Balkan Music Night 2024

Balkan Music Night is the premier local event presenting the music and dance of southeastern Europe, with its distinctive vocal harmonies and compelling rhythmic music and dance. Sponsored by the Folk Arts Center of New England, Balkan Music Night returns in a new location for a fun-filled night of participatory dancing, music appreciation, and community, from 6:00PM until closing! View the full schedule here.

Balkan Music Night presents bands whose members include master musicians who emigrated from the Balkan countries, as well as American-born musicians who have embraced these traditions. These ensembles perform songs and dance tunes on a mix of modern and traditional instruments, drawing from the rich cultural heritage from across the region, including Bosnia, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey and more!

In all, more than a dozen different ensembles will play for dancing and listening, including: Zlatne Uste, New York’s premier Balkan Brass band, playing music from Romany (Gypsy), Serbian, Macedonian, and Bulgarian traditions; Kavala Brass Band, specializing in the rich brass musical repertoire of northern Greece and Macedonia; Niva, a four-woman band playing and singing Macedonian roots music; Balkan Fields, playing the wonderful music of Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Bosnia; and local favorite REVMA, featuring Sandy Theodorou, playing music for traditional Greek dances.

The Armory’s Rooted Café will be transformed into a Balkan Kafana, where you can enjoy a more mellow listening experience in a café setting and food available for purchase. Among the musicians playing for us in this venue are: virtuoso Beth Bahia Cohen playing traditional Turkish music; Sophia Bilides, singing soulful classics from Asia Minor; Gogofski, featuring vocalist Kasia Sokalla, playing favorites from across the Balkans; and more! 

Arrive early to participate in simple dances in the main hall, with walkthroughs led by experienced dancers, and lively brass band music by Conical Cacophony! Stay late to enjoy the entire program, including our traditional participatory events such as the Hora na pesen (dancing to group singing), Ličko kolo; plus dance performances from area dance troupes Grachanitsa and Mladost, and a cash bar for refreshments! 

Tickets in advance are $35 ($40 at the door) with generous discounts for children, young adults, families, and Folk Arts Center members. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended for the best prices, and ease of entry at the door. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit BalkanMusicNight.com 

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