WITH the music festival season underway, the Oxford Mail profiles some of the bands set to rock your summer.

First up: Eastern European-soul-klezmer-ska-punks The Balkan Wanderers 

THE Balkan Wanderers are a five-piece band based in Oxford, who play Balkan-inspired folk-ska-gypsy-punk.

The band began with Stu (British) accompanying singer Antica (Croatian) on guitar, mainly playing traditional Balkan songs.

Later they added Clare on clarinet and Marc and Rene on bass and drums, and expanded from traditional songs to include original compositions. The BWs create original East (European)-meets-West songs, often containing a mixture of English and Croatian lyrics.

listen to ‘Oxford Mail talk about Balkan Wanderers - Pride’ on Audioboom

They take inspiration from traditional Balkan, Gypsy and Klezmer music as well as the contemporary punk-ska scene. In a live setting they play fast party songs to make audiences dance hard.

  • Lead vocals: Antica Culina
  • Vocals and guitar: Stu Wigby
  • Clarinet: Clare Heaviside
  • Bass and backind vocals: Marc Witte Drums
  • Percussion: Rene Niehus

Upcoming gigs:

  • Sat 13th June – Harcourt Arms (headlining) at the Jericho Street Fair

  • Wed 24th June – Wheatsheaf (MD Promotions night)

  • Friday 3rd July – General Eliott in south Hinksey

  • 20th November - EP launch party at The Bullingdon, Coiwley Road, Oxford. Buy tickets here...