Community Calendar

Folk Dance Brunswick will present “Balkan Bash III,” a dance night open to the public, with live music by the celebrated Balkan band Bulgarika, on Friday, September 20, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the People Plus community center, 35 Union Street, one block west of Maine Street, in downtown Brunswick, Maine.

All are welcome. Donation $10.

Bulgarika is a group of five master musicians with decades of performing experience, steeped in Bulgarian music and rhythms from a young age, who have delighted audiences and dancers throughout North America.

The band features Donka Koleva on vocals, Nikolay Kolev on gadulka (a string instrument played with a bow), Temelko Ivanov on kaval (a chromatic end-blown flute), Nikolay Kodzhabashev on tambura (a string instrument played with a plectrum), and Marin Shalamov on tapan (a double-headed drum).

The music of Bulgaria is known for its hauntingly expressive melodies, fascinating irregular rhythms, and fiery dance tempos.

“We’re very excited about hosting Bulgarika,” says Folk Dance Brunswick president Barbara Merson of North Yarmouth. “It should be a spectacular night of traditional Bulgarian folk music and dancing!”

In the early part of the evening, selected dances will be taught for newcomers.

Folk Dance Brunswick is a nonprofit organization offering world music and international folk dancing from the Balkans, the Middle East, northern Europe, and around the globe. The group meets weekly on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.

“Folk dancing is good mental and physical exercise — and great fun for all ages,” Merson concludes. “Some of the dances are taught, and no partner is needed. It’s also a way of building global community through local action.”

No street shoes on dance floor, please.

For more information, contact 207-200-7577, brennan.mk@gmail.com, or www.folkdancebrunswick.com.

[Photo caption]:
On Friday, September 20, Folk Dance Brunswick’s “Balkan Bash III” dance night will feature live music by the Balkan dance band Bulgarika of New York City. All are welcome. [Photo courtesy of Bulgarika.]

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