The Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal at the Starry Plough presents

Nov 21: Lars and In Charge + Ionela Guzic w/Orchestra Euphonos

Ionela Guzic w/Orchestra Euphonos (8–10 PM)
Lars and In Charge (10 PM–midnight)

November’s Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal kicks off with Orchestra Euphonos featuring Romanian singing sensation Ionela Guzic, whose powerful voice and dynamic repertoire bridge traditional Romanian music, contemporary pop, and infectious Balkan dance rhythms. Expect a spirited mix of Romanian favorites, original songs, and irresistible grooves that will keep the dance floor moving.

Then Lars and In Charge takes over with gritty fiddle, Turkish and Greek grooves, and a high-energy late-night set that carries the party straight through to midnight!

Saturday, November 21, 2026
Doors open at 7 pm; show starts at 8 pm
The Starry Plough Pub
3101 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA
Tickets: $15–$20 · Ages 21+

Buy Tickets →

Lars and In Charge

Lars and In Charge turns the music of Turkey, Greece and beyond into a full-throttle dance party. Led by violinist Lars Tergis, the band digs into traditional Romani party tunes and original compositions shaped by the scales and rhythms of the region. Lars and his band always take each show to the next level with ever improving musicianship, new material and a penchant for instantly transforming any show into a Tergis party!

Chris Reid’s steel-string guitar brings a percussive bite, Joe Rosato Jr.’s upright bass anchors the low end, and Faisal Zedan layers the textures of derbekki, riqq and davul. Together, they build a sound that moves from intimate melodic exchanges to a driving ensemble charge.

Ionela Guzic with Orchestra Euphonos

Romanian singing sensation Ionela Guzic returns to the Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal for a special performance with Orchestra Euphonos! An award-winning vocalist and recording artist whose music spans traditional Romanian folk, contemporary pop, and electronic dance music, Ionela brings her powerful voice, charismatic stage presence, and infectious energy to an evening of Romanian and Balkan music.

Hailing from Târgu Jiu in Romania’s Gorj region, Ionela studied music in Craiova and has received numerous awards at national and international folk music competitions. She has performed alongside some of Romania and Moldova’s most celebrated musicians, including legendary accordionist Ionică Minune and Lăutarii din Chișinău. Her more recent work ventures into contemporary pop and electronic dance music, with collaborations alongside producers ReMan and taBBa that bring Romanian and Balkan melodies into fresh, modern settings.

Now making her fourth visit to California, Ionela reunites with trumpeter Peter Bonos and Orchestra Euphonos, continuing a musical collaboration that dates back to 2019. For this special Bacchanal performance, she’ll present a dynamic mix of traditional Romanian favorites, original pop songs, and contemporary dance tracks, accompanied by live musicians.

Led by Peter Bonos, Orchestra Euphonos brings together the exuberance of Balkan dance music and the expressive, bittersweet melodies of klezmer. Drawing on the rich musical traditions of Romania, Moldova, and neighboring regions, the Bay Area ensemble combines brass, woodwinds, strings, and percussion with playful improvisation and spirited arrangements that keep the dance floor moving.

Featuring: Ionela Guzic (vocals), Peter Bonos (trumpet, oud), Greg Jenkins (saxophone, clarinet), Zina Pozen (accordion), Aaron Kierbel (drums), and Kim Goldov (violin, mandolin).

Hot Blood Orkestar (10 pm)
Mila Sestra (9:00 pm)
Dance Lesson with Janetta Redžić (8 pm)

Saturday, October 17
Doors open at 7 pm

The Starry Plough Pub, 3101 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA
Tickets: $20 general/$15 students
All ages before 10 pm. 21+ after 10 pm.
Food, beer and wine available from the bar until 10 pm.

Ryan Feldthouse: Oud, Violin, Bouzouki, Tano Brock: Clarinet, Benezra Tergis: Keys, Brett Warren: Bass, Shawn Myer: Drums

Tickets: $20 general/$15 students; All ages before 10 pm. 21+ after 10 pm. Food, beer and wine available from the bar until 10 pm.

They each play the traditional 2-course tambura, and specialize in the traditional diaphonic song form, with a moving melody and a fixed or semi-fixed drone, all of which feature dissonance and ornamentation and traditional dances. The simplicity of 2 tamburas and 2 voices allows the depth and complexity of the music to shine: the singular melodies and the insistent odd-metered rhythms. This is a true folk form, brought lovingly to life by two Bay Area natives.

Drawing on Bosnian, Macedonian, Serbian, Bulgarian, and other Balkan traditions, Janetta brings people together through movement, cultural celebration, and community. Her teaching emphasizes inclusion, connection, and the joy of traditional dance

Join FB Event

Buy Tickets

Lucas Antonio and Jesse Stremski (10 pm)
Mendo Music Camp Revue (8:30 pm)
Dance Lesson with Janetta Redžić (8 pm)

Saturday, September 19
Doors open at 7 pm; Show starts at 8 pm

The Starry Plough Pub, 3101 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA
Tickets: $20 general/$15 students
All ages before 10 pm. 21+ after 10 pm.  
Food, beer and wine available from the bar until 10 pm.

Catch the debut performance of a new group led by Lucas Antonio Roemer Cominos (violin) and Jesse Stremski-Andrews (sax and clarinet), also featuring Faisal Zedan (derbeki) and Leo Peringer (bass). Together, they explore the microtonal traditions of the Balkans and Turkey with a fresh, contemporary approach. Violinist and arranger Lucas Antonio Roemer Cominos performs Greek, Turkish, and Balkan music, with a particular focus on makam and a modern, jazz-influenced approach to traditional styles. Jesse Stremski-Andrews is a clarinetist and saxophonist specializing in Bulgarian, Turkish, and Roma musical traditions. After spending eight years living in Bulgaria, where he studied and performed alongside master folk musicians, Jesse has developed a deep knowledge of Bulgarian folklore and a distinctive voice as a performer.

This month’s Bacchanal will also include a special showcase of a new project featuring music taught at workshops held at Mendocino Woodlands this summer: EEFC’s Balkan Camp, Lark Camp, and Mendocino Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp. Led by Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal producer Peter Bonos (trumpet and oud), and a rotating ensemble of musicians from the Bay Area’s Balkan, Middle Eastern, and international folk music communities. Featured performers include vocalist Ellie Ganelin (flute), Peter Bonos (oud and trumpet), Evin Sellin (violin), Larry Klein (oud and saz), Willow Crocker (violin), Dmitry Shemtov (guitar) and more TBA. Please contact Peter if you’d like to get involved in this project.

We will start out the evening with a dance lesson by Janetta Redžić, who will continue to lead dances with her colleagues and students throughout the evening.

The Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal at the Starry Plough Presents

Orkestar Seyir (10 pm)
Duygu and Friends (8pm)

Saturday, August 15
Doors open at 7 pm; Show starts at 8 pm

The Starry Plough Pub, 3101 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA
Tickets: $20 general/$15 students
All ages before 10 pm. 21+ after 10 pm.  
Food, beer and wine available from the bar until 10 pm.

Join Facebook event

Follow Orkestar Seyir on Facebook and Instagram.

Duygu and Friends (8 pm) plays Turkish folk and Rumeli music with Duygu Gün (voice and guitar), Peter Bonos (oud and trumpet), Aaron Goldstein (darbuka) and Evin Sellin (violin).  

The Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal at the Starry Plough presents

Rumen Sali Shopov Birthday Celebration
Édessa (11:30 pm)
Balkan Ensemble Meraklii (10 pm)
Taksim Big Band (8:45 pm)
Balkanton 340 (8 pm)
Saturday, July 18

Doors open at 7 pm; Show starts at 8 pm
The Starry Plough Pub, 3101 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA
Tickets: $20 general/$15 students
All ages before 10 pm. 21+ after 10 pm. Food, beer and wine available from the bar until 10 pm.

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 singer, multi-instrumentalist, and director of Balkan Ensemble Merkalii. Raised in the vibrant Turkish/Muslim/Romani neighborhood of Gotse Delchev, Bulgaria, he was immersed in Bulgarian, Macedonian, Greek, Turkish, Serbian, and Romani music, and also served as concertmaster of the Bulgarian folk ensemble Nevrokop. Since emigrating to the US in 2001, he has performed and taught in numerous Bay Area venues as well as international music camps and has received support from ACTA and the Berkeley Civic Arts Commission.

We will feature sequence of short sets dedicated to Rumen, including the following groups and performers:

Édessa is a Bay Area-based acoustic ensemble renowned for playing traditional and highly ornamented folk music from the Balkans and beyond. Édessa explores a deep repertoire of border music—a fusion of styles born from intersecting cultures, shifting borders, and traveling musicians across Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia. Édessa was active as one of the Bay Area’s most popular Balkan folk dance bands for nearly two decades. In recent years, the band has retired from performing–however they will come together for a short, special one-off reunion performance at this bacchanal to close out the night!

Taksim Big Band is a traditional Turkish music orchestra led by Ümit Yılmaz and İlker Çapoğlu.

Balkanton 340: Ivan Velev plays tapan and kaval, like his spirit: joyous and playful. He’s also a charismatic Balkan folk dance leader. Originally from Bulgaria, he brings a deep love and connection to Eastern European music and dance traditions and always makes it FUN! He will perform an opening set, joined by Hector Bezanis on Bulgarian gaida.

The Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal at the Starry Plough presents
Kaimera (10 pm)
Bela Ruino (8 pm)
Saturday, June 20

Doors open at 7 pm; Show starts at 8 pm
The Starry Plough Pub, 3101 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA
Tickets: $20 general/$15 students
All ages before 10 pm. 21+ after 10 pm. Food, beer and wine available from the bar until 10 pm.

Kaimera

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.

Read More

Kaimera (from Greek mythology, spelt Chimera) is a legendary creature composed of different animals—most often described as having the body of a lion, the head of a goat rising from its back, and a serpent for a tail. The Chimera symbolizes a single being made from distinct and contrasting parts.

We chose the name Kaimera because our music brings together traditions that come from different cultures but share a common spirit. The ensemble features influences from Balkan, Flamenco, Greek, and Turkish music. Like the mythical Kaimera, the project is built from different elements that come together to form something unified, expressive, and unique.

kaimeramusic.com

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.

Read More

Alongside Lila’s soaring violin and vocals, the ensemble includes top-flight musicians including Max Baloian (Kugelplex, Polkacide) on guitar, Safa Shokrai (The Lost Shapes, Misagh Moradi) on acoustic bass, Aaron Kierbel (Rupa and the April Fishes, The Jazz Mafia, Meklit Hadero) on drums and Jill Rogers (Orchestra Nostalgico, Ex-Juncos, Crying Time) on guitar and backing vocals, each adding their own magic to this dynamic and eclectic sound.

instagram.com/bela_ruino
youtube.com/@BelaRuino

AVRA – Greek Folkdance Music
Saturday, May 16, 8:30 pm
The Starry Plough Pub
3101 Shattuck St. Berkeley, CA

Fans of Greek music are in for a treat at this month’s bacchanal with Ari and Greg and friends’ newest band returning to the stage at the Starry Plough.

Tickets: $20 general/$15 students; Doors open at 7:30 pm; All ages before 10 pm. 21+ after 10 pm. Beer and wine available at the bar. Kitchen closes at 10 pm.

AVRA (8-10 pm) is a new project with familiar faces from the Bay Area Greek and Balkan music scene, performing traditional Greek music for dancers. Their repertoire comes from all corners of Greece, and beyond: the valley region of Thrace, the mountainous region of Epirus, the windy islands, the plains and rivers of Thessaly, the shores of the Black Sea and the Aegean. AVRA features, Ari Langer (violin), Gregory Masaki Jenkins (clarinet, vocals, percussion), Jenette Sellin (accordion and santouri) and Michael Garibaldi (percussion, vocals, laouto).

Lars and In Charge with Zoe Jakes and Pixie Fordtears
Fanfare Zambaleta
Saturday, April 18, 8 pm
The Starry Plough Pub
3101 Shattuck St. Berkeley, CA

Tickets: $20 general/$15 students; Doors open at 7 pm; All ages before 10 pm. 21+ after 10 pm. Beer and wine available at the bar. Kitchen closes at 10 pm.

Join Facebook Event

Lars and in Charge (10-Midnight) performs high-energy original and traditional music of Turkey, Greece and beyond. Lars Tergis and Greg Jenkins lead the charge on violin and clarinet with driving, gritty interpretations of classic party tunes and original compositions. Chris Reid adds a touch of ‘West’ with percussive chordal accompaniment on steel-string guitar. Joe Rosato Jr. holds it down on upright bass while Faisal Zedan keeps the beat popping on derbekki, riqq and davul. Joined on stage by some of the Bay Area’s top belly dancers, Lars and In Charge guarantees a big sound and an even bigger party!
instagram.com/larsandinchargeband
facebook.com/larsandinchargeband

Zoe Jakes is a founding member of the electronic and world fusion group Beats Antique, where she composes music and is the lead dancer along with a troupe featuring Pixie Fordtears. Since Beats Antique’s 2007 inception, Zoe has been renowned around the world for her unique form of belly dance.

Fanfare Zambaleta (Bay Area Balkan Brass) is an eight piece Balkan Brass band specializing in spirited music of the Serbian, Macedonian, Bulgarian, Greek and especially the Romani people. Combining a love of the classic brass bands of the past with the modern sounds coming out of the Balkans, Fanfare Zambaleta brings an irresistible blend of old and new to get you dancing! They’ve learned from some of the greats including Demiran Ćerimović, Džambo Aguševi Orkestar and Nizo Alimov (of Kočani Orkestar) and are now embarking on a new journey to write original tunes inspired by their deep love of the music. The band is directed by Gregory Masaki Jenkins (alto sax, clarinet) and features Joey Friedman (alto sax), Noah Levitt, Peter Bonos, and Max Miller-Loran (trumpets), Rachel MacFarlane, Adam Waite, and Brendan Mauro (mid horns), Evan Stuart (sousaphone) and Ivan Velev (percussion, vocals).

Voice of Roma Herdeljezi Romani Festival
Saturday, May 2, 2026, show starts at 8pm; doors open at 5:30pm
Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702

7 pm: Free Dance Workshop; 5:30 pm Free Panel Discussion on Romani music, culture and human rights; 1-5 pm: Instrumental and Singing Workshops (additional regististration required).

Tickets and festival pass sales open in mid-March 2026 at ashkenaz.com
More information at voiceofroma.com

Join us for the 25th Herdeljezi Romani Festival, Voice of Roma’s annual springtime celebration of Romani music, dance and culture that culminates in a concert and dance party at 8 pm. The evening events begin at 5:30 pm with a free panel discussion featuring festival artists and covering the human rights of Romani communities amidst shifting political climates, followed by a free Romani dance workshop at 7 pm.

The Herdeljezi Festival Band highlights the traditional music of Balkan Roma as well as contemporary innovations. The Festival Band features star clarinetist Ismail Lumanovski with Chris Bajmakovic, Hristina Ilioska, Benji Rifati, Rumen Sali Shopov and Janie Cowan.  The opening evening set features local favorites, Ensemble Meraklii. 

Full Schedule

1:00 – 2:15 PM: Drum Workshop with Rumen Sali Shopov
and Accordion and Multi-instrumental workshop with Chris Bajmakovic
2:30 – 3:45 PM: Balkan Singing Workshop with Hristina Ilioska
4:00 – 5:15 PM: Balkan Romani Melody workshop with Ismail Lumanovski
5:30 – 7:00 PM: Panel discussion begins; Doors open for evening concert ticket holders 
7:00 – 8:00 PM: Romani Dance Workshop
8:00 PM: Concert and Dance Party begins with an opening set by Balkan Ensemble Meraklii
9:30 – midnight: Herdeljezi Festival Band featuring Ismail Lumanovski

Ticket prices:
General – evening concert: $35/$30 adv
Students – evening concert: $30 adv
General Workshop registration (per session): $25/$20 adv
Student Workshop registration: $20 adv
All workshop pass – general: $65/$60 adv
All workshop pass – student: $55 adv

Contact festival production manager Peter Bonos, berkeleybalkanbacchanal@gmail.com for further information, including volunteer opportunities.

The Festival is presented by Voice of Roma, co-presented by Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal and hosted by Ashkenaz Music and Dance Center. 
The Festival is funded by Zellerbach Family Foundation Community Arts, Berkeley Civic Arts and the National Arts Relief Fund. 
Graphic design by Jenette Sellin, 2026. Co-produced by Peter Bonos.

Voice of Roma is a California based NGO that promotes the rich cultural heritage of Roma dating back a thousand years, through festivals, workshops, performances and educational presentations. VOR works to heighten awareness of human rights issues faced by Roma in today’s world, and to support efforts by Roma to build and maintain their communities, and to improve their lives. In its 27-year history, VOR has supported many educational programs about Roma as well as several national tours of esteemed artists, such as the final American tour of superstar vocalist Esma Redžepova. See voiceofroma.com.

Ismail Lumanovski (clarinet) is an international star, known for his mastery of both Western Classical and Balkan/Romani/Turkish music plus his dazzling improvisational skills. He regularly tours nationally with the Gypsy All-Stars and The Secret Trio and has recorded several albums with them.  Born in Bitola North Macedonia in a Turkish-speaking Romani musical family, he began studying clarinet at the age of eight, attended Interlochen Art Academy and received Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the Julliard School of Music. He plays regularly for Macedonian, Turkish, and Romani celebrations in the NYC region, where he lives. His successful classical career includes performing with top international symphony orchestras and winning numerous clarinet competitions around the world. Ismail has also performed and taught for the EEFC Balkan Music Camps, VOR International Roma Day 2009 and Inspector Gadje.

Balkan Ensemble Merkalii & Rumen Sali Shopov pick you up and spin you around with their energetic Balkan and Romani dance tunes! Featured band members at this performance include Rumen Sali Shopov – Tambura, Vocals, Ivan Velev – Tupan, Daniel Goldberg – Saxophone, David Solnit – Clarinet, Sharon Grodin – Accordion, Mike Margulies – Trumpet, Janie Cowan – Bass

The Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal at the Starry Plough presents Istanbul Connection
Saturday, March 21
Doors open at 7:30pm; Show starts at 8:30 pm
Tickets: $20 general/$15 students

The Starry Plough Pub, 3101 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA

All ages before 10 pm. 21+ after 10 pm. Food, beer and wine available from the bar until 10 pm.

Istanbul Connection
A Bay Area musical collective formed when thirteen members of the hottest Balkan and Latin bands were gravitationally pulled to visit the city of Istanbul. With a mind towards cross-cultural connection and sonic expansion, these die-hards flew 7,000 miles to represent a piece of the the Bay Area music scene. In the process, they have cemented themselves as a supergroup of groove and since their epic beginnings, the band has performed sold-out-show after show. They continue to draw their inspiration from the Turkish Maqam, Flamenco, Rumba, Balkan, and Cumbia they are are so deeply rooted in. Come prepared to dance! istanbulconnection.net

Kata Miletich – Vox, Palmas
Haluk Kecelioglu – Oud, Violin, Vox
Raul Vargas – Cajón, Palmas, Vox
Bob Sanders – Guitar
Isaac “Izzy” Weiser – Bass
Gregory Masaki Jenkins – Clarinet, Saxophone
Joey Friedman – Sax
Danny Cao – Trumpet
Sean Tergis – Darbuka
Melissa Cruz – Drums, Flamenco Dance