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Last Wednesday June 17th, Goran Bregovic and his Wedding and Funeral Orchestra played Bass Concert Hall. Knowing nothing about him I went Hoping to be at least mildly entertained. Instead I saw what I thought was the best touring act I’ve seen this year. If you are a world beat fan and you are not aware of Goran then lucky you. There is no way you will be able to escape complete joy and amazement at this composer, conductor, singer, guitar player, and madman. Simply put he is the poster boy for how successful musicians can transition their creative efforts and their careers.

After many years as a successful pop star he grew tired of pop and launched into the ethnic music surrounding the gypsies. He now has a 19 piece band divided between conservatory musicians and real gypsies.  He reminded me of a cross between Lawrence Welk, Spike Jones, Frank Zappa, and Robbie Robertson. Its not possible to describe the peaks and valleys his songs travel through so take my word for it. If you like music from other cultures then you have hit the jack pot with this guy. My suggestion is you go to his website and find out where he is playing next and go. If nothing go download his music or go to Waterloo and buy his C.D.s.....this is one of those rare times when you simply cannot be anything but satisfied!