Brass Menažeri
I direct & perform with the Brass Menažeri ("Menagerie"), a brass band in the style of Balkan Rom (Gypsy) musicians. We infuse traditional tunes with an irresistible approach, and bring to life brand-new compositions in & out of the styles we draw from. ~ brassmenazeri.com
Janam
This gorgeous band (formerly known as Black Olive Babes) was founded in 2007 by 20-year Kitka member & former musical director Juliana Graffagna. Janam weaves a lush, eclectic mix of Balkan, Romani, Sephardic and American roots music. Sultry rhythms and soul-stirring melodies create a dance and trance-inducing groove that carries you from the shores of the Black Sea to the foothills of the Appalachians. Janam features some of the Bay Area's most innovative interpreters of Southern Balkan and Middle Eastern traditional music. ~ janamband.com
Stellamara
I play clarinet & nay with the renowned world music ensemble Stellamara, which combines Turkish, Cretan, & Arabic musical styles with ambient/electronic influences. ~ stellamara.com
MWE
One zurna, one davul, three clarinets & a riqq. 1 million decibels. Processional band in & out of the Turkish Mehter tradition. ~ facebook.com/mweSF
Orkestar Sali
I'm honored to play under the direction of Bulgarian Rom master bandleader, tamburaci & percussionist Rumen "Sali" Shopov in his wild, breakneck ensemble.
Yuval Ron Trio
I have the honor of playing with Grammy-winning Israeli oudist & composer Yuval Ron in occasional Bay Area appearances. ~ yuvalronmusic.com