Slavic Soul Party! & The Balkanics (Special Event)

A Brash and Brassy Balkan Bash Fiery Balkan brass, hip-grinding American grooves, and ecstatic anthems both new and old: Slavic Soul Party! is just what it says. Brash and strong as slivovitz, these nine musicians have forged a virtuosic new brass band music in the heart of New York City ? melding Gypsy, East European, Mexican, and Asian immigrant backgrounds with American jazz and soul ? and ?developed a reputation for delivering a great time.? (NY Times) One of the hardest working bands in New York, SSP! plays nearly 100 times a year in the US, Europe, and beyond. They have performed at Babylon (Istanbul) with the Karandila Orkestar, at Irving Plaza (New York City) with Gogol Bordello, on the Warped Tour (US), and in virtually every major New York club. The Balkanics endeavor to broadcast the gospel of Balkan Wedding Band music with great enthusiasm and energy. Dynamic, colorful and unpredictable are the peoples of the Balkan peninsula. Naturally, their music has absorbed the complexity of their existence, and has grown into a rare mixture of odd rhythms, forgotten modes and poignant lyrics. Played on modern day instruments, this music, with its unlikely progressions and intricate ornamentation, sounds extremely intriguing to the Westerner?s ear.The Balkanics bring this phenomenon home to the DC area. Coming to a Balkanics gig is not just a night out; it is an experience of a culture distant yet rooted into your natural instincts and emotions. To feel footloose and carefree and forget the troubles of the day, this is what music is all about!FSGW?s first collaboration with The Birchmere promises to be a fantastic evening. Come and listen to the amazing music. There will also be a wood dance floor (over foam) with lots of room to find your inner Balkan.Tickets (FSGW discount only available for advance tickets):

$17.50 General Public

$14 FSGW Members (using the promotional code in your newsletter) only avaialble on advance purchase. You can also find the promotional code by going to the "Members page" of this website and logging in with your FSGW Member ID#.

Tickets available at all Ticketmaster locations, www.ticketmaster.com, 202-397-SEAT (7328), or at the Birchmere Box office.Info: David Shewmaker, FSGW Dance Chair, at dance@fsgw.orgFurther information at The Birchmere