Description

Blato Zlato ("Swamp Gold") is a Balkan band featuring tight vocal harmonies & kick-ass instrumentals.

Founded in 2015 in New Orleans as a result of a super-group collaboration between the instrumental Eastern European and Klezmer band G-String Orchestra and a cappella Balkan vocal trio Pyeya. First formed to play NYC's Golden Festival in 2015, members realized the potential that could be had from full three-part harmony vocals over violin, accordion, bass and percussion, and so they continued and expanded membership. Their 2017 debut album, Swamp Gold, is the result of collaborative improvisations and arrangements from all six members, fueled by late-night rakia and wine and informed by a love for the various elements of Balkan music that drew them to it: the taksim, the drone, the close vocal harmonies, and the driving irregular meters.

Blato Zlato's members each come to the band from vastly different backgrounds. Drummer Boyanna Trayanova is originally Bulgarian and immigrated to the United States as a child, growing up studying percussion with musical masters in New Orleans and then rediscovering her roots through the tupan and doumbek as an adult. Other members are American with roots to Europe, with vocalist Annalisa Kelly having grown up in the USSR, Yugoslavia, Turkey, and other European countries, and accordionist/vocalist Lou Carrig growing up a dual citizen of both the United States and Ireland, splitting time between both countries. All members have devoted years to studying Balkan musical tradition in the United States, Bulgaria, Turkey, Serbia, and Greece, and are proud to share membership with other Balkan bands as part of a blossoming Balkan music scene in New Orleans

Description

Welcome to the Magic Garden Pub and Restaurant! Nestled in the heart of South West London, right by Battersea Park, we are a community of festival-goers, foodies, DJs and musicians who want to give you the best of what the international music scene has to offer.

Often described as a “festival in a pub”, weekends at the Magic Garden are all about big festival bands with the some of the finest DJs from the London scene and beyond! Expect plenty of dancing and loads of fun – you’ll hear everything from funk, Balkan and reggae to hip hop, ska and Latin.

Socialise in our stunning garden, where we provide furry blankets and hot water bottles in case you’re feeling nippy. Birthday parties and bookings are taken special care of – book with us to reserve a table for a memorable meal with friends. Sundays we’ve got “The Cure” – free blues gigs, plus whopping Sunday Roasts, board games and Bloody Marys.

But it’s not all party party…weekdays in the Magic Garden involve cosy cappucinos and newspapers in the garden, a delicious and reasonably priced lunch menu, and vintage armchairs in which you can work away with our free WIFI. Wednesday and Thursday evenings we put on free gigs, showcasing local and international artists. Jazz, blues and world music are just some of eclectic mix that you’ll find here! Great to enjoy over our mouth-watering dinner menu, plus Happy Hour runs Monday to Friday from 5-7pm.

Come explore our beautiful huge garden, chat with our friendly staff, and discover your new favourite band. We can’t wait to meet you!

231 Battersea Park Road,

City of London,

Greater London,

England,

SW11 4LG.

0207 622 4844