“Kalinka charmed the Live Oak crowd on a Sunday morning with their masterly musicianship and good humor, bringing joy to listeners’ hearts and tapping to their toes.”
--Marisa Waddell, Coordinator, Live Oak Music Festival (2016)
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"One of the area’s most active—and eclectic music makers…Kalinka is the brainchild of clarinetist Fred Nadis…formed over an impromptu performance at a Passover Seder in 2009, the band has picked up and lost a few members along the way, but never strayed far from their potent blend of Jewish klezmer, gypsy jazz, French café, and Eastern European folk music…On record and in person, Kalinka’s music tends to the upbeat, and as the only Bulgar band in the area, they pride themselves on bringing something meaningful and different to the table.”
--Aly Comingore, "Up Close with Kalinka." Santa Barbara Independent,April 25, 2013.
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"Kalinka played our 200 person wedding and created one of the livelier and more enjoyable horas we've ever participated in. We were lucky to be in the center of it! It was an absolute pleasure to have them be a part of our evening, and we would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone planning an event. Countless guests shared that it was one of the most memorable party experiences they've ever had. What's more, working with the band was easy and seamless. All in all, we can confidently say their music will bring joy — and conversation — wherever it's played. We only wish we could repeat the whole thing again!"
_Rachel and Eric, wedding October 2018
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These musicians are marvelous. I hired them for a house dance party gathering of local Balkan dancers. Their music was inspirational for dancing as well as delightful for my non-dance friends and neighbors.
--Bonnie, September 2016
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“We LOVE having Kalinka play at Ojai’s Earth Day Festival each year. The melodies range from haunting to unstoppable toe taps and hand claps! They are so talented and versatile, always drawing a crowd… I would recommend them every time.”
--Andy Gilman, Ojai Earth Day Coordinator
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We had a very specific vision for our event--a Summer Solstice Shtetl (Russian Jewish village) Wedding--and Kalinka was key to the success of each stage of it: As the guests arrived at Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens, Kalinka serenaded them with Eastern European melodies; as the bride and groom stepped on the wine glass and the guests yelled "Mazel Tov!" Kalinka played a lively Klezmer march and led the wedding procession to the reception site; and at the reception, Kalinka played a mix of Russian folk, Gypsy jazz, and American standards while the guests noshed on knishes, toasted with Stolichnaya vodka, feasted on Middle-Eastern food, and, of course, danced under the summer stars. Our wedding was "haimish" (Yiddish for homey and laid back) and festive, and we could not have pulled it off without the magic of Kalinka! Spasibo!
--Marc and Elena Flacks, wedding June 2016
--Marisa Waddell, Coordinator, Live Oak Music Festival (2016)
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"One of the area’s most active—and eclectic music makers…Kalinka is the brainchild of clarinetist Fred Nadis…formed over an impromptu performance at a Passover Seder in 2009, the band has picked up and lost a few members along the way, but never strayed far from their potent blend of Jewish klezmer, gypsy jazz, French café, and Eastern European folk music…On record and in person, Kalinka’s music tends to the upbeat, and as the only Bulgar band in the area, they pride themselves on bringing something meaningful and different to the table.”
--Aly Comingore, "Up Close with Kalinka." Santa Barbara Independent,April 25, 2013.
_________________________________________
"Kalinka played our 200 person wedding and created one of the livelier and more enjoyable horas we've ever participated in. We were lucky to be in the center of it! It was an absolute pleasure to have them be a part of our evening, and we would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone planning an event. Countless guests shared that it was one of the most memorable party experiences they've ever had. What's more, working with the band was easy and seamless. All in all, we can confidently say their music will bring joy — and conversation — wherever it's played. We only wish we could repeat the whole thing again!"
_Rachel and Eric, wedding October 2018
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These musicians are marvelous. I hired them for a house dance party gathering of local Balkan dancers. Their music was inspirational for dancing as well as delightful for my non-dance friends and neighbors.
--Bonnie, September 2016
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“We LOVE having Kalinka play at Ojai’s Earth Day Festival each year. The melodies range from haunting to unstoppable toe taps and hand claps! They are so talented and versatile, always drawing a crowd… I would recommend them every time.”
--Andy Gilman, Ojai Earth Day Coordinator
__________________________________________
We had a very specific vision for our event--a Summer Solstice Shtetl (Russian Jewish village) Wedding--and Kalinka was key to the success of each stage of it: As the guests arrived at Alice Keck Park Memorial Gardens, Kalinka serenaded them with Eastern European melodies; as the bride and groom stepped on the wine glass and the guests yelled "Mazel Tov!" Kalinka played a lively Klezmer march and led the wedding procession to the reception site; and at the reception, Kalinka played a mix of Russian folk, Gypsy jazz, and American standards while the guests noshed on knishes, toasted with Stolichnaya vodka, feasted on Middle-Eastern food, and, of course, danced under the summer stars. Our wedding was "haimish" (Yiddish for homey and laid back) and festive, and we could not have pulled it off without the magic of Kalinka! Spasibo!
--Marc and Elena Flacks, wedding June 2016
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"After doing a thorough research of the best bands in the area for my brother's wedding, I was recommended Kalinka by one of the area’s jazz band leaders. And I am so glad I was! The wedding was a mix of American, Russian-speaking and Jewish people that love great music and were ready to hit the dance floor - so Kalinka's fun Balkan/ Klezmer / Gypsy Swing tunes hit the soft spot with the wedding guests.
Fred and his band peers (all nicest people) were extremely helpful and understanding - as their performance was a complete surprise to both the bride and the groom and all the guests so there were certain logistical challenges involved. But they managed to smoothly set everything up for the moment the guests would be entering the reception hall - and you should have seen their faces! They were surprised and overjoyed - and took off dancing right away! I know Fred and Kalinka have many more songs in their repertoire - hence the only thing I can possible regret is not having them perform throughout the whole wedding. If you are ever faced with this choice - choose Kalinka and don't even think twice. What a special performance and incredibly talented and warm people." --Jelena Joffe, re: brother’s wedding at Gainey Winery, Santa Ynez, November 2015 |
"We have to tone this down, or else it won't sound like it's an authentic review from real people. After many years of hearing Kalinka play at the Saturday Farmer's Market, there was no other music we wanted to hear at our wedding.
They not only played at our ceremony and reception, they led an amazing klezmer parade from the ceremony to the reception. The band is stupendous - full of energy, fun and musical skill! The assortment of instruments and songs they could play was remarkable. They worked with us on the ceremony songs, first dances, and they had no problem filling out the rest of their sets with really upbeat, lively songs that got everyone dancing. They accommodated our schedule and how busy we were. We were thrilled with the band and all of our wedding guests were as well. We still get comments about our unforgettable wedding music. So many people, young and old, got out on the dance floor and boogied. Our photos from the cocktail hour before dinner just look like one giant dance party. On top of all this, they were lovely to work with, professional and dependable. Highly recommended." --Joshua and Alexa Newman, Santa Barbara wedding November 2014 |
"Thank you for making our wedding especially joyful. Klezmer is not a relic, it is for all time and right now. Kalinka makes the heart and the feet dance. Best wishes, Allan and Paula."
--Wedding January 2014,Congregation B’nai B’rith in Santa Barbara
--Wedding January 2014,Congregation B’nai B’rith in Santa Barbara
“Kalinka has been a favorite for many years, as an energetic, fun and highly talented musical act at the Santa Barbara Jewish Festival. There are few mainstays with our festival, but Kalinka is here to stay. The versatility of their music makes them likeable among a wide variety of audiences… dancers, younger, older…everyone and anyone anticipates the wonderful sound and energy that fills the air when Kalinka takes the stage. We only hope you have a chance to enjoy and support one of Santa Barbara’s musical gems and traditions! Thank you Kalinka.”
--Mike Witt, Santa Barbara Jewish Festival Coordinator
--Mike Witt, Santa Barbara Jewish Festival Coordinator
"These guys are great! They've given two presentations in my world music class at Westmont that were fun, informative, and well received. They know what they're doing and have a great time making music together. They're sure to bring joy to any occasion."
--M. Grey Brothers, Ph.D. Department of Music, Westmont College
--M. Grey Brothers, Ph.D. Department of Music, Westmont College
"We hired Kalinka to play at our wedding reception and could not have been more thrilled with our decision!!! EVERYBODY, young and old, loved their music and could not help stomping, clapping, and dancing to their lively tunes. We danced our "couples first dance" to their music and it was a hit! They were fabulous the whole night through. Not only are they extremely talented musicians, but we also thoroughly enjoyed working with the band and appreciated their willingness to learn some of our favorite songs for our reception. At a time where planning a wedding can be stressful, Kalinka was friendly, professional, courteous, accommodating, and just pure fun! We absolutely recommend them for any special event!! Thank you, Kalinka, for the wonderful music and memories - you are truly the best!"
--Anna and Jacek Tretko. Wedding October 2013
--Anna and Jacek Tretko. Wedding October 2013