Fanfare Ciocarlia

Fanfare Ciocarlia are the firsy gypsy band to play Cambridge since Taraf De Haidouks back in 2002.
Hailing from various parts of the Balkans, Fanfare Ciocarlia are more of a mini orchestra, some eleven musicians in number, than a band and draw on the songs and heritage picked up on the travels of the Roma peoples. Gypsy music has influenced and been influenced by more sounds and instruments than it's often given credit for. It is a genuine world music, not just a native sound tarred with the world music brush.
Fanfare Ciocarlia have been increasing the size of their fanbase since they overcame visa and border problems back in 1996. Ten years later they were picking up Radio 3 Planet award. Not only that they got to play at Buffy The Vampire Slayer's musical director, Danny Elfman, 50th birthday bash. Another year on sees them with a new album, "Queens And Kings" on Asphalt Tango records and a debut appearance at the Cambridge Folk Festival.