Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal!

Ages 21 and up
Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal!
Saturday, June 20
Doors: 7 pm // Show: 8 pm
$15 to $20

Kaimera is a thoughtfully crafted ensemble, led by Ryan Feldthouse on oud and violin and Jesse Torre on flamenco guitar. Their music is a fusion of Balkan, Flamenco, Greek, and Turkish influences, creating a layered and beautiful soundscape. With a balance of precision and spontaneity, Kaimera offers an immersive musical experience—perfect for special events, where their performance invites the audience to listen closely and connect.

 

Bela Ruino – “beautiful ruin” in Esperanto – is the captivating Romany-inflected goth rock-n-soul project led by dynamic violinist, singer, and songwriter Lila Sklar. With her background in classical violin and training in diverse musical traditions, Lila weaves together influences from the Middle East and the Balkans with traditional popular song structures to create a sound that’s both haunting and electrifying. The band’s performances blend sensuous, dark ballads with stirring torch songs. Lila has played and toured with Joanna Newsom, Bauhaus, Love and Rockets, The Toids, Rosin Coven, Kugelplex, and Divahn.

You’ll hear everything from a soul-stirring Nina Simone song in the 9-count meter of a Macedonian traditional, a Tom Waits tune reimagined with an Armenian folk melody, and Lila’s evocative eastern-flavored originals.

 
The Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal is a monthly event hosted by Peter Bonos. Featuring some of the best balkan musicians from near and far, this Bacchanal is sure to get you out of your seat, moving your feet and raising your glass!