Tapestry Folkdance Center presents
BULGARIKA BAND: DANCE PARTY & CONCERT
Sunday, September 28 | 7:30–10:30 PM
All are welcome! Join us for an unforgettable night of live music, dance, and cultural connection as Bulgarika returns to Minneapolis! This extraordinary Bulgarian folk band brings the soul of the Balkans to life with haunting vocals, intricate rhythms, and centuries-old melodies from across the regions of Bulgaria.
Bulgarika is led by renowned vocalist Donka Koleva and master gadulka player Nikolay Kolev, joined by virtuosos Stoyan Kostov (tambura) and Anton Shekerdjiev (tupan & kaba gaida). Together, they create a sound that is both deeply traditional and alive with vibrant energy.
Come dance, listen, and celebrate the living spirit of Bulgarian folk music!
Whether you're an experienced dancer or brand new to Balkan traditions, this event is for you! The evening features:
A spacious open dance floor with a friendly dance leader to guide the steps—no partner or experience needed.
Chairs and cabaret seating for those who prefer to relax and soak in the rich musical textures and dynamic rhythms.
Bulgarika is led by renowned vocalist Donka Koleva and master gadulka player Nikolay Kolev, joined by virtuosos Stoyan Kostov (tambura) and Anton Shekerdjiev (tupan & kaba gaida). Together, they create a sound that is both deeply traditional and alive with vibrant energy.
Come dance, listen, and celebrate the living spirit of Bulgarian folk music!
Bulgarika:
Donka Koleva (vocals) is a native of the village of Tuzha in the Stara Zagora region of Thrace. She graduated from the National School of Folk Arts in Shiroka Luka, Bulgaria, and performed for three years with the Sliven Folk Dance and Music Ensemble. She was director of the Folk Song Chorus of Sopot, has been a featured soloist on Bulgarian Radio-TV, has participated in numerous singing competitions in Bulgaria and Europe
and has been featured on numerous recordings. In 1997 her recording of Javore was named “Song of the Year” in the Bulgarian national radio competition. Since immigrating to the U.S. she has taught and performed widely across N. America, both privately and at numerous camps, festivals and other events. In addition to her vocal talents Donka serves as Bulgarika’s manager and has organized 12 national tours for the bands
Kabile’, Cherven Traktor, Bulgarika and the Kolev Family Ensemble.
Nikolay (Kotata) Kolev (gadulka) a native of the Thracian Rose Valley village of Karavelovo, has been playing gadulka since age 10. After graduating from the National School of Folk Arts in Shiroka Luka, Bulgaria, he performed for three years with the Sliven Folk Dance and Music Ensemble. In 1984 he founded the orchestra “Sopot”. In 1985 he formed the wedding-music ensemble “Rozova Dolina” and in 1992 the prize-winning ensemble “Balkanski Glasove”. In 1994 and 1995 the latter group took first prizes at the Varna Festival. Nikolay has accompanied many well-known singers including Vulkana Stojanova, Roumen Rodopski and Todor Kozhuharov. He has also taught many students at a number of Balkan camps in the U.S. In 1999, Nikolay was the first Bulgarian to be recognized by the Slavic Heritage Council of America for his outstanding contributions to music.
Stoyan (Pileto) Kostov has been playing Bulgarian tambura for over 50 years. He graduated from the folk music school in Kotel and the Plovdiv Academy of Music and Dance. Stoyan performed with Ensemble Trakiya and played tambura with Harmanliska Troika, and guitar with the Ograzhden ensemble in Sandanski, where he also directed the “N. Vaptsarov” Folk Ensemble. Currently he lives in Phoenix, AZ.
Anton (Shekera) Shekerdjiev developed a deep appreciation for traditional music from a young age. Born into a family of musicians in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, his father’s performances at weddings in the Thracian Valley instilled in him a profound understanding of the region’s vibrant musical culture. He formed a Balkan music band with fellow Bulgarian musicians brothers Hristevi in Spain, touring extensively throughout the Iberian Peninsula. He relocated to the United States, where he formed the band Kyklo with an American musician deeply inspired by Balkan music. He is
honored to be touring with Bulgarika.