Today is International Day, so senior Chris Jennings shares a summer experience in Europe. Want to get a taste of folk metal? Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q02ZmyVJQh4.

What did you do this summer?

I traveled to France and Germany to follow a tour of my favorite folk metal group, Teutonentanz. I’m an avid fan, and I thought it would be fun to see them play in Europe.

What do your friends think about your interest in this unusual genre of music?

They make fun of me, but I hold my head high. Folk metal bands are actually really popular in Germany and they rock. It’s a really unique mix of sounds of ukes, banjos, and your typical screamo music. The craziness of the metal and the deep rhythmic sounds of the folk music blend really nicely.

What kinds of people did you meet at these two concerts?

Everyone I met at the concerts was really crazy and cool. This one lady had pink hair and kept screaming at me in German. Germans like to drink a lot so there were a lot of people intoxicated and dancing with each other.

Did you dance at the concerts?!

No, I’m not a very good dancer, but it was fun to watch everyone else. People came from all over the world, so it was also really cool to see everyone meet each other. They mostly spoke in English because it’s such an international language.

So, more folk metal tour-stalking next summer?

No, I think I got my fill last summer. My dad came with me and he said that although it was fun, we’re never doing it again. It’s sorta a once in a lifetime kind of crazy experience. I made a lot of friends and heard a lot of great, live music.