Be uplifted and inspired by lively, groovy soulful beats at the
Karavan International Gypsy Music Festival, one of this year's hottest global music events. It's on Saturday the 25th of February at the iconic
Corner Hotel in Richmond.
Keeping toe tapping, hips swaying and fingers clicking all night are a range of both local and international acts of the finest gypsy calibre.
Take
Baro Banda, for instance. All the way from Istanbul, they're very well known for their underground gypsy roots music that blends east and west with anything from 'heavy Turkish Romany grooves to infectious drum'n'bass, dub, funk, jazz, hip hop and other influences'.
I challenge you to stay still while they're on stage. You won't. You can't. It's humanly impossible - and who would want to anyway.
The same goes for
Vardos, a Melbourne-based all-girl trio who, with melodic mastery of a wild violin, accordion and double bass, play traditional gypsy music learnt from Roma (gypsy) musicians during their travels through Eastern Europe.
Other bands include
The Band Who Knew Too Much, whose washboard and accordion-driven anthems, unique sounds and high energy have seen them draw crowds the world over. And I can't wait to see Karavana Flamenco and Byzantine Blues.
The Karavan Gypsy Festival events, brought to you by
Musiktrafik, who specialise in global music, are a huge hit every year. There are shows, with varying line-ups, in
Sydney and
Brisbane too.
For your slice of a true gypsy party,
get your tickets online now in case they sell out. Look forward to seeing you there. I'll be the one wearing hooped earrings and bundles of bangles. Spot me if you can.
