On the most significant events in the calendar - the 233rd Anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence in 1776 - otherwise known as the date on which King George III stupidly lost the colonies - was celebrated a little early by a free US Army Europe Band lunchtime concert on July 2 in front of the Ivan Vazov National Theatre. The quintet, stationed in Germany, was due to play a medley of jazz and marching songs to mark the holiday.

Art-lovers still have time to catch Los Angeles-based artist Sigal Bussel’s solo exhibition entitled Conversation with Humanity at Sofia’s National Gallery for Foreign Art, running until July 17. Bussel’s work has been shown in many places, including China, Israel, Mexico and the United States. She also has many exhibits in private collections in all those countries as well as England and Switzerland. Bussel recently visited Sofia, attending a lunch with Bulgarian artists and hosting a children’s art seminar at the American Corner. US ambassador Nancy McEldowney and the Deputy Minister of Culture, Yavor Miloushev, also attended a reception to launch her exhibition.

Meanwhile, the embassy and the Elizabeth Kostova Foundation co-hosted three literary events at the American Corner at the Sofia City Library on June 9. American cultural attache Sherry Keneson-Hall opened a lecture entitled Writing Fiction Step by Step by American author Josip Novakovich. 

Another auspicious performance featured the Fullerton Guitar Orchestra’s participation in Sofia Music Week. The musicians gave a concert at Bulgarian Hall on June 21. The 17-member orchestra, composed of students from California State University, was conducted by David Grimes, director of guitar studies at California State University, one of America’s leading institutions for guitar instruction.

Younger fans were pleased to have a visit from American nu metal band Limp Bizkit who held their first concert in Bulgaria on June 29 2009. The group, from Jacksonville, Florida, has sold more than 33 million records worldwide. The band opened their set with My Generation, followed by hits like Show Me What You Got, Eat You Alive, Hot Dog, Break Stuff, Re-arranged and Nookie.

Heartthrob singer Michael Bolton also gave a concert at NDK on June 30, offering renditions of romantic classics like How Am I Supposed To Live Without You, When a Man Loves a Woman, Only A Woman Like You and Love Is A Wonderful Thing.