The Flying BGs
Back for a second round of Balkanalia are maestori of Bulgarian dance and folk repertoire: Petar “Usmifkata” (“the smile”) Aleksiev (gajda), Angel Dobrev (gudulka), and Valeri Georgiev (kaval). They will be joined by first-time-at-Balkanalia Stoyan Kostov (tambura) and Ivan Velev (tapan), as well as renowned Rhodopi vocalist Maria Bebelekova. Since they’re flying in from four different locations. we’re given them this unique name. Let’s see if they can turn some disco hits into pravos…!
Kef
We are excited to welcome Kef back to Balkanalia! Kef brings a broad variety of repertoire and energy to any dance party. Founded among university students as an outgrowth of the East European Folk Music Ensemble, soon after growing to include members from Eugene’s rich music scene, Kef solidified as an ensemble in late 2006 with voice, accordion, cello, drums, two trumpets and clarinet. In 2013 Kef began performing in an additional configuration as a brass band, focussing mainly on Macedonian and Bulgarian brass repertoire. Today both configurations continue to perform for dancers and listeners, with the repertoire of the original and brass configurations expanded to include some international folk dance music and an increasing amount of Serbian brass band, respectively. Kef hails from just down the road in Eugene, Oregon.
Taman
Taman is the duo of John Morovich and Talia McGill from Seattle. This year they’ll be joined at Balkanalia by Rian Holmes, Maria Noel, and Greg Jenkins.
Taman brings their love of music and heritage to every performance. They are known for creating a joyful and heartfelt experience. You are invited to sing along, dance along, and listen as they bring you into their circle of community.