Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal is hosted by Ashby Arts Space
Doors open at 6 pm; Venue closes at 10 pm: Admission: $20.
Facemask and proof of vaccination required for entry. All Ages.
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 a master Turkish-Romani drummer, singer, and tambura player from Goce Delchev, Bulgaria, a crossroads town in the Pirin Mountain region that hosts a rich intersection of Bulgarian, Macedonian, Greek, and Turkish musical influences.
Jessaiah Zuré is a Bay Area native visiting from the Pacific Northwest is and happy to be reunited with Merakli, with whom she played davul within the ensemble. She and Rumen Sali Shopov have performed together on many stages and it is a joy for her to be invited to dance with this group. Since the first time she heard Roma music, she has travelled to study and live within the culture - enjoying the live music and dancing, celebratory weddings, and the many great customs, arts and food! She has her rich community and supporting folks to thank for all that she has learned and for the opportunities to teach and perform as well. Stay tuned for more information on a dance workshop with Jessaiah earlier in the day.