Varimezovi Family
Tzvetanka and Ivan Varimezov are visiting from Bulgaria, and will be joined by their daughter Radka from Petaluma. (Sadly, Tanya can’t make it!)
Tzvetanka and Ivan’s musical journey began in 1980. Along the way, they transferred their love and passion for Bulgarian traditional folk music to their daughters Radka and Tanya. Ivan and Radka play the gaida, Tzvetanka plays the tambura and the keyboard, Tanya plays the tupan and they all sing together. The family continues traditions deeply embedded in their souls and enjoys sharing the songs, melodies and rhythms with folk music lovers at concerts and dance parties.
Staro Selo
Staro Selo brings together all-star O.G.s of the American Macedonian izvoren scene—David Bilides (kaval), Jerry Kisslinger (tapan), and EEFC founder Mark Levy (gajda), joined by honorary O.G. Kristina Vaskys (tambura). They have performed and taught Macedonian village music for many decades and enjoyed opportunities to learn directly from such masters as Bajsa Arifovska, Pece Atanasovski, Željo Destanovski, Angele and Goce Dimovski, Nestor Georgievski, Mile Kolarov, Ljupčo Milenkovski, Stefče Stojkovski, and Dragi Spasovski. Their energy, rapport, and stylistic attention bring Macedonian traditions to life for dancers and listeners alike. Joining Staro Selo at Balkanalia! will be special guest vocalists Dragi Spasovski and Carol Silverman.
Michael Ginsburg & Friends
In formation just for Balkanalia: Michael Ginsburg, Morgan Clark, Greg Jenkins, and Jerry Kisslinger! High-energy dance music from throughout the Balkans.