Feel the gipsy beat

By Kath Gannaway
GIPSYS and belly dancers will romp into Warburton on Saturday, 2 June for a pulsating and exhilarating live music performance at the Upper Yarra Arts Centre.
BabaGanoush, Melbourne’s maestros of Eastern European gipsy music, will take to the stage in the Warburton Mechanics Institute Hall for a one-off performance starting at 8pm.
The group is renowned for playing an exciting blend of traditional and original pieces from the far corners of Europe, including haunting, gentle melodies and high energy, over-the-top dance tunes.
BabaGanoush’s music incorporates many diverse influences, drawing upon a wide range of European folk traditions and also makes forays into the realms of tango and bellydance.
Lena Cirillo, regional arts coordinator for the Yarra Valley, said the performance would appeal to music fans from all walks of life.
“While it is difficult to describe BabaGanoush’s repertoire in any simple way, most of the pieces have their roots in a range of music genres including gipsy classics and French cafe music,” she said.
“This is a unique opportunity for audiences in the Yarra Valley to see and hear first rate, high-energy, authentic gipsy music performed by four of the country’s leading musicians.”
BabaGanoush features Malini Chidzey on violin, Colette Mortreux on clarinet, Mark Planigale on accordion and vocals and Andre Lobanov on double bass.
The group will be accompanied by a bellydancer during the performance.
For further information and bookings phone the Upper Yarra Arts Centre on 5966 5040.