Making its Ashkenaz debut, Los Angeles-based Califa is a “supergroup” in the realm of world and Balkan music, created in May 2011 by members of three different bands. The brainchild of violinist Fabrice Martinez of Fishtank Ensemble, trumpeter Daniel Rosenboom of Plotz, and percussionist-vocalist-dancer Rosa Rojas, formerly of Ballet Afsaneh, Califa is named after the warrior goddess whose name is the derivation for the Golden State. Like California itself, Califa is inspired by the diversity of musical cultures and of the arts. Incorporating Balkan, African, and Latin themes in performances that combine dance and music, this powerhouse band features multiple female vocals, violins, bass, drums, keyboard, trumpet, and clarinet/sax. An awe-inspiring musical experience and a powerful one as well, the group drew amazed stares at their debut at the Viper Room in Los Angeles last spring. In addition to the core trio, Califa includes percussionist-singer and Theremin player Ursula Knudson, drummer Austin Wrinkle, and electric bassist Orest Balaban.

With up to a dozen players (heavy on horns), Inspector Gadje brings a big sound to the beautiful and bumpin’ brass band music of the Balkans. Formed by students of Rom master Rumen “Sali” Shopov, the band draws on talents known to Bay Area audiences from such bands as the Brass Liberation Orchestra, Zoyres Eastern European Wild Ferment, the Loyd Family Players, Cradel Duende, and the Gomorran Social Aid & Pleasure Club. Inspector Gadje is an acoustic dance machine that makes the party move!