Vardari

Vardari returns to the Red Poppy with a lively world fusion program that explores shared Balkan melodies. Led by Greek and Croatian-American flutist and singer Ellie Falaris Ganelin, the ensemble performs in nine languages, reflecting the region’s diverse cultural history. Vardari has performed all over the Bay Area, including the Berkeley Makam Festival at Ashkenaz, the Starry Plough's Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal series, Europe in the Park, Artist Migration Series in Half Moon Bay, Red Poppy Art House, and The Cheeseboard Collective.

The name Vardari comes from the Vardar River, which has inspired Balkan songs in different languages and is a source of both sustenance and inspiration. The river — like the music — transcends borders.

Featuring:

Ellie Falaris Ganelin, vocals, flute & arrangements

Christina Walton, violin & backing vocals

J. Maddox, guitar

Joe Belson, bass

Sage Baggott, drum set

Saturday October 10, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm doors, 7:30 pm show
Admission: (Online) $25 Students & Seniors - $29 Early Bird - $35 General / $40 Door

ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

Vardari is a program of the Kombos Collective (formerly Greek Chamber Music Project), which presents captivating programming in intimate concert settings inspired by the Hellenic World. The Kombos Collective is a champion of Greek composers, shedding light on the rich musical repertoire coming out of Greece and the Greek diaspora. Kombos has released several full-length albums and performed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Library of Congress, as well as cultural centers and universities across the U.S. and Canada.

Artist Links

Websites: https://kombosmusic.com/vardari/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/komboscollective/