JANAM: Eclectic Balkan Groove

Janam (“My Soul”) creates a compelling, eclectic mix of Balkan, Romani, Sephardic and American Roots music plus inspired originals. Led by golden-throated Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble veteran Juliana Graffagna, Janam proves that the foothills of the Balkans and the Appalachians lie in Oakland. Janam’s funky meters, bittersweet modes, driving tunes, and sultry ballads invoke the nightingales and dark eyes, the hot love and cold hollows of Europe and America’s most musical mountains.

The ensemble features virtuosic Bay Area players, including a multi-instrumentalist who tours with whirling dervishes and one of the best Balkan-style clarinetists around. Janam’s collective experience includes decades of national and international touring, participation in local super groups Brass Menažeri, Stellamara, Edessa, and Gamelan X, and collaborations with Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares, Mariana Sadovska and rap artist, Mr. Lif.

Juliana Graffagna: voice
Peter Jaques: clarinet, ney, voice
Tom Farris: accordion, laouto, guitar
Gari Hegedus: oud, mandocello, violin
Dan Auvil: percussion, voice

“An innovative ensemble that explores a dizzying range of styles, from Appalachia and Asia Minor to Eastern Europe. The quintet plays swirling, hard-driving music that always seems to end up in unexpected places.” – San Francisco Chronicle

“This fine group goes on a world tour of Eastern Europe…with no cultural jet lag.” – Santa Barbara Independent

http://janamband.com

Doors at 7:30 pm.  Show at 8:00 pm.