(Balkan Shmalkan)
Prepare yourself, for Balkan Shmalkan! Another rambunctious, energetic, brass-bopping band from Vancouver, BC. They are a lively dance orchestra that draws upon inspiration from Roma and Klezmorim traditions of Eastern Europe and mixes that together with pop, funk, and jazz.
The group features six to twelve musicians who play reed, brass, and percussion – and songs are sung in 6 different languages including Serbian, Romani, and Italian!
The group formed in 2015 brought together by a passion and history in traditional South Serbian Trubaci music. They have performed at venues around Vancouver and festivals all over! Including Punkstravaganza VIII at the Rickshaw Theatre in 2024 alongside bands like The Dreadnoughts and You Big Idiot. They were also part of the Burnaby Blues & Roots Festival in 2022, sharing the stage with The War on Drugs and Ruby Waters!
(Balkan Shmalkan)
One of the more notable memories I have of Balkan Shmalkan was learning of their summertime outdoor jam sessions in Trout Lake Park! Here I was waltzing through the park on a gentle, sunny day. Then suddenly musicians started to gather under the trees near the lake… and there were a LOT of them. I will have to inquire if these weekly jam sessions still happen, because its a wonderful free concert to everyone in the neighbourhood. Unless Balkan music isn’t your style.
Let me educate you:
Balkan refers to music of the Balkans, a culturally diverse region in Southeast Europe. This includes influences from Slavic, Ottoman/Turkish/ Romani (Gypsy), Greek, and Jewish/Klezmer music. It reflects centuries of cultural blending and migration. This traditional music is tied to life events – such as weddings, funerals, seasonal festivals. In modern times its common to see this music in street festivals and brass band parades. Balkan music incredibly expressive, joyful and energetic, but also capable of melancholy and longing – often shifting moods within a single song.
You know what fun fact I love about Balkan music? The custom to submit a tip into the brass instruments! When I met with members of Balkan Shmalkan they remarked how gross (and wonderful) it was to pull out saliva soaked bills from their instruments. Phew I think I’ll sit that experience out!
It is a custom to not only stuff bills inside the instruments, but to press the money to the musicians forehead to show joy, gratitude, and encouragement. Tips could also come in the form of a song request, or to request of a singular musician to do a solo!
I researched some other customs that come along with Balkan music and this is what I found out:
- Showering with money. In the same encouraging tipping form, money is thrown over the musicians!
- Dancing on tables and chairs. Because Balkan music is big, and loud, and bouncy.
- Traditional “kolo” circle that is an unstoppable spiral at parties.
- Kidnapping the bride (at weddings).. I wonder if this custom is still acceptable!
- Drummers tease. Big bass drummers (‘tapan’ players) will playfully whack dancers with their mallets, gently of course. Unless you messed with the drummer earlier.
- Wacky costumes. Nothing says a team on a mission like funny uniforms, vintage military gear, or glittery getups. Something you definitely see with Balkan Shmalkan.
In fact as research shows, Balkan Shmalkan led the Parade for No Reason at Ignite The Arts Festival this year!
(Balkan Shmalkan / Facebook)
Unfortunately no shows are recorded at this time. But Balkan Shmalkan is a big summertime party player, so we will likely be hearing their plan soon.
Check out more about Balkan Shmalkan below:
Written by Volante Matheson, Radio Arts & Entertainment at BCIT
Contact: vmatheson1@my.bcit.ca