By KATH GANNAWAY
THE historic bluestone building at Peace Farm in Yarra Junction is the perfect fit for the edgy Balkan, Gypsy and Greek sound of Babaganoush.
Local musician, Malini Chidzey, has managed the band for over 13 years, performed at many music festivals around Australia, toured Europe and recorded two albums with the energetic and exuberant group.
Through regular performances at the Warburton Arts Centre, and her work teaching violin at Warburton Primary School and the Little Yarra Steiner School in Yarra Junction, Malini has established a loyal following of locals keen to hear the wonderful, exotic music of Babaganoush.
Malini has appeared on other recordings and played with other artists such as the Counterfeit Gypsies, Slivovitz Orchestra, Jona Byron and the Dirty Royals, Esme MacDonald, Ben Mitchell, Lindsay Buckland.
Her great passion and love for Gypsy and Balkan music has led her to work with some distinguished Romani musicians such as “Cailu” from Romanian Gypsy band Taraf de Haidouks, and the Serbian folk orchestra Kolo.
She has also studied with Elek Horvath learning traditional folk music in his Transylvanian village of Vajdaszentivanyi.
It’s no surprise that she is constantly asked when she will be performing again locally.
The answer, at last, is very soon.
Babaganoush in the Balkan Bluestones concert will come to the Peace Farm, 60 Settlement Road, Yarra Junction, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, Saturday, 4 June.
“The other band members are from Melbourne and while we do performances all over the place, it’s not so often that we do a gig in the Yarra Valley,” Malini said.
“The local community has been asking for a concert and we are really looking forward to performing in the beautiful building before a home-grown audience,” she said.
“I know Peace Farm cake bakers are some of the best in the valley, so we would love to invite people to come along, relax, dance, be merry, listen to exquisite music in a gorgeous candlelit setting and enjoy some of their delicious chai and cake.”
Tickets at the door – $15 adults, Children $10. For more information visit www.babaganoush.info .
