Sunday, March 16, 2008, from 7:00 to 10:00 PM
Masonic Lodge, 11 South Main Street, West Hartford CT.
 

Balkan Dance Party with Music by Družina and the Harris Brothers Band

featuring guest artist, Ivan Milev
 
Celebrate the approach of spring Balkan style as Družina and the Harris Brothers Band with special guest artist Ivan Milev, bring the party to the Always on Sunday dance group on Sunday evening. Join in the circle or sit and enjoy the fascinating musical traditions from this region. Joy is necessary, experience is not.
 
Družina ("a group of friends") plays a high-energy mix of Balkan dance music (Bulgarian, Macedonian, Serbian, and Romany traditions), incorporating both new compositions and time-honored Balkan favorites in its repertoire. Members of the band study with the legendary Bulgarian accordionist Ivan Milev, who will be joining the band for this event. Družina: Melinda Fields, accordion; Gordana Strouch, vocals; Rumiana Kovacheva, tambura; Joe Blumenthal, Bass; Helen Marx, percussion.
Ivan Milev, the renowned Bulgarian Accordionist will be joining Družina at AOS! Ivan Milev's musical genius and legendary performance style have established the rules that govern Bulgarian Folk Music over the past 30 years! Ivan's compositions and virtuosity bring to the tradition an energy and improvisational flare that is incomparable.
The Harris Brothers Band, a Balkan power-trio of reeds, brass and percussion, captures the essence of driving popular folk music from southeastern Europe, primarily Serbia, Bulgaria and Macedonia. Their lean, mobile style recreates the authentic, intimate experience of dancing to roving Roma musicians. Laine and Drew Harris play in numerous bands throughout the region, including Zlatne Uste, All Star Family Brass Band, and the Subteraneans. Both have traveled and played music throughout the Balkans and performed at the Dragachevo Brass Festival in Gucha, Serbia. Drew Harris, saxophone and clarinet; Laine Harris, trumpet; Helen Marx, percussion, and Melinda Fields will be joining the band on accordion.
 

  Suggested donation: $12 (students $10).  For more details on Always on Sunday, visit http://www.alwaysonsunday.us/.