Alte Bekannte

On 19 December 2026, Alte Bekannte will perform at the Kulturetage in Oldenburg. The Cologne a cappella quintet, formed from former members of the Wise Guys, relies entirely on five voices, close harmonies and precise vocal percussion. Their songs move between pop, chanson and cabaret, with German lyrics that address everyday life, relationships and social issues in an unadorned way — sometimes pointed, sometimes more contemplative, always narratively to the point.

At the heart of it are the arrangements: melody and groove carry the pieces without a single instrument, and shifts between solo and ensemble create room for fine dynamics. Many texts are by Daniel “Dän” Dickopf, whose eye for detail and sense of timing give the band its distinctive tone. Live, Alte Bekannte mix brisk, light numbers with quiet ballads, build a full band sound from voices and play with humour without softening the material.

On stage this produces an evening that remains close to pop tradition while functioning entirely vocally. Alte Bekannte draw on their well-established repertoire and show how versatile a cappella can sound — focused, direct and without any safety net.