Saturday, March 8, 2025 • 6:00pm - 12:00am
Celebrating the 36th Balkan Music Night!
Balkan Music Night is a vibrant celebration of the rich musical traditions of the Balkans, and an immersive experience in music, dance, culture, and community.
Since 1986, several hundred Balkan enthusiasts of all backgrounds have gathered annually in the Boston area to revel in the exciting rhythms and soulful melodies of Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Romania, Turkey, and other cultures.
Our Performers
The impressive roster of performers includes powerful vocalists and dynamic instrumentalists, renowned Balkan-born artists and accomplished American-born devotees, local favorites and guest bands, all brought together for one extraordinarily bountiful night of dancing and listening pleasure.
In all, a dozen different ensembles will play for dancing and listening, including: Kavala Brass Band, specializing in the rich brass musical repertoire of northern Greece and Macedonia; Niva, an all-woman band playing and singing Macedonian roots music; and local favorites REVMA, featuring Sandy Theodorou, playing music for traditional Greek dances, and Conical Cacophony, playing lively Balkan brass band music.
Dance All Night
The fun will run from 6:00pm to 12:00am! Dance away the evening in the main hall to the compelling beats of Balkan dance bands.
Between band sets, relax a bit and enjoy dance performances by local troupes! This year we are proud to welcome the Grachanitsa Serbian Folk Dance and Song Ensemble, as well as the Boston Lykeion Ellinidon Dance Troupe for lively performances.
At the Kafana
The Armory’s Rooted Café will be transformed into a Balkan Kafana, where you can enjoy a more mellow listening experience in a café setting. Among the musicians playing for us in this venue are: Sophia Bilides, singing soulful classics from Asia Minor; virtuoso Beth Bahia Cohen playing traditional Turkish music; Elitsa Stoyneva, singing village Bulgarian songs; members of the Yale Slavic Chorus, presenting favorites in small groups from their repertoire; and more!
Last year's Kafana performances were so popular that it was difficult for many to get into the room, given its limited seating capacity. This year we are adopting an approach to seating that we hope will offer the Kafana experience to as many attendees as possible.
When arriving at Balkan Music Night, you can choose to reserve a seat for one performance at the Kafana, and will be given a ticket for entry to that performance only. These Kafana-tickets will be available at the event check-in table - one per customer, at no additional charge - until capacity is reached.
Before each performance, arrive five minutes early and present your Kafana-ticket at the door for entry (hang on to them!). After Kafana ticket holders have entered, we will admit folks from the queue at the door, if seats are still available.
After each performance, the Kafana will be cleared to make room for the next audience.
So check out the Kafana schedule here and be ready to reserve your seat!
Back at The Armory!
We are thrilled to return to the historic Somerville Armory, a beautiful space with a large hall for participatory folk dancing, an overhanging mezzanine for enjoying a bird's-eye view of the dance below, plus an intimate café for quieter performances.
Visit the Location page for more details on the venue, directions, and parking.
Refreshments
We will provide complimentary snacks in the mezzanine overlooking the Dance Hall, plus a cash bar offering food and beverages on the main level. This year, there will be no food or drink service in the café, in order to provide a better listening experience.
Admission
Advance Sales (advance purchase recommended)
Advance admission sales have begun! Admission prices are the same as 2024, with discounts available for Folk Arts Center (FAC) members, young adults, and youths. Visit our Tickets page for details.
Want to get the FAC discount? Join the Folk Arts Center now and receive a discount on all FAC events in 2025!
Invite Your Friends!
Help us spread the word - like us on Facebook, we invite you to come dance, listen, and celebrate with us!
--The Balkan Music Night Committee