The Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal at The Starry Plough Pub presents Balkan Ensemble Meraklii and Helios Greek Band. The Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal presents a new rotation of bands the Starry Plough Pub on the second Friday of every month. Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal is a concert series featuring the other-worldy talent of musicians from the Bay Area and beyond performing Eastern European folk music. A hub in the Bay Area Balkan music scene, the bacchanal provides a platform for a community of performers, folk dancers, regular attendants and new friends to revel together every month since 2011.

Doors at 8:00pm; Show at 9:00pm. $10 presale tickets are available online. $12-15 sliding scale at the door. Kitchen closes at 10:00 pm (ages 21+ thereafter)

Bay Area-based Balkan Ensemble Merkalii & Rumen Sali Shopov pick you up and spin you around with their energetic Balkan and Romani dance tunes! Rumen Sali Shopov is an internationally acclaimed musician, arranger and band leader who has inspired many local musicians and groups. Balkan Ensemble Meraklii grew out of his Balkan and Romani Ensemble music/singing workshop at the Berkeley Jazz School.

The Helios Band is one of the most versatile Greek bands in Northern California, playing traditional Rembetika, Laika, Nissiotika, Demotika and Modern Greek music. Helios has performed at Greek Festivals throughout the western U.S. and has also performed at celebrity weddings in the Bay Area. The outstanding musicianship and vocals of the Helios Band members make each performance a truly special and memorable event.