A Cultural Adventure Touching on Rock

On July 9, a unique event “A Cultural Adventure Touching on Rock” will take place at the cultural venue “Pegaza Pagalms” in Liepāja inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Latvian rock music and explore its influence on social change.

Starting on July 9, the exhibition “Border Breakers” will open. It will be available for viewing until July 23. The mini-exhibition, created by Madara Matisone and Viktorija Gaiķe, based on the contrasts of two worlds, will offer an opportunity to step into the environment where the independent sound of Latvian rock was born and to interpret the influences of Western culture. In Latvia, rock was not a commercial genre – it was a cry of the soul, a challenge to the system, and an inspiration for thousands of young people yearning for change. The exhibition “Border Breakers” will give visitors the opportunity to experience the rock environment in various ways – by examining objects, reading facts, stopping and listening to the sounds that were heard on both sides of the “Iron Curtain”.

At 7:00 PM, we invite you to a thought-provoking discussion with Latvian musicians Ieva Akuratere and Uldis Marhilevičs, moderated by Jānis Šipkēvics Sr. – co-founder and director of Radio SWH and Radio SWH TV, author of the books “LV TOP 100” and “Ar dziesmu par dzīvi” (“With Song Through Life”), and journalist of the legendary Latvian TV program “Labvakar” (“Good evening”).

During the conversation, the musicians will share what inspired them, how they discovered new musical trends in an era of censorship and limited access to information, and how they obtained the desired recordings and items that opened doors to Western culture. The discussion will provide deeper insight into the role of rock music in shaping Latvian national identity – and raise the question: did Latvian rock musicians have a place on the international stage?

At 10:00 PM, the stage at “Pegaza Pagalms” will be taken by the band “Cits kvartāls”, featuring Toms Bokums (vocals, guitar), Kristaps Šēnbergs (keyboard, vocals), Ēriks Hanzovskis (drums), and Kristaps Liepa (bass, vocals). Their energetic performance, blending iconic Latvian rock hits, will be not only a musical delight but also a symbolic bridge between generations, proving that rock music continues to unite and inspire.

Everyone is welcome to become part of the “A Cultural Adventure Touching on Rock”, where music, history, and personal experience merge into one unforgettable event.

All events are free of charge.

The activities of the project “A Cultural Adventure Touching on Rock” are implemented with the financial support of the Foundation “Liepāja 2027 Foundation” and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia.

Please note: the event may be photographed and filmed. Captured materials may be used for publicity purposes.