Voice of Roma Herdeljezi Romani Festival
Schedule
Sat May 02 2026 at 01:00 pm to 11:45 pm
UTC-07:00Location
Ashkenaz | Berkeley, CA
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Join us for the 25th Herdeljezi Romani Festival, Voice of Roma’s annual springtime celebration of Romani music, dance and culture. The evening events begin at 5:30 pm with a free panel discussion featuring festival artists and covering the human rights of Romani communities amidst shifting political climates, followed by a free Romani dance workshop at 7 pm and culminates in a concert and dance party at 8 pm.The Herdeljezi Festival Band highlights the traditional music of Balkan Roma as well as contemporary innovations. The Festival Band features star clarinetist Ismail Lumanovski, with Chris Bajmakovic, Hristina Ilioska, Benji Rifati, Rumen Sali Shopov and Janie Cowan. The opening evening set features local favorite Ensemble Meraklii.
Afternoon workshops with featured artists begin at 1 pm.
1:00 - 2:15 PM: Drum Workshop with Rumen Sali Shopov
1:00 - 2:15 PM: Accordion and Multi-instrumental workshop with Chris Bajmakovic
2:30 - 3:45 PM: Balkan Singing Workshop with Hristina Ilioska
4:00 - 5:15 PM: Balkan Romani Melody workshop with Ismail Lumanovski
5:30 - 7:00 PM: Panel discussion begins; Doors open for evening concert ticket holders
7:00 - 8:00 PM: Romani Dance Workshop
8:00 PM: Concert and Dance Party
8:00- 9:00 PM: Balkan Ensemble Meraklii
9:30 - 12:00 PM: Herdeljezi Festival Band
Tickets and festival pass sales open in mid-March 2026 at ashkenaz.com
Ticket prices:
General - evening concert: $35/$30 adv
Students - evening concert: $30/$25 adv
General Workshop registration (per session): $25/$20 adv
Student Workshop registration: $20/$15 adv
All workshop pass general: $65/$60 adv
All workshop pass student: $55/$50 adv
Contact festival production manager Peter Bonos, [email protected] for further information, including volunteer opportunities.
The Festival is presented by Voice of Roma, co-presented by Berkeley Balkan Bacchanal and hosted by Ashkenaz Music and Dance Center.
The Festival is funded by Berkeley Civic Arts and the National Arts Relief Fund.
Graphic design by Jenette Sellin.
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Where is it happening?
Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702-1021, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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