Herdeljezi Romani Festival ft Herdeljezi Festival Band & Balkan Ensemble Meraklii
Voice of Roma Presents: Co-Presented by the Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal: Join us for the 25th Herdeljezi Romani Festival on Saturday, May 2nd, Voice of Roma’s annual springtime celebration of Balkan Romani music, dance and culture that culminates in a concert and dance party at 8pm. The evening events begin at 5:30pm 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 7pm. 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 favorite Ensemble Meraklii.