Friday, August 9, The Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal at the Starry Plough presents Briana Di Mara and Friends (11 pm), Lars and In Charge (10 pm), Balkanton 340 (9 pm). Show begins at 9 pm. Doors at 8 pm; Admission: $12. Ages 21+ after 10 pm.

Briana Di Mara and Friends: Violinist and composer Briana Di Mara will be weaving together traditional tunes and unique original Balkan inspired melodies from her recent album, “Haven”. Joining her are stellar musicians Gari Hegedus (Saz,mandocello), Calvin Lai (clarinet) and Sean Tergis (percussion). Come prepared to dance!

Lars and In Charge plays high energy fiddle tunes from Turkey, Greece and beyond. Lars Tergis leads the charge on violin with original compositions and driving, gritty interpretations of the classics. Chris Reid adds a touch of ‘West’ with percussive chordal accompaniment on acoustic guitar while Sean Tergis keeps the beat popping on drums.

Balkanton 340 brings you the unique traditional sounds of the folk instruments gaida, gadulka, kaval and tupan played by the Bay Area’s most exciting veterans of Bulgarian music. Band members include Hector Bezanis on Gaida and Dena Bjornlie on Gadulka.

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.