina Groenendijk, the Netherlands JENNY: All the time! And not just myself….They just love stealing paper-clips, scissors, staplers, cello tape holders and sunglasses…

STEVE SIC: Yep, it was a while ago and the details are all a bit fuzzy now, but I remember some weird wine in flower-cups,dancing, some really great and inventive love-making and then waking up naked in a mushroom circle in the forest feeling ten years older....yep..’love dem faeries :-) LUKA: You mean abducted? As far as I know I have never been abducted by fairies myself, but I was given one to take care of..

JOE: Yes. At least I think they were fairies. They were wearing uniforms though. And come to think of it they spoke English…

MICH: You remember the Rusalka I was talking about? Well... it’s a very old story, I’m an honourable married man, now.

You still have some interesting or original questions about OMNIA and the band members? Some of them seem so freaky that you never dared to ask them? Don’t be shy and just send a message to mich@omnia-neocelt.com with: − your question. − the band member(s) you want to answer it. − your name and country you’re coming from.

We’ll select the best ones and give an answer in the upcoming edition of the Raven Times.

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15 albums that influenced my musical life

by Luka

If I would only count the influences that have a direct relation to the instrument that I play -the didgeridoo- this list would have been a great deal shorter with only three entries. So therefore I have decided to add twelve albums to that, making it three times five.

If you were wondering what musical background could possibly have lead to me blowing this pipe on stage nowadays, maybe you can find an explanation when you look at these 30+ years of history that formed the way I experience music. Not that I have found one there, but I do know I enjoyed it a lot, and I hope you will as well.

Creedence Clearwater Revival – Cosmo’s Factory I was about 4 when my older brothers got this album and I constantly heard it being played. After they played it so often that the grooves of the record were totally worn out (yes, we’re talking pre-CD age here!) they bought another one to continue the brainwash. At the kindergarten, I sung their songs while swinging, but apparently so loud (and I assume in 4 year-old Jabberwockish English with a weird Doppler-effect) that I was often taken off the swing by the teachers.

Today, the recognisable guitar intro to “Up around the bend” is still one of my favourites.

Mike Oldfield – Tubular Bells Not only my brothers contributed to my early musical education. My sister got this album as soon as it was released in 1973. It opens with the theme of the classic horror movie ‘The Exorcist’, and the buildup of this part is both mesmerising as interesting. Of course I had no clue at that time what the intermingling rhythms were precisely all about, but I know I liked the effect. I remember the introduction of additional instruments to the composition announced by a slightly posh sounding voice was both entertaining as educational when I listened to it while making felt-pen drawings at the dinner table after school.

T.C. Matic – T.C. Matic After the initial assault of Punk/New Wave music from my oldest brother and my sister had settled a little, I was confronted with the popular Dutch teenage skareggae hype of that time; Doe Maar. Of course that was way too mainstream for me, so I looked around to see if there was something more to my liking. I often watched a Belgian music program presented by Kurt van Eeghem, and it seemed that the whole alternative Belgian music scene was gathered there; Red Zebra, De Kreuners, Arbeid Adelt, and of course T.C. Matic. “Bye bye ‘till the next time” is a representative song from this debut album that indicated their early potential.

Killing Joke – Revelations While the first punk bands of the mid ‘70’s were a shock to the average wellbehaved citizen, the full force of cropped up anger and depression came in the early ‘80’s. While Gang of Four came with lacerating accusations in their music, Killing Joke produced an intensely destructive roar; an overwhelmingly distorted growling jazz guitar, a slow and heavily pounding bass, and the enigmatic lyrics of Jaz Coleman. All these elements are present in “The Hum”, the first song of this album. The apocalyptic sense of doom that emanates from it indicates the peak of their punk-era work.

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Big Country – The Crossing I had been listening to the Scottish band The Skids years before, which is how I got to this band that evolved from it. Their sound was a happy alternative for the doomy dark wave and punk I had gotten myself into. With their glorious tunes on guitars sounding like bagpipes, they were new, unique, and the breath of fresh air I longed for. They also made the soundtrack for an independent Scottish movie -Restless Natives- which was a blast for me, it being an alternative comedy movie with the music of my, at that time, favourite band.

U2 – The Joshua Tree I heard U2 for the first time on TV during Live Aid in Wembley Stadium in 1985. Their first album after that was The Joshua Tree, and for a band entering the mainstream charts, it still had an alternative sound that I liked. Via this album I also got into their older work, and I listened a lot to their music. Later I got somewhat fed-up with their whole Commercial Christian Crusade image, but I feel they still deserve a mention. There are several hits on this album, like “With or without you”, but I find the before last track of this album, the ominous and dark sounding “Exit”, much more powerful.

Pixies – Surfer Rosa When I started studying at the art academy, I also got into the student’s life, and this music came with it. And also, there were finally some more people around me that liked the same kind of music! It was powerful, joyful, sometimes surrealistic, and the silly quotes between some songs became punch lines for every occasion with the gang I hung out with. There were rumours that Frank Black (guitar, lead vocals) didn’t like the success of the song “Gigantic” because of Kim Deal’s (bass, vocals) leading vocal part in it, but I think it is still the best track of this album.

And Also The Trees – Virus Meadow Atmospheric, artistic and expressive; And Also The Trees created an ambience of nostalgia, deep emotions and classic style poetry. Under the blanket of culture the stirring of a dormant wild entity can be felt. It’s hard to describe their music. It could be filed under ‘Gothic’ (they did play at the WGT in Leipzig, but unfortunately I had no time to see their concert as I had to perform there myself). On the other hand, Gothic is a vague term in itself with many interpretations, and it wouldn’t do justice to AATT’s unique style anyway. “Slow pulse boy” is a strong opening track, and the lyrics are recited as passionate poetry. The album concludes with “Virus Meadow”, which exudes such a bleak and sad atmosphere, that it made me put this album on repeat again and again.

Outback – Baka Didgeridoos! This album is a great combination of just didgeridoo and acoustic guitar, played expertly by Graham Wiggins and Martin Cradick respectively. I have so many good memories of the sunny feel of their music, it still makes me happy whenever I hear it. When I was in hospital for an MRI scan (for a person my size this is somewhat of a claustrophobic experience) I requested this CD to be played, and let me tell you; the humming of the MRI scanner occasionally even fitted in the compositions! The opening track “Air Play” immediately sets a positive mood which continues through the tracks to the end of this CD. Dead Can Dance – The Serpent’s Egg “The host of Seraphim”, the opening track of this album, immediately introduces one to the amazingly beautiful voice of Lisa Gerrard. The atmospheric sound was often the background music for the countless fantasy role-playing sessions I attended. Then, one day, they performed in the Netherlands. I remember how excited I was when I went to the concert in Amsterdam. And when I heard the music, I knew it was true. What a voice! Their unique style still can’t be defined by another term than the band’s name; Dead Can Dance.

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Prodigy – The Fat of the Land You might not expect it, but for a while I was into techno-ambient-acid house music.

What?! Um, yes. I lived in Breda (NL) for a year, and especially the Belgian house variant, ‘New Beat’, would be played at parties there. Some years after that came (the) Prodigy. They mixed techno house beats with the violent punk-rock guitar riffs (although often being just computer samples) of yore, which proved a great combination. “Smack my bitch up” and “Firestarter” are without doubt the most impressive tracks on this album.

Nine Inch Nails – Pretty Hate Machine Trent Reznor made industrial rock big with his ongoing project Nine Inch Nails, or NIN (often with the last N mirrored) for short. The impact of the non-conforming and harsh style that assaults the deepest feelings with pinpoint accuracy is hard to deny.

But his music is not merely a wall of shapeless noise; clever rhythms and unusual combinations in melody betray a craft that may not be appreciated by everyone, but is of an exceptional level. Although the tearing screech of the electric guitar is often a recognisable hallmark of NIN songs, I think the emotional vocals and introvert piano in “Something I can never have” is just as captivating, as one’s heart is not only touched by it, but also pierced by razor sharp claws and slowly ripped out of its chest.

Rammstein – Live aus Berlin Industrial music in German? Aber das rockt doch nicht! But Rammstein, undoubtedly the best known band of the ‘Neue Deutsche Härte’, proved the opposite is true. The grinding riffs of two more than slightly distorted guitars and Lindemann’s vocals that reach from bombastic opera depths to harsh militaristic shouting made an enormous impact when I saw this DVD. They also had an on-stage fireshow I had never seen before. The band’s name is explained in the song “Rammstein”, which is about an airplane crash in 1988 at an airshow at Ramstein (with one ‘m’) airfield in which about 70 spectators were killed. Remarkable little fact; one year earlier, in 1987, I was at that same spot watching an airshow with a friend. I remember we were so impressed with the spectacle that we wanted to go again next year. Luckily for me, some wishes never came true..

Gjallarhorn – Sjofn I saw Gjallarhorn for the first time during a concert at the Saint Chartier festival in central France. While the market was a candy store for musicians with literally hundreds of luthiers in their stands filled with beautiful instruments, it was this one concert of this Finnish band that gave me an epiphany. How? Well, there was this guy, Tommy Mansikka-Aho, who was playing a slideridoo.. Aha! So, that’s where I got the idea for the slide-didge! Indeed I did. And the instrument would fit perfectly into the music we were about to make. Because, you see, there is this band I play in..

Omnia – ‘3’ Of course there was the ‘hysterically correct’ Sine Missione album before this little semi-promo EP, and of course we made much better CDs after this one, but with ‘3’ we made the very first step towards a new style of music which evolved into the rich sound we are currently producing. And I also like the story behind this CD. Steve, Jenny and me scraped together just enough money to make a small batch of 500 of these EPs in a cheap cardboard sleeve. We were playing at a festival for a weekend, and the EPs were delivered just in time to sell them there. Before the end of the last day of the festival they were all sold out. We thought: “Well, apparently quite some people like our music. Let’s continue doing this!” And so we did...

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Roots, bloody roots

by Mich

« And behind the drums, from Serbo-Croatia (or Balkania), Mich! » It’s probably what you heard from Steve while he’s introducing me on stage.

The result of Sic’s geographic creativity resulted in a complete collection of weird information circulating in the press and Internet. That’s how I discovered that I’m supposed to come from the Czech Republic for example (???). Or a journalist wrote one day that I’m from the Serbian part of Croatia (of course! And why not from the French part of Germany?). I must say that Steve’s creation of a land called Serbo-Croatia (the territory where people are speaking one of the variations of the Serbo-Croatian language, which means Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia) was just an open door for misunderstandings. Time to clarify the situation before we get a real diplomatic incident ;-) This is the short version: my father is half Croatian half Ukrainian from Bosnia, my mother is Ukrainian from the northern part of Serbia (Vojvodina). I know, it’s a mess. And believe me, it’s the simple version of it. But how is such a mix actually possible? What the fuck are Ukrainians doing in this part of the Balkan region? Simple: at the end of the 19th century, all those lands (or parts of it) were one country: the Austrian-Hungarian Empire! To populate their region bordering the Ottoman Empire (and protect it from invasions), the Austrian Emperor launched a policy giving western Ukrainians the opportunity to settle there and get some land. That’s how an all Ukrainian community was created in this region, and still exists and keeps its traditions and culture alive.

From left to right: Mich’s mum Sofija Mich’s mum, uncles and greatgrandmother in Serbia Mich’s granddad and traindriver Misko and the big picture: Mich’s dad Slavko (in the middle) singing and making music with his friends.

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I’ll skip a part of all the story, but my family finally arrived in Belgium (where my parents met), and that’s where I’m born, living in this rather multicultural family where you could hear three or four different languages at the same time in the same room.

I’m still speaking Ukrainian with my grand-mother and Croatian/Bosnian/ Serbian with my mother. The situation is so complicated that I don’t even know how to call this language I speak.

My mother is definitely using the Serbian version of it, while I have more Croatian expressions from my father when I speak. The main point is that we perfectly understand each other, and that’s the only thing that matters. I leave the rest to politicians...

And then comes the usual question: “Mich, in the end, what are you? What’s your national identity?” You don’t know how many times I had to answer this.

And the problem is I don’t really have an answer. I’m born in Belgium, and I’m definitely attached to this country, its culture and its people. I simply feel at home here, and most of my friends are Belgians. But that’s not all. Because inside of me there are always these Slavic roots awaking from time to time.

As a child, I grew up at my grandparents place (as my parents were factory workers working in shifts), where all these old Ukrainian mine workers were gathering around (a lot of) bottles of alcohol to sing about their loss of the motherland and the proud time of the Cossacks. At the same time, my father was singing everyday beautiful Croatian songs and Dalmatian ballads, while every family celebration was a good opportunity for dancing the Serbian kolo and jump around on Balkanic Gypsy music. So my identity is made of this: an ethnical patchwork, where there’s more place for songs and music than for nationalist speeches. And I must say that I’m really grateful for this.

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Top: Granddad Wasyl coming back from work.

Left: Granddad Wasyl, Right: Granddad Misko

Behind the world of OMNIA

By Steve Sic

I’m used to writing a small article about the inspiration behind a certain song, or the concepts used to create some of the music or art we make. But in this Raven Times I’d like to describe to you a little bit how OMNIA itself works. Because there is a wind of change blowing through the leafy spring trees behind the stage and the CD’s that you know so well. Something has happened.... Jenny and me are now able to devote much more time to the songwriting that we love so much due to an astonishing occurrence which you, as long standing fans, might find hard to believe.

Let me explain: A few months ago Jenny and me were living a rather chaotic life, having a double full-time job just keeping OMNIA alive and legal, doing all the book keeping and the paperwork and making sure everybody was getting paid, booking the gigs, making sure they were arranged properly, keeping the crew and band members working and out of trouble, planning the trips, hotels etc, making sure that all the equipment was working and packed for gigs, keeping the OMNIA van on the road, designing, printing, packing and distributing the CD’s, shirts and other merchandise, talking to distributors, making sure there was advertising, talking to theatre bookers etc. etc. AS WELL AS planning the concert-sets, the music, recording try-outs, practising new songs and how they should be played with the band, doing the stage dressing etc. etc. etc...

I mean, I didn’t even have time to practice my harp any more for feck’s sake! (that’s the reason why I still don’t use it on stage...the shame!... the shame!)

But recently we (Stenny) have decided to let a very distinguished pair of professional managers join our happy little team so that we can share the work with them.

Yes... I can see that this might seem scary to a lot of you, but don’t worry, we thought long and hard about this decision before we said “yes”. We have had quite a few offers for management deals, but we’ve never liked any of them and we have always believed that we could run this show in our own little anarchist way forever. But because the numbers of our fans (that’s you) and the frequency and “level” of our gigs have increased massively, we knew that we would not be able to keep our band, our label and our sanity intact if we had to do this all alone. We realised we really needed some help.

And then, one fine winter day, two really cool dudes came along out of the blue and made us an offer we just couldn’t refuse. And I’m not talking about giant heaps of money here, I’m talking about artistic freedom and the meeting of like-minds that are willing to step into our way of thinking to cooperate with us, which is much more important than money.

To make a long story slightly shorter Yigal and Theo (that’s what they’re called) are now running our “office” very professionally (It’s evolving like a Gym full of Pokemon on steroids).

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Now we actually have time to concentrate on the more important and really unique work of OMNIA, which is to write new material in a relaxed way! Instead of having to wait for those rare moments of peace when a song will simply force itself upon our crowded minds in a frantic bid for freedom. So you guys can look forward to a lot more of the freaky OMNIA-stuff that you seem to enjoy ;-).

And I must say, the first results are amazing! Because of our newly acquired “peace of mind”, songs are popping up out of thin air and Jenny and me are writing all this new material like there’s no tomorrow.

I‘m scribbling lyrics and ideas like Eminem on acid, Jenny is ramming away at the keys of her piano like a speed typist and the songs and ideas are simply piling up! It’s actually so much that it will not fit on just one album (and the writing never stops...).

So, we’ve decided to spread out the latest goodies over a period of time, which means we will probably release two new albums within a year (yeah)!!

I can tell you a little bit about the first release we are planning: Now we had already planned to rework a bunch of our older songs as a celebration of our 13th anniversary and to celebrate the fact that we had finally gotten out from under a stupid contract deal we had (which forbade us to release any of the oldest songs of OMNIA).

Theo and Yigal (the manager dudes) have suggested that it would be cool to have an OMNIA album with which we can introduce ourselves, our fans (that’s you again) and our weird “World of OMNIA” to a larger audience. So...we are now working on an all-encompassing “World of OMNIA”-CD in which we will completely re-record new versions of ancient OMNIA pieces. Plus some re-mastered versions of the very best songs from our old albums. Plus we will add some of our new un-released works, and we’ll even slap on a few “extras” as well! So this baby will be like a summing up of all that we’ve been and what we are today on one all-new disc!

We are now past the planning stage. The tracks have all been chosen and the practice and studio dates have been marked down on the calender. We’re heavily into the “getting it done” phase and I’ll try and let you know through our website-news page how the production-process is coming along.

You’ll hear more details and the release date in our next Raven Times issue!

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Photographer Marcel Bakker Steve asked me if I wanted to write an article for the Raven Times, about myself, my link with OMNIA and why I love to take pictures of OMNIA. And while you’re at it, send also your 10 favourite OMNIA pictures. :-) My first reaction was WOW ‘me’ in the Raven Times, how cool! My second reaction, OOPS what shall I write, I’m a bit boring and not a great writer. But well, here’s my story.

I’m 47 year’s old (probably already 48 when you’ll read this), live in Amersfoort, I’m happily married to Monique and we have an amazing daughter Chloé.

We had been going for years to Medieval festivals but in May 2003 we discovered something special. While I was taking pictures of knights in battle, Monique and Chloé were listening to the music. They told me to come listen to this band. I thought they were very cool and very enthusiastic on stage. I took a few pictures and we bought some CDs and since that day we’re addicted to OMNIA. :-) Every day you can hear OMNIA music in our house, CD player, computer or on the harp.

After this first introduction in May 2003, we started to follow OMNIA and we went to a lot of gigs and I started to take pictures. Steve, Jenny and Luka liked the pictures and we became friends.

I can’t really explain what OMNIA does do me but I’m pretty sure you’ll understand what I mean. It is a way of living, loving nature, animals, people (in its pure form) and having a clear message about this.

It helps me to keep my two feet on the ground and going back to the basics, to what it’s all about. And I absolutely love the music of course.

Why do you like to take pictures of OMNIA?, Steve asked me.

Well I’ve been taking pictures since I was 13 and I’ve noticed a special feeling I must have. I have to feel involved with the subject, the subject of my pictures has to amaze and astonish me. I really come out of my shell when I like and admire the people I take pictures off.

I often can’t remember how I’ve seen a certain composition, at what moment I took the picture or in what the situation. OMNIA does this to me.

They amaze me every time and bring me (without any other aid ;-) in the clouds.

It is of course an impossible task to choose 10 favourite pictures out of thousands. So I picked 10 pictures that mark a very special moment or a very good souvenir from all the meetings with OMNIA since May 2003.

Marcel

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Bad Langensalza 1. Lovely weekend.

First picture that actually got published and called art by Stenny or three pagans playing un-amplified music in the street.

Bad Langensalza 2. Just a very nice picture.

Tivoli.

First shot where the light played a very important role.

Great performance (on a smoky stage).

St. Aegtenchapel.

The official announcement that Joe’s part of the band.

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Steve Sic guesting during a gig of Faun at Trolls & Légendes in Belgium. Blue light works very well. A bit of smoke and you get beautiful lines.

Steve’s first performance on the harp. He apologizes in advance for the way he’s going to play. Jenny can’t stop laughing. A very special moment.

La Samaritaine. An unforgettable moment in a damp cellar in Brussels. Very special and intimate (75 people) gig.

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This picture was made during the first Pim Jacobs Theater gig in November 2005. One of the OMNIA fans has this picture hanging in his house.

This is an extraordinary and beautiful picture.

I use this one as screen saver on my computer.

I bumped into these guys in the streets of Utrecht. They told me to quickly take some pictures and then to “bugger off� :-)

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The OMNIA Shirt World Tour

Every time we think we can’t be amazed any more by our travelling fans, and every time we get the most unexpected views of the world with one of our OMNIA shirt. What about a little trip to the North... far to the North. Our dear friends Eric, Arne (who took the picture), Nathalie and Bianca from the Dimages Team (you know, they were part of the crew filming the DVD Pagan Folk Lore) take us to a trip across the Arctic Circle. As Eric says, this is a testimony of what happens if you cross the Arctic Circle too many times.

It can really affect you on psychological level. ;-) Thanks guys for the pic!

We thought it would be nice to go further this time. Johanna, René and the kids (long time fans, we basically saw the children grow up gig after gig) went to visit the south of England.

And there’s their little gift: the OMNIA shirt in Stonehenge! Thank you very much for sharing this moment!

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OMNIA Fan Art I won’t comment too much, the talent of our fans speaks for itself. Thanks to all of you for your wonderful work.

Ludovic, from France

Fabiola Vargas from Costa Rica (check out her work if you have the time, she’s really an amazing artist)

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Marijke, from the Netherlands

Thessa, from the Netherlands

We still need you!

We still need your contributions for our « Behind the Fans » part. Want to contribute to the OMNIA Shirt World Tour picture gallery or to share your Art inspired by OMNIA? Just send your files to mich @omnianeocelt.com

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Agenda 25-4-2009 OMNIA “European Roots” Theater Tour, Goudse Schouwburg, Gouda, NL, concert starts: 20:30 30-4-2009 “Beltaine Mystery Night”, Schloss Burg, Solingen (D).

2-5-2009 OMNIA "European Roots" Theater Tour, Theater Geert Teis, Stadskanaal, NL, concert starts: 20:00 8-5-2009 OMNIA "European Roots" Theater Tour, CC Cascade, Hendrik Ido Ambacht, concert starts: 20:15 14-5-2009 OMNIA "European Roots" Theater Tour, CC de Pas, Heesch, NL, concert starts: 20:15 15-5-2009 OMNIA "European Roots" Theater Tour, Theater de Poorterij, Zaltbommel, NL, concert: 20:15 22-5-2009 OMNIA "European Roots" Theater Tour, Theater de Lampegiet, Veenendaal, NL, concert: 20:00 19-7-2009 Amphi Festival, Cologne, Germany.

31-7-2009 Castlefest, Kasteel de Keukenhof, Lisse (NL).

1-8-2009 Castlefest, Kasteel de Keukenhof, Lisse (NL).

2-8-2009 Castlefest, Kasteel de Keukenhof, Lisse (NL).

22-8-2009 Schlosshof Festival, Schloss Höchstadt (Schlossberg) 91315 Höchstadt (D).

6-9-2009 "Celtic Night", Wervik (Geluwe), België (more info will follow) 12-9-2009 Festival Mediaval, Selb, Germany 19-9-2009 The first concert in the "World of Omnia" Theater Tour, Pim Jacobs Theater, Maarssen, NL. 9-10-2009 "World of Omnia" Theater Tour, Theater de Meenthe, Steenwijk, NL, start concert: 20:00 19-11-2009 "World of Omnia" Theater Tour, Chassé Theater, Breda, NL, start concert: 20:30 20-11-2009 "World of Omnia" Theater Tour, CC Evertshuis, Bodegraven, NL, start concert: 20:30 21-11-2009 "World of Omnia" theater Tour, Stadsschouwburg, Middelburg, NL, start concert: 20:00 22-11-2009 "World of Omnia" Theater Tour, Stadsschouwburg, Sittard-Geleen, NL, start concert: 20:00 28-11-2009 "World of Omnia" Theater Tour, Theater 't Voorhuys, Emmeloord, NL, start concert: 20:15 2010 7-1-2010 “World of Omnia” Theater Tour, De Lievekamp, Oss, NL, start concert: 20:00 8-1-2010 “World of Omnia’ Theater Tour, Tripodia, Katwijk, NL, start concert: 20:15 20-2-2010 “World of Omnia” Theater Tour, Theater de Winsinghof, Roden, NL, start concert: 20:15 5-3-2010 “World of Omnia” Theater Tour, Schaffelaartheater, Barneveld, NL, start concert: 20:30 27-3-2010 “World of Omnia” Theater Tour, Nut Gaasterlan-Sleat, Balk, NL, start concert: 20:30 9-4-2010 “World of Omnia” Theater Tour, Stadsschouwburg, Nijmegen, NL, start concert: 20:00 10-4-2010 “World of Omnia” Theater Tour, CC van Beresteyn, Veendam, NL, start concert: 20:15 23-4-2010 “World of Omnia” Theater Tour, Theater de Bussel, Oosterhout, NL, start concert: 20:15 14-5-2010 “World of Omnia” Theater Tour, Stadsschouwburg de Maagd, Bergen op Zoom, NL, start concert: 20:00

The Raven Times - PaganClan Team Michel “Mich” Rozek: coordinator, editor, french translation (mich@omnia-neocelt.com) Liesbet “Lies” Mignolet: coordinator, pictures, dutch translation, lay-out (mich@omnia-neocelt.com) Sabine Barbara “Bienchen” Schrader: german translation (bienchen@omnia-neocelt.de) With the priceless collaboration, help and support of Jenny, Steve Sic, Luka, Joe, Miez, Marcel Bakker and Cécile.

© OMNIA - PaganClan www.omnia-neocelt.com

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