(map) 
Besides the delicious ragú (Bolognese sauce) and mortadella, Bologna is known for its lively atmosphere full of music, students and markets. Nowhere in the city showcases these qualities better than the main public meeting place, Piazza Maggiore.
On any given day you can find musicians, circus-folk, singing market vendors and a painter or two. One group of international musicians, The Tolga Trio, plays gypsy jazz in the mold of Django Reinhardt. They settled in Bologna and perform impromptu concerts in the piazza frequently. (Video of them below!)
Another common face is a young man who bounces and juggles white balls on a flat keyboard placed on the ground in order to play musical notes. Talk about original!
So, after you’ve enjoyed the culinary delights, come and relax at Piazza Maggiore for some free entertainment and watch the world go by, Bolognese style.
For more information on The Tolga Trio and their music go to www.tolgamusic.com
– Contributed by Ian Zurzolo, (see bio, writer, editor, American University of Rome Senior, Italian Notebook Editorial Intern.
…that was delightful, all of the clips, grazie!
Absolutely great!
I was just there two weeks ago, and the clips brought back great memories, grazie mille!
Wonderful! I especially appreciate the movie clip.
WHAT A jOYFUL SURPRISE!lISTENING TO THE TRIO ,IT WAS GREAT!i WISH THEM AND YOU CONTINUED SUCCESS!aLLELUjA!!!!
That was a fantastic little gem to brighten up anyone’s day.Thank you!!
Our hotel was just a few steps from this piazza.
I enjoyed the clip and especially the little “dancer” on the far right who certainly seemed to enjoy the music.
YES! Been there and thoroughly enjoyed the city and all it offered for us. Thanks for sharing your viewpoint!
That was great. I enjoyed the dancing by the little one on the right side of the video.
Thanks again for a little bit of Italy today.
Ciao,
Claudia
I’m glad everyone enjoyed the note. Bologna really is a city full of music.
Rome is another great city for street musicians. Some of the best spots to find impromptu music are Piazza Navona, Piazza santa maria in Trastevere and Piazza Trilussa.