Festo Festo in Denver at the Mercury Café, December 31, 2023, 10 PM Until Sometime Next Year
| Sunday, December 31, 2023 Doors open at 9:00 pm, music starts at 10:00 pm The Mercury Café, in the Ballroom (upstairs) 2199 California Street, Denver, CO 80205 Tickets: $30 in advance; $35 day of show Tickets and info available here Festive music from three ensembles celebrating Eastern European, klezmer, and brass band traditions to usher in the new year. Here’s the schedule: 10:00 – 10:20 – Jam session – all are welcome to participate. (JAM CHARTS HERE) 10:30 – 11:10 – Planina 11:20 – 11:55 – Upsherin 12:00 – Auld Lang Syne – Sing Along 12:05 – 12:35 – Gora Gora Orkestar 12:40 – Ale Brider – Sing Along Planina had a blast when we performed at Festo Festo last January, and we are thrilled to be the guest artists for this special party! We will sing a few holiday songs, followed by numerous tunes for your dancing pleasure. Then our favorite local klezmer group, Upsherin, will keep the energy going with a lively set. Finally, after everyone sings in the New Year, Gora Gora will expertly perform that pumping Balkan brass band sound that can revive even tired dancing feet. Save money by buying your tickets in advance. Kudos to Festo Festo for its continuing program of interesting and diverse music over these past many months. And thanks to those who attend these events. In the words of the co-organizers, Eitan Kantor and Tung Pham: “Thank you all for continuing to make Festo Festo such a joyful, sweet space where we can explore our own cultural roots, learn about other cultures and build peace and friendship.” Festo Festo is made possible by the event’s sustaining sponsors: Jane E. Rosenbaum, the Alpert Family Foundation, and Base Denver. Past support also provided by the Alex Wilson Legacy Fund. |
Barbelfish Plays at BIFD’s New Year’s Day Party at the Avalon
 BIFD’s 2024 New Year’s Day Party Monday, January 1, 2024 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm The Avalon, Sodal Hall 6085 Arapahoe, Boulder, CO (map) $10 for BIFD members, $12 for non-members Here’s one more opportunity to welcome the New Year with live Eastern European music! It’s Boulder International Folk Dancers’ annual New Year’s Day party, next Monday evening at the Avalon in Boulder. Please bring a snack to share. Masks optional. Grab your friends and your dance shoes! Many of the dances are easy to follow if you’re still on your feet. Even if you’re weary from holiday exertions, there is plenty of room to sit, watch the band and dancers, and let the exquisite sounds of Balkan music wash over you. For the members of Barbelfish Balkan Band, this party is an annual opportunity to learn new tunes, revive beloved favorites, and present a wide diversity of dances. They’re mostly line dances, with just a few couple dances thrown in. Barbefish is Jesse Manno (percussion, vocals), Steve Mullins (tambura, guitar, bouzouki, mandolin), Amy Self (clarinet, kaval, vocals), James Hoskins (gudulka, cello, bouzouki, zurna, vocals), Julie Lancaster (accordion, tambura, vocals), Loren Uecker (percussion, vocals). |
