Vardari is an exploration of shared Balkan melodies, celebrating the interconnected musical traditions of the Balkans with a focus on the Hellenic world. Fronted by Greek-Croatian-American flutist and vocalist Ellie Falaris Ganelin, this world-fusion band performs original arrangements of folk and urban folk songs in nine languages. The music is creative, heartfelt, ambitious, and full of energy, a contemporary take on ancient songs. The name Vardari comes from the Vardar River, which has inspired Balkan songs in different languages and is a source of both sustenance and inspiration. The river — like the music — transcends borders. Vardari is a project of the Kombos Collective.

Featuring:
Ellie Falaris Ganelin, vocals, flute & arrangements
J. Maddox, guitar
Joe Belson, bass
Sage Baggott, drumset & percussion

Friday, November 14, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm doors, 7:30 pm show
Admission: (Online) $25 student & senior - $29 Early Bird - $35 General / (Door) $35

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ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

The Kombos Collective presents captivating programming in intimate concert settings inspired by the Hellenic World. The Kombos Collective is a champion of Greek composers, shedding light on the rich musical repertoire coming out of Greece and the Greek diaspora. Kombos has premiered two major projects in 2025 including Vardari, exploring shared Balkan melodies, and 100 Years of Hadjidakis, celebrating this legendary composer's centennial birthday. Kombos has released several full-length albums and performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Library of Congress, as well as cultural centers and universities across the U.S. and Canada. KombosMusic.com

https://kombosmusic.com/vardari/
https://www.facebook.com/komboscollective
https://www.instagram.com/komboscollective/
https://www.youtube.com/@komboscollective

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Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal at the Starry Plough is excited to welcome back Lars and In Charge and the bacchanal debut of AVRA with Ari Langer and friends playing Greek folk music to instantly transform the dance floor the into a glendi within a bacchanal!

Lars and In Charge
AVRA
Saturday, November 15, 8 pm
The Starry Plough Pub : 3101 Shattuck St. Berkeley, CA

Tickets: $20 general/$15 students; Doors open at 7 pm; All ages before 10 pm. 21+ after 10 pm. Beer and wine available at the bar. Kitchen closes at 10 pm.

LARS AND IN CHARGE performs high-energy original and traditional music of Turkey, Greece and beyond. Lars Tergis and Greg Jenkins lead the charge on violin and clarinet with driving, gritty interpretations of classic party tunes and original compositions. Chris Reid adds a touch of ‘West’ with percussive chordal accompaniment on steel-string guitar. Joe Rosato Jr. holds it down on upright bass while Faisal Zedan keeps the beat popping on derbekki, riqq and davul. Joined on stage with bellydancer Nicole Maria, Lars and In Charge guarantees a big sound and an even bigger party!
instagram.com/larsandinchargeband
facebook.com/larsandinchargeband

AVRA (8-10 pm) is a new project with familiar faces from the Bay Area Greek and Balkan music scene, performing traditional Greek music for dancers. Their repertoire comes from all corners of Greece, and beyond: the valley region of Thrace, the mountainous region of Epirus, the windy islands, the plains and rivers of Thessaly, the shores of the Black Sea and the Aegean. AVRA features, Ari Langer (violin), Gregory Masaki Jenkins (clarinet, vocals, percussion), Jenette Sellin (accordion and santouri) and Michael Garibaldi (percussion, vocals, laouto).

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Join the Disciples of Markos for an evening of old school Rebetika classic and obscurities from the 1930s.

We've got a new lineup and new (old) songs, and a new venue for us, the Little Hill Lounge, the hippest spot in El Cerrito (Just 10 minutes from Berkeley via I-80). So get your hashish and come check it out!

and guess what, there's no cover charge!

Dmitri Mavra - Bouzouki
Gregory Jenkins - Vocals and Baglama
Jenette Sellin - Guitar and Accordion
Jordan Ruyle - Tzouras and Guitar

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Balkan Sundays at Ashkenaz — every 4th Sunday of the month!

On November 23rd, we’ll feature an all-star lineup with Greg Jenkins on saxophone and clarinet, Max Miller Loren on trumpet, Paul Marini on sousaphone, and Marco Peris Coppola on tupan. We’re also expecting some special guests and surprise sit-ins — one of them might be you! Bring an instrument and join the jam.

Doors open at 7:30 PM, with a balkan dance workshop led by Ivan Velev to kick off the evening . Music begins at 8:00 PM.

At Balkan Sundays, you’re encouraged to move however you like — and we also love giving you the chance to learn some traditional dances.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Balkan New Year’s Eve at Ashkenaz is back! Come ring in the New Year with three amazing live bands, dancing all night, champagne, and an energetic family friendly party!

This year features an opening set of vocal-harmony-forward tunes from the Balkans to the Bayou by True Life Trio, an exhilarating Balkan Brass dance party by Fanfare Zambaleta, and a folk dance accordion extravaganza by Dan Cantrell and friends! Bring your dance shoes, your shiny outfits, and a readiness to leap into 2026 surrounded by friends, family, and amazing live music!

Balkan New Years Eve | December 31st, 2025
DOORS OPEN: 8:00 PM
SHOW BEGINS: 8:30 PM

Tickets available at https://www.ashkenaz.com/#/events/158738
Advance tickets available until the day of the show!
Advance tickets $35, Day-of-show tickets $45
FREE ADMISSION for kids 12 and under!

New Year’s Eve at Ashkenaz is traditionally a night of Balkan music and dancing in honor of the late Ashkenaz founder David Nadel and the music he first featured at his world dance club. It is known to go until the late hours!

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