Linz vs. Vilnius: The Decision
Press Release
Thursday 2 April 2009
For Messrs. Juhann and Jod, the fact that there are simultaneously two capitals of culture—Linz and Vilnius—is an utterly intolerable state of affairs! In response, they developed a play-off format loosely based on TV casting shows that will determine over the course of five evenings which city is the real 2009 Capital of Culture and which one has to content itself with second fiddle. After Laurynas Katkus emerged victorious over hometown favorite Franzobel on the lead-off “Literature” evening, there was a palpable sense of uneasiness among Linz partisans at the next showdown, “History.” But Linz managed to even things up and then went on to take the lead with “Music.” But the fat lady hadn’t sung just yet! Linz spectators/jurors discovered that the Lithuanian “Language” is far more interesting than its German counterpart and voted for Vilnius. That knotted the best-of-five series at 2:2.
The final decision will be made on Thursday, April 2 before the backdrop of a grand panoramic view from on the 15th floor of the Wissensturm. The assembled audience members will decide which of the two cities has produced the superior cuisine. Vilnius will be represented by its typical home-baked garlic breadsticks. Stepping into the ring for Linz is none other than the local midday classic: a slab of lunchmeat on a kaiser roll. The Lithuanian ambassador will be on hand with five liters of schnapps in the hope of finding audience favor with this form of liquid persuasion. Upper Austria will counter with free beer fresh from the tap in an effort to get jurors to see the hometown light. Can ur-Spam out-spice garlic bread? Will Linzers vote for their beloved “foodstuff of the Volk” or opt for an exotic taste treat from the Baltic? Messrs. Juhann and Jod will present the results of this gastronomic plebiscite in their inimitably nerve-wracking style to onlookers who will no doubt be on the verge of apoplexy when the big moment finally arrives and the identity of Europe’s true Capital of Culture is made know once and for all!
This historic evening will then segue into a lively celebration including the presentation of a book entitled “Europe’s Capital of Culture” documenting this cultural showdown.
WHEN // Thursday, April 2, 2009, 8 PM
WHERE // Wissensturm (15th Floor), Kärntnerstr. 26, 4020 Linz
Free admission; buffet and drinks free of charge
