Despite strong southerly wind and rain, passengers on Jadrolinija's ferry 'Marko Polo' enjoyed a musical tribute to the late singer, with Ante Gelo supported on stage by his wife Jelena Perčin and their daughter Lota.
Jadrolinija's ferry 'Marko Polo' set sail from Split to Vela Luka with a musical program dedicated to Oliver Dragojević, the legendary Dalmatian singer. Although the voyage was accompanied by a strong southerly wind and forecast rain forced organizers to move the program from the outer deck to the ship's salon, it did not spoil the atmosphere among the passengers who filled the space to the last seat.
The concert opened with the song 'Pismo moja, leti mi do nje', followed by a performance of 'Kad mi dođeš ti', two of Oliver's most famous songs that immediately brought the audience back to memories of his oeuvre. Ante Gelo and his band were in charge of the musical performance, while vocals were shared by singer Iva Ajduković and singer Marko Tolja. According to reports from the ship, the combination of three voices on the stage of the ferry sailing towards Korčula created a traditionally cheerful atmosphere despite the unfavorable weather conditions.
The organizers initially planned to hold the musical program on the ferry's outer deck, which is common practice for such themed voyages that combine travel with cultural content. Due to the forecast rain and adverse weather conditions, the decision to move to the ship's salon was made in a timely manner, ensuring the program proceeded without interruption. Despite the strong southerly wind, the ferry completed its voyage without major difficulties, and passengers were able to follow Gelo's band performances throughout the entire journey to Vela Luka.
On the ferry, along with other passengers, was actress Jelena Perčin with her seventeen-year-old daughter Lota, who came to support her husband Ante Gelo during his performance. Lota is Jelena's daughter from her first marriage to restaurateur Kristijan Babić. The actress and her daughter happily posed for photographers on the deck before the program was moved indoors to the salon due to weather conditions.
Jelena Perčin and Ante Gelo got married this month in an intimate ceremony limited to the closest circle of family and friends. This is Perčin's third marriage, as before Gelo she was married to fellow actor Momčilo Otašević, with whom she has two children. Her husband's performance on the themed voyage dedicated to Oliver Dragojević was an opportunity for public family support, but the focus of the evening remained on the musical tribute to the late singer.
Such themed voyages in honor of Oliver Dragojević have become a recognizable way to preserve the memory of one of the greatest Dalmatian musicians, whose oeuvre still brings together generations of fans across Croatia. The route from Split to Vela Luka, which passes by Korčula, symbolically connects the mainland and the islands from which Oliver drew inspiration for many of his songs. The combination of live music, sailing, and an emotional repertoire makes these events especially cherished among passengers who regularly fill the ship's salons regardless of weather conditions.
