It all kicks off on Saturday 23 May with the Badabimbum Band: a fresh, entertaining, light-hearted and tongue-in-cheek show – epic and unexpected, original, not tied to any particular musical genre yet capable of playing music for all tastes. So expect jazz, Dixieland, funk, popular marches and even a surprising a cappella piece, as if they were the traditional May singers bringing good luck.

What makes them unique is also the choice of costumes and the carefully crafted choreography, which brings a freshness to the musical pieces and prepares the ear to listen.

On Sunday 24 May, two groups will take turns performing on the streets of Follonica: the Arcidosso Street Band will kick things off. Founded in Arcidosso in 1824 as the Philharmonic Society, it became the ‘Arcidosso Street Band’ in December 2006 under the guidance of Maestro Marco Pericci. Comprising almost entirely of young people with a fresh musical repertoire, incorporating new electronic instruments such as guitar, bass and keyboard, and sporting new uniforms, it immediately captivates audiences and enjoys great success. It performs both locally and across the country. It currently consists of around 35 members.

Next up is the Zastava Orkestar, a street band made up of musicians from the finest orchestras of the Upper Maremma. There are no musicians more Balkan than these die-hard Maremmani! Their performances are quite lively, blending music with theatre and juggling: they are a sort of musical festival-show, which the audience cannot help but be swept up in (and blown away by). This is the true spirit of Eastern music and traditional Romani music. A universal language that transcends all cultural and social barriers, capable of generating a true catharsis in the listener, who will inevitably end up surrendering to the rhythm and dancing in a sort of joyful street bacchanal.

Free admission, info 0566 52012 – 055240397 – www.eventimusicpool.it