Beskydy: Get Ready to Dance! Exhilarating, passionate Klezmer, Balkan and Gypsy!

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Price Guide

Description Price
4 piece band£1000
5 piece band£1400
6 piece band£1800
PA hire£150
Prices above are for Greater London, for outside London; 4 piece band from £1500, 5 piece band from £1800, 6 piece band from £2,200, plus travel

About / Biography

Beskydy: Where East Meets West in a Celebration of Life

A Musical Tapestry Woven from History

Beskydy's music is a vibrant meeting point of East and West, where folk traditions intertwine with infectious dance rhythms. Their songs are a heartfelt tapestry, woven with tales of cultural customs, laments of love and loss, and desires that burn bright. Yet, amidst the struggles, there's a deep-rooted philosophy that celebrates the joy of life, finding beauty even in hardship.

Inspired by Ancient Trade Routes

Just as the Beskydy Mountains themselves straddle borders, the band's music draws inspiration from a vast landscape. Their repertoire echoes the dance rhythms and songs of Moravia, Bohemia, and Slovakia, their homeland. But the journey doesn't stop there. Beskydy embraces the music of the Hungarian plains, the Danube basin, and all the way to the Black Sea shores. Their sound reflects the lively souks and coffee houses of Istanbul, and even carries whispers of the vibrant music that filled the bordellos of Odessa. Across these ancient trade routes, diverse cultures like Jews, Gypsies, Ottomans, Celts, and Magyars have always exchanged not just goods, but also melodies. These songs, constantly evolving and crossing borders, are the very essence of Beskydy's sound.

A Must-See Experience

From foot-stomping dance tunes to soul-stirring ballads, Beskydy creates a captivating presence with their music. Their sound is defined by the powerful blend of vocals, strings, clarinet, and the unmistakable energy of the accordion. Whether performing for a small gathering or a grand concert hall, Beskydy's passion for their music is infectious, drawing audiences into their world of shared experience.

Acclaimed Performances

Beskydy's talent has graced prestigious venues like the Purcell Room, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Centre, Union Chapel, and even the Royal Albert Hall. They've toured extensively, captivated audiences at festivals, and even had the honour of performing on the BBC radio show "Loose Ends." Their collaborations include a commission by the Victoria & Albert Museum with The Real Tuesday Weld for the "Propaganda from the State of Love" show.

Beskydy is more than just a band; they are a captivating experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of human culture through music. Don't miss a chance to witness their magic!

'Guaranteed to result in limb movement, a delightful fusion of fiddles and clarinet, furiously creating a wonderful atmosphere that demands a physical response' - Folk Roots

Time Out London - Critics Choice.

'One of the hidden treasures of London' - Folk Roots

'Having Beskydy light up the Almeida stage was an absolute revelation. Their music transcends mere performance; it's a captivating journey through history and culture, all wrapped up in a joyous celebration of life.

East truly meets West in Beskydy's sound.

But Beskydy isn't just about the stories they tell; it's about the energy they create. The blend of vocals, strings, clarinet, and accordion is nothing short of magical. It compels you to move, to tap your feet, and to sway with the music. Whether they're playing a foot-stomping dance tune or a soul-stirring ballad, Beskydy has a way of drawing the audience into their world, creating a truly shared experience.

I know the power of transporting an audience, and Beskydy does it effortlessly. They're not just musicians; they're storytellers, weaving a spell with every note. Their performance at the Almeida was a highlight, and I urge anyone who gets the chance to see them live to do so. Beskydy is a must-see for anyone who loves music that celebrates the rich tapestry of human cultures.' Kathryn Hunter

“We were absolutely delighted with Beskydy’s commitment, talent, and performance. They learned a piece specifically for my daughter’s wedding march, and their repertoire perfectly matched our guest list for a Jewish wedding which was also attended by family from the Balkans”. Dana and Stuart Urban.

Exhilarating, passionate Klezmer, Balkan, and Gypsy!

'a truly inspirational, exciting band, and what a diva in Joanna! You made our wedding both soulful and raucous, everything we could have wished for and more - everyone dancing, couldn't have got better - thank you Beskydy' Ingo, London.
'Thanks, guys, I've employed many acts for our corporate events but you guys rock, never witnessed so many people paying attention and dancing! Will be booking you again soon.' Frank, Staropramen London.
'Thanks to you my summer party went off with a bang!! You were superb and the dances led by Joanna got everyone moving. You are terrific and I highly recommend you, thanks' Judith, West Sussex.
'I also forgot to say how much I enjoyed your gig. My daughter and I are now listening to your CD that I've had for years. She loves it!
Can't wait for your next gig...Gina x'

Reviews (6)

There are currently 6 user ratings for Beskydy: Get Ready to Dance!

AVERAGE RATING

10 / 101

Location

Based in North London

Will travel up to 100 miles
green circle = areas covered (up to 100 miles)
pink circle = free travel (up to 100 miles)
Please note that the circles shown on the map are calculated "as the crow flies". By road distances may vary, so please get in touch for an accurate quote.

Jovano Jovanke - Macedonia

Ararim - Turkey

Tropanka - Bugaria

Slovak Waltzes

Khossid Wedding dance - Hungarian/Jewish

Dyž sem šel z Hradišťa - Czech

Odessa bulgarish - klezmer

Freylekh (Sherele) - Klezmer

Makedonsko Devojce - Macedonia

Khosn, kale mazeltov - Klezmer

To Ta Helpa - Slovak

Zapevala - Serbia

Susta - Greece

Karagouna - Greece

Ritka Magyar/Hongu - Hungary

Pidmanula - Ukraine

Technical Info

What are your basic technical requirements?

1-2 parking spaces


Do you provide sound and lighting equipment?

Yes, we’re completely self-contained. We can bring our own PA system as well as a simple lighting rig and smoke machine


What information do you require about a venue?

We need to know any directions that will help us find the venue and find the right place to load in our equipment. We’d also need to be informed if there’s a sound limiter in the venue


Can you provide a Spotify/DJ service before and between your sets?

Yes, we’re happy to play music from Spotify before, after and between our sets. We’re happy to choose the music ourselves or let the client choose the music

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gig you've ever done and the best venue you've ever played at?

A Night to Remember at the Almeida

Our performance at the Almeida Theatre was truly unforgettable. The audience was utterly captivated, just as we were by the experience. The energy in the room was electric, and it's clear the music resonated deeply with everyone present. Sharing the stage with such renowned actors and receiving their praise afterwards was a humbling honor.

Taking the Music to the BBC

Being invited to perform live on BBC Radio's "Loose Ends" was a thrilling opportunity. Apparently, the presenter was so impressed after hearing us play at a wedding that they just had to have us on the show! It was a fantastic experience to share our music with a wider audience.

Gracing the Royal Albert Hall Stage

Performing at the iconic Royal Albert Hall was a monumental achievement. The prestige of the venue itself speaks volumes, and we can only imagine the warm reception we must have received from the audience.

These are just a few highlights from Beskydy's musical journey. Ea


Which artists have you been most influenced by, who is your favourite artist and what is the greatest song of all time?

Taraf de Haidouks


What's your previous experience and how did you start gigging?

We have been gigging for over 30 years. Since we started we’ve performed at hundreds of weddings, parties and events across the UK and beyond


What's your favourite type of event to play at?

We love playing at all sorts of events but weddings are our favourite! The guests are always happy and it’s easy to get them dancing

Performance Info

What are your typical setup and performance times?

Acoustic - 15 minutes set up
Amplified - 30-60 minutes

Performance times variable but typically 2 x 45 or 2 x 60 minute sets


Are you happy to perform outside?

We’re happy to play outside, if very hot we'd like some shade, a flat level surface and a power supply close to the performance area


Do the clients have a say in what you play or is it a set repertoire list only?

We can learn specific songs before the event but we usually limit this to 2 songs


How do previous clients most commonly describe your performances?

"You made our wedding both soulful and raucous, everything we could have wished for and more - everyone dancing, couldn't have got better"

"I've employed many acts for our corporate events but you guys rock, never witnessed so many people paying attention and dancing!"

"Thanks to you my summer party went off with a bang!! You were superb and the dances led by Joanna got everyone moving. You are terrific and I highly recommend you!"

"They're not just musicians; they're storytellers, weaving a spell with every note. Their performance at the Almeida was a highlight, and I urge anyone who gets the chance to see them live to do so. Beskydy is a must-see for anyone who loves music that celebrates the rich tapestry of human cultures."

Recent Clients

Beskydy: Get Ready to Dance! has performed for these clients:

Bar Mitzvah - Mr Nathan

The Green Note - Camden

Islington Folk Club

The Cellar Upstairs - Camden Folk Club

Run Hackney - Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

Embassy of the Czech Republic

Czech Tourist Centre promoting tourism to Moravia

Lunchtime performance Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital

Venues

Beskydy: Get Ready to Dance! has performed at these venues:

Womad

The Queen Elizabeth Hall

The Purcell Room

Harrow Arts Centre

Royal Albert Hall - Cafe Consort

The National Theatre - Foyer

The Royal Festival Hall - Foyer

International Folklore Festival 'Rožnovské slavnosti

Weddings in Transylvania

Radio 4 - Loose Ends

Victoria & Albert Museum

The Hackney Empire

The Place

Folk clubs UK

Contact

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