Label-Festival zum 25. Geburtstag

Grand Hotel van Cleef (GHvC), the renowned independent label founded by Thees Uhlmann, Marcus Wiebusch, and Reimer Bustorff, is set to commemorate its 25th anniversary with a distinctive festival titled “Elbkulturerbe.” Scheduled for August 14, 2027, this open-air event will take place at the Hamburg Großmarkt, a site deeply embedded in the city’s cultural fabric.

The festival’s concept is designed to chronicle the label’s evolution from its inception to the present day, uniquely structured in alphabetical order of the acts performing. This approach not only honors the label's history but also showcases its dynamic roster, blending foundational artists with fresh signings.

Among the celebrated performers are longstanding contributors like Kettcar and Thees Uhlmann’s band, alongside newer talents such as Adam Angst, Kochkraft durch KMA, and Schluma. Notably, Schluma, the youngest addition to GHvC, will open the festival. This band embodies a cross-generational connection, having formed at Hamburg’s University of Applied Sciences (HAW). Schluma’s lineup interestingly includes guitarist Peter Tiedeken, a former bassist for The Robocop Kraus and a HAW lecturer, reflecting a 25-year age gap that metaphorically aligns with the label’s milestone.

The ticket sales for the festival echo the label’s independent roots. On October 28, 2026, at 5 PM, the label’s founders themselves will personally manage the distribution of the first batch of physical tickets at the Reederei FRS counters located at Hamburg’s Landungsbrücken 3/4. This date holds symbolic weight, coinciding with the original release day of Kettcar’s debut album "Du und wieviel von deinen Freunden" in 2002, which marked GHvC's initial foray into the music scene.

Tickets obtained during this special sale will be offered at the lowest price tier of 60 euros plus fees and include perks such as a champagne reception, exclusive goodies, and opportunities for live performances along the harbor’s edge. For those unable to attend the early sale, general ticket distribution will commence via the label’s webshop on November 2, 2026, starting at 10 AM.

Grand Hotel van Cleef’s festival not only celebrates its legacy but also illustrates the label’s continuing commitment to fostering a vibrant music community. By integrating both established and emerging artists, the event underscores GHvC's role in shaping and sustaining independent music culture in Germany.

While further details about the festival’s full lineup and additional programming remain limited at this stage, the event promises a reflective yet forward-looking celebration of a label that has maintained its DIY ethos for a quarter of a century.

visions.de reports that this anniversary gathering will serve as both a retrospective and a showcase, emphasizing the label’s impact on the indie music landscape and its ongoing evolution. The festival is anticipated to be a significant cultural moment for Hamburg’s music scene, reaffirming the enduring relevance of Grand Hotel van Cleef.

In summary, the “Elbkulturerbe” festival represents more than a birthday party; it is an immersive experience designed to trace the narrative of an influential label through its artists, history, and community engagement. The event's thoughtful curation and symbolic gestures reflect GHvC's unique position within Germany’s independent music sector.

As the date approaches, music enthusiasts and supporters of independent artistry will be watching closely to witness how Grand Hotel van Cleef honors its past while embracing new creative directions.