Swing and gratitude: An exciting evening for volunteers in Kreuzberg!

Swing and gratitude: An exciting evening for volunteers in Kreuzberg!

On October 18, 2025, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg experienced a special evening that highlighted the importance of volunteering. A concert took place under the motto “Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg says thank you” that took the listeners on a musical journey into the swing era. Johannes Hallervorden and his band brought classics from the time of the legendary Frank Sinatra to the stage, and the audience responded enthusiastically with thunderous applause. Many guests rocked their feet or hummed along to the tunes, which added to the nostalgic atmosphere. The organizer Viktoriya Ratsiborynska reported numerous positive feedback and thanks during the event, which was also intended to strengthen volunteer work.

The evening's break gave participants the opportunity to engage in conversation and share memories, many of which associated them with the sounds of the past. The evening ended with a standing ovation and several encores, which underlined the great success of the concert. One visitor expressed her gratitude for the songs from her youth that she felt brought back to life.

The swing era and its icons

The swing era, which emerged in the 20th century, is often associated with the popularity of jazz. The music style began in the 1930s and became increasingly important in large cities in the USA, especially in the north. Swing provided the soundtrack for social events, from receptions to cocktail parties, and represented a significant cultural development. Famous bandleaders such as Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington and Count Basie defined this period and contributed to the emergence of the big bands that became popular in the '30s and '40s.

Frank Sinatra, the most famous singer of this era, was famous not only for his voice but also for his style and charm. In the heyday of his career he played a special role: the epitome of the gentleman singer who never went out of fashion and knew how to inspire his listeners with a radiant smile. Rumors of mafia connections and personal scandals accompanied him, but his musical talent put these into the background. Sinatra's career was marked by ups and downs, and even into the '90s he remained a significant influence on the music scene.

A call for volunteerism

The event in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg highlighted the importance of volunteering and reminded that such commitments always require support. The district office's volunteer service is still looking for volunteers who are willing to get involved socially. The successful evening not only brought out the gratitude of those present, but also underlined the important role of togetherness in society.