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