https://www.planina.org/new-events daily 0.75 2026-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/4eccfb99-45d3-4af5-af7c-a73f76049994/DSC07575web.jpg Events https://www.planina.org/new-events/2026/3/29/ukrainian-singing-workshop-with-nadia-tarnawsky monthly 0.5 2026-03-01 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2026/3/28/oj-tam-na-hori monthly 0.5 2026-03-19 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2025/12/13/planina-holiday-concert-south-denver monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2025/12/13/planina-holiday-concert-arvada monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2025/10/11/planina-a-harvest-gathering monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/https/vwticketleapcom/2023-boulder-balkan-bash-pxsnm monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1762534961826-N044EOEGPGVKKX66U7IR/2025+Bash+Graphic+FINAL.png Events - 2025 Boulder Balkan Bash - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.planina.org/new-events/2025/5/18/planina-the-contemplation-concert monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2023/4/21/cu-slavic-spring-festival-sz4pn-38jh6 monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/6060bc98-48a5-4270-a1c1-876b423da356/20230421_173840+cropped.jpg Events - Calling In the Spring: Planina Sings at CU Slavic Spring Festival 2025 - Make it stand out Planina at the 2023 CU Slavic Spring Festival (photo Adam J. Griff) https://www.planina.org/new-events/2025/1/11/planinas-holiday-house-concert monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2024/11/30/planina-sings-at-christkindlmarket monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/5102d4b2-edf0-4adc-9a81-1939ef1c4a12/Christkindl+2023+collage.png Events - Planina Sings at Christkindlmarket - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.planina.org/new-events/2024/8/9/festo-festo monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2024/8/5/from-georgia-with-love-northern-edition monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2024/6/4/driveway-concerts-on-oneida-presents-planina monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/host-planina-for-an-evening-of-folk-dancing-to-live-2024/5/17/boulder-international-folk-dancers-music monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2023/4/21/cu-slavic-spring-festival-sz4pn monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/6060bc98-48a5-4270-a1c1-876b423da356/20230421_173840+cropped.jpg Events - CU Slavic Spring Festival - Make it stand out Planina at the 2023 CU Slavic Spring Festival (photo Adam J. Griff) https://www.planina.org/new-events/2024/3/16/from-bulgaria-with-love monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2024/3/9/planina-from-georgia-with-love monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/festo-festo-new-years-eve monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2023/11/26/planina-at-2023-christkindlmarket monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/https/vwticketleapcom/2023-boulder-balkan-bash monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2022/6/30/driveway-concerts-on-oneida-presents-planina-76crw-yrptt monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2023/6/15/the-lincoln-center-childrens-summer-series monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2023/5/7/beautiful-as-the-full-moon-an-evening-of-songs-from-eastern-europe-and-the-caucasus monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2023/5/6/2023-whole-acalada monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1683295565192-QM6OZGAHFYDI7QYJ7HHA/DSC03106.jpg Events - 2023 The Whole AcaLada https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1683295597876-LZS9JC17HJ8VEID6M0BC/Acalada%2BLogo.jpg Events - 2023 The Whole AcaLada https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1683295628135-3W2NJELV5JOJ5W5G212F/20220820_204141_Moment2.jpg Events - 2023 The Whole AcaLada https://www.planina.org/new-events/2023/4/21/cu-slavic-spring-festival monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1679685263718-RN4WA2H5E4ZNV77525GO/IMG_20220421_131959.jpg Events - CU Slavic Spring Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1679685276055-GL009PG7FECGVRV9E7WA/IMG_20220421_131936.jpg Events - CU Slavic Spring Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1679685271074-CVJHLH1UGRY61CKGLSQ0/IMG_20220421_131950.jpg Events - CU Slavic Spring Festival https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1682027148898-Q07NQZUIWFO0ZQSH2FEH/IMG_20220421_131957.jpg Events - CU Slavic Spring Festival https://www.planina.org/new-events/2023/3/4/bulgarian-liberation-day-party monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/d0c3dbb4-1985-4c0f-a237-a82a8f5776f6/Poster-Final.jpg Events - Bulgarian Liberation Day Party - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.planina.org/new-events/2023/1/26/festo-festo monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/d4d7cfbb-e4ec-4ac5-81e5-11684ecc2755/Festo+collage.png Events - Festo Festo featuring Planina - Make it stand out Photos from previous Festo Festo events: L, Barbelfish, R, Hal Aqua and the Lost Tribe. https://www.planina.org/new-events/2022/12/17/planina-sings-at-denver-christkindlmarket monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2022/9/13/planinas-denver-concert-to-benefit-humanitarian-relief-for-ukraine monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2022/9/10/orthodox-food-festival monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2022/8/20/planina-in-concert-a-celebration-of-eastern-european-music-and-culture-benefiting-humanitarian-relief-for-ukraine monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2022/6/30/driveway-concerts-on-oneida-presents-planina-76crw monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2022/6/30/driveway-concerts-on-oneida-presents-planina monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2021/7/24/alexs-virtual-folk-arts-series-presents-planina-songs-of-eastern-europe monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2020/3/7/planina-at-the-central-denver-public-library monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1582677623582-6UVWNDNN5EHB0WOXW6GI/Movies+%26+Music+Room.jpg Events - Planina at the Central Denver Public Library https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1582677825620-BLLXMRN2VIJIT1C2L2BN/Library+Planina+Dec+2018-15.jpg Events - Planina at the Central Denver Public Library https://www.planina.org/new-events/2020/2/21/longmont-museums-friday-afternoon-series-planina-in-concert monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2020/1/18/planina-the-contemplation-concert monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2019/12/7/planina-performs-at-the-denver-christkindl-market monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2019/8/6/save-the-date-2019-boulder-balkan-bash-nov-2 monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1565115075590-N8N7DDY1X395S0WKE6Z6/ID+Bash.jpg Events - 2019 Boulder Balkan Bash! https://www.planina.org/new-events/2019/8/10/planina-performs-at-bohemian-nights-at-newwestfest monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2019/6/15/planina-at-boulder-international-festival monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2019/4/19/cu-slavic-festival-2019 monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2019/2/2/from-bulgaria-with-love-roses-rakiya-amp-song monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1544124240869-UJG2OFP7IMJI40D17LIE/image-asset.jpeg Events - From Bulgaria with Love: Roses, Rakiya & Song - From Bulgaria with Love: Roses, Rakiya & Song https://www.planina.org/new-events/2018/12/19/first-annual-holiday-sing-along-at-the-avalon monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1541619948710-EXGXA7WYA9TG4N8WDUWR/Sing-along-flyer.jpeg Events - First Annual Holiday Sing-along at the Avalon https://www.planina.org/new-events/2018/12/18/boulder-public-librarys-3rd-thusday-lunchtime-concert-series monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2018/11/4/planina-marrakech-express-at-first-universalist-church monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2018/4/27/planina-at-bear-creek-international-culture-fest monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1524769089469-N9QSAOHN39UK3AP1XMOG/IMG_0916%5BEDITED%5D.jpg Events - Planina at Bear Creek International Culture Fest Bear Creek Elementary School 2500 Table Mesa Dr, Boulder, CO 80305 International Culture Fest Friday, April 27, 4:30-6:30 pm. Planina sings 5-5:30 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2018/3/13/cu-russian-festival-2018 monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1520977052881-EIBDF990KGZ62CIK2O8L/cUYi_f85QyOoAQvorV6YtDSYQwSvRzcbf7C-x84QfYzNe2yY_ZDkTi8uYpP5.jpg Events - CU Russian Festival - 2018 https://www.planina.org/new-events/http/connectswallowhillmusicorg/eventticket/eventdetail/2946/id0/planina-and-marrakech-express-denver-2018 monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2017/12/9/planina-at-christkindl-market-downtown-denver monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1512055087861-K7BBNVPYD88ZL0CS9RVG/Christkindl+Market.jpg Events - Planina at Christkindl Market, Downtown Denver https://www.planina.org/new-events/2017/12/6/soundscape-world-beat-at-the-dairy-arts-center-boulder monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1510603246919-BSRQQHLU7C4A2GYFST3J/2015_SOUNDSCAPE_banner.jpg Events - Soundscape: World Beat at the Dairy Arts Center, Boulder https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1511912087966-9M16SNSNZS9JUP6NMV4R/Soundscape+at+the+Dairy.jpg Events - Soundscape: World Beat at the Dairy Arts Center, Boulder https://www.planina.org/new-events/2017/10/25/music-of-eastern-europe-and-the-eastern-mediterranean monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2017/10/17/kgnu-kabaret monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2017/11/11/2017-boulder-balkan-bash monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1503002555077-L9ODF1BVNPOFSLN2VHON/image-asset.jpeg Events - 2017 Boulder Balkan Bash https://www.planina.org/new-events/2017/7/19/2017-boulder-balkan-bash monthly 0.5 2017-08-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2016/11/12/boulder-balkan-bash-tmmmn monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2017/9/15/voices-planina-sings-for-cu-first-year-program monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1503001642608-1BOCVNX8YPV5GMPY8HEE/image-asset.jpeg Events - Voices: Planina Sings for CU First Year Program https://www.planina.org/new-events/2017/6/17/2017-boulder-international-festival monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2017/4/29/planina-in-concert-at-nevei-kodesh monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2017/4/21/cu-russian-festival monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2016/11/12/boulder-balkan-bash monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2016/8/11/edgewater-festival monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2016/11/18/xmas monthly 0.5 2016-08-11 https://www.planina.org/new-events/2016/7/17/orthodox-food-festival monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/news1 daily 0.75 2023-05-26 https://www.planina.org/news1/2023/5/26/planinas-2023-study-trip-to-the-country-of-georgia monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/news1/2023/3/15/planina-raises-over-8k-in-humanitarian-relief-for-ukraine monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/caba62b4-e737-451d-b523-cd5169f06f81/Planina+performs+at+8-20-22+fundraiser+in+Boulder+%28photo+by+Adam+J.+Griff%29.jpg Newsfeed - Planina Raises over $8k in Humanitarian Relief for Ukraine - Make it stand out Planina performing at the first fundraiser, Boulder, August 20, 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1678998189379-C8YY3NC20AHJ7V6SF5U1/Colorful+Ukranian+painting.jpg Newsfeed - Planina Raises over $8k in Humanitarian Relief for Ukraine - Make it stand out “Free” 70x80 cm ©Olesya Hudyma, 2021. Olesya Hudyma is a contemporary Ukrainian painter. Find her on the web at: facebook.com/olesyahudymagallery and olesyahudyma.com. For those so inspired, you can make a donation directly to the artist via her website. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/7548a35c-2405-45c9-b6f2-68f7f2d75bf7/Planina%2C+incl.+inst.+%282%29%2C+at+Denver+Ukrainian+Fundraiser+10-15-22.JPG Newsfeed - Planina Raises over $8k in Humanitarian Relief for Ukraine - Make it stand out Planina performing at the second fundraiser, Denver, October 15, 2022. https://www.planina.org/news1/2021/1/27/a-healing-song-from-georgia monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1611795913529-7KA4JODW6IRZ85K328IO/thumbnail+w+arrow.jpg Newsfeed - A Healing Song from Georgia https://www.planina.org/news1/2020/2/12/2019-boulder-balkan-bash-rocked monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1581550173866-YJLIE0QCFRJGJ544LJQ0/IMG_3279.JPG Newsfeed - 2019 Boulder Balkan Bash Rocked! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1581550189621-MBHFM6HYMWOC09RSJJWM/IMG_3296.JPG Newsfeed - 2019 Boulder Balkan Bash Rocked! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1581550231927-JYP7I5L4UP4U9H0LGVDE/IMG_3309.JPG Newsfeed - 2019 Boulder Balkan Bash Rocked! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1581550231829-GHW6BLKPFNJBINF1MP0X/IMG_3315.JPG Newsfeed - 2019 Boulder Balkan Bash Rocked! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1581550270088-O632D1JQ58FSL7FY73BS/IMG_3358.JPG Newsfeed - 2019 Boulder Balkan Bash Rocked! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1581550275154-T7923U2V6N266JJSJW3E/IMG_3376.JPG Newsfeed - 2019 Boulder Balkan Bash Rocked! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1581550289849-DPHX1BO0T12CAFHOSJK9/IMG_3388.JPG Newsfeed - 2019 Boulder Balkan Bash Rocked! https://www.planina.org/news1/2019/12/24/planina-celebrates-the-holidays-and-looks-forward-to-the-contemplation-concert monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1577208534332-79FXKZ0M7D3UTWOG6Q83/20190202_210624.jpg Newsfeed - Planina Celebrates the Holidays and Looks Forward to the Contemplation Concert Bulgaria Concert https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1577208590310-WK6XWVXAQQ5GA577E1KW/20191102_204424_adj.jpg Newsfeed - Planina Celebrates the Holidays and Looks Forward to the Contemplation Concert 2019 Balkan Bash https://www.planina.org/news1/2018/4/14/studying-with-singers-in-the-bulgarian-mountains-planinas-2018-summer-trip-1 monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1523736866893-L4MIRMR3M00SBKXRSJEF/slide+17+pp2.jpg Newsfeed - Studying with Singers in the Bulgarian Mountains – Planina’s 2018 Summer Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1523737032650-CR07ZIP719JGIHR9MLPR/7-View+from+Dorkovo.JPG Newsfeed - Studying with Singers in the Bulgarian Mountains – Planina’s 2018 Summer Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1523737101658-X9T6MOAYHI6YS6X3HJ49/20-Grashevo+kids.JPG Newsfeed - Studying with Singers in the Bulgarian Mountains – Planina’s 2018 Summer Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1523747155526-G8LOD5TLSEQ3LOBHT94S/31-From+our+balcony+at+Koprivshtitsa.JPG Newsfeed - Studying with Singers in the Bulgarian Mountains – Planina’s 2018 Summer Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1523737101492-83D0FIDU26096O5VWPL4/21-Grashevo+women+and+street.JPG Newsfeed - Studying with Singers in the Bulgarian Mountains – Planina’s 2018 Summer Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1523737102425-IRKR265NNCMJOPGH2WCQ/Bulgaria+05+244-Village+Seen+From+the+Train+to+Bansko.JPG Newsfeed - Studying with Singers in the Bulgarian Mountains – Planina’s 2018 Summer Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1523747172012-M5XLI3UJS0V5JODHOD95/Bulgaria+05+116-Classroom+in+Dorkovo.JPG Newsfeed - Studying with Singers in the Bulgarian Mountains – Planina’s 2018 Summer Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1523747135543-3VFPH4UL6A6EGL7NS7UN/26-Sheep+at+our+corner.JPG Newsfeed - Studying with Singers in the Bulgarian Mountains – Planina’s 2018 Summer Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1523747217675-I4939EY9FUG0ZTGISXEO/Bulgaria+05+201-Balcony+View+of+Dorkovo+Festival.JPG Newsfeed - Studying with Singers in the Bulgarian Mountains – Planina’s 2018 Summer Trip https://www.planina.org/news1/2017/3/24/2016-boulder-balkan-bash-a-wonderful-time-was-had-by-all monthly 0.5 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1490411251404-2TNECCOQO3TFGK61PMTN/IMG_0225.jpg Newsfeed - 2016 Boulder Balkan Bash - A Wonderful Time Was Had By All - Boulder Balkan Bash 2016: the crowd dances to the Bitovniks photo: Steward Hartman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1490411269858-MAIXBZBMVC58FVH6336U/IMG_0254.jpg Newsfeed - 2016 Boulder Balkan Bash - A Wonderful Time Was Had By All - Boulder Balkan Bash 2016: Bitovniks and dancers photo: Steward Hartman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1490411277341-AG0O8F2L7OL2WQ94WEM5/IMG_0346.jpg Newsfeed - 2016 Boulder Balkan Bash - A Wonderful Time Was Had By All - Boulder Balkan Bash 2016: Some members of Ansambl Teodosijev photo: Steward Hartman 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So hard to say goodbye to beautiful Bulgaria and our warm and friendly teachers in the villages. But also difficult to part with Dan Osterman, bright, curious, and very patient with the rigors of travel. Dan stayed awhile longer in Bulgaria with his mother, Planina member Laura Olson Osterman, trip organizer extraordinaire, for a few more days while Laura did additional research on folk traditions in the villages. Dan joined Planina on stage in a traditional costume - pictured here - for some songs. We loved traveling with him! - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534789354222-Y0R0N5206YM44BY0ZL1N/image-asset.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 - "Mom, are you a celebrity in villages?" Dan Osterman asked this question as we walked through the night to our cars in Draginovo after attending an impressive street party one evening in connection with a Muslim wedding (see the post "The Wedding Dance"). As we folk danced with family and friends of the bride and groom, several people asked us if Laura had come with us; she had, but the crowd was so large it was hard to locate individuals. On leaving the party, a group called out to Laura and spoke with her for several minutes. After the conversation Dan asked this funny question. The answer is, of course, yes, and Planina members are the richer for Laura's research and deep connections with villagers developed over many years. In this photo Laura talks with residents of Dorkovo during a daytime party with lots of singing. Thanks in large part to Laura, Planina members experienced a wonderful intensity in our conversations and singing with villagers in the Pirin and Rhodope villages we visited. Laura translated for some of us (other Planinas had some command of Bulgarian); organized numerous field trips; and resolved many of the issues that arise with foreign travel. We are deeply grateful to Laura for all she did for Planina to make this trip so rich and memorable! - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534787567471-XXZMANBGL56LVM7ITT49/image002.jpg Bulgaria 2018 - Savy's Report After studying folklore for a year in a Baltic country situated along regions that Planina draws upon for much of our repertoire, I have gained some interesting cultural perspective. As it turns out, I arrived in Bulgaria directly from a folk music festival in Kaustinen, Finland, where I performed a rather jazzy version of “As më jep,” which I had shared with a small ensemble I joined while in Estonia. (Image: Sofia Ethnographic Museum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534787991200-GWUF2BC3DYD6H0RRENQB/image008.jpg Bulgaria 2018 Leaving the hustle and bustle of the capital and venturing to the first village of Breznitsa was quite the adventure. After winding through picturesque valleys and lush mountain roads we arrived to meet our very kind hosts. (Image: Fatme, one of our lovely hosts, posing in Galina's new Ukrainian outfit in Breznitsa) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534787712236-VS29WH2T6EO5VEDG5HTU/image006.jpg Bulgaria 2018 Galina and I took early morning walks along the hilltops to get a view of the village. Surrounded by mist- covered mountains, we shared songs and stories as shepherds led flocks up to graze along the trees and meadows. During one of our walks we discovered a traditional wooden washing drum built into the passing mountain stream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534787826703-KG6AT3ZOKR06YF3L4VVV/image004.jpg Bulgaria 2018 Bulgaria is known for being a farming country and there are many animals roaming the streets of the villages. In each village we visited we made many furry friends. Our mascot for Breznitsa was Peanut the kitten who lived on the porch of the home where Laura stayed with her son Dan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534788173743-V4KXH2FW6QF1M92OXMNJ/image010.jpg Bulgaria 2018 Galina with a farm rabbit we met on one of our walks in the mountains of Breznitsa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534788511439-AYG34UB5FPH315WQHG6E/image016.jpg Bulgaria 2018 We later met with the local ensemble and attended their rehearsal. Near the end we were invited to sing and dance along with the locals well into the night. The following day we met for a music workshop with members of the ensemble. They brought along a village elder who shared some very special songs. After really honing our musical skills with the locals we shared some of our repertoire at a special concert in an art gallery in Velingrad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534788669175-58EL8SDCF21JPOWUABN4/image020.jpg Bulgaria 2018 Wedding Party in Draginovo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534181208814-BQKX2MU7EG4PY47NRJWT/image-asset.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 - Making Friends in Dorkovo Prior to marching in the opening night parade of the Dorkovo Festival, Planina members got reacquainted with some members of the Dorkovo Ensemble, from whom we've learned songs in the past. Pictured here with Ensemble members are Mallie Kermiet and Savy Powell of Planina. - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534179920258-5ZO5NINUOUGVSQIBGK9E/IMG_8062.jpg Bulgaria 2018 Planina member Mallie admires the heavy wool coat of a Dorkovo Ensemble member. - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534179870837-O98XQKVVK97X0TVFB2KX/IMG_7930.jpg Bulgaria 2018 An audience member asked to be photographed with Galina, who is wearing a headdress from Ukraine. - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534178469371-HZO7ZJ1ZGNGMEO0Z6UO1/IMG_0357.jpg Bulgaria 2018 Later that evening, I was thrilled to witness Julie and Jim’s reunion with their hosts from 2005, Nadka and her son Kostadin, depicted in the photo here. What a heartfelt scene that was. I loved the hands-to-heart gesture that Julie and Nadka mirrored to convey their connection – the international language! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534178788412-JD8ALBQUPYW75FQ6SYMQ/IMG_0378.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534178984518-ZZKFZHL1WCGLMDPZFVF4/20180729_230328.jpg Bulgaria 2018 We capped off our time in Dorkovo with a visit to our favorite Dorkovo resident, Yanko Duzov. Yanko apparently no longer sings with the ensemble, but otherwise hasn’t changed a bit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534181154070-NQOPDII82WQJESSOQNI2/IMG_7974.jpg Bulgaria 2018 - The Wedding Dance During our stay in Bulgaria, Planina attended a party in connection with a Muslim wedding in the village of Draginovo. We had met the bride and some of her family earlier in the week when we visited the bride's dowry (see below). In addition to dancing with her and the groom in a folk dance that stretched a block with two full dance lines, we were greeted enthusiastically by the village singers who had taught us new songs and also by our friendly server from the Draginovo hotel we stayed in earlier in the week. It seemed the whole village was at the party that night. - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1533866641690-7JHTYV6XMKDLYA3A164H/20180727_105227.jpg Bulgaria 2018 - The Wedding Dowry While in Draginovo, we were invited to see the dowry for a traditional Muslem wedding that would be taking place that weekend. The bride’s house was in a neighborhood up a steep hill, and the items were on display in a separate building, like a small garage, behind the house. The items filled all four sides of the room. On one wall were gifts the family would be giving to friends and relatives, and on the other walls were the bride’s dowry that she would be taking with her. The bride’s mother had been sewing and knitting these items for many years. The bride graciously came out and met us, passed out festive bread and gave each of us a small gift, then changed into a special dress to pose with her fiancé for us. - J.L. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534203815498-PE11ZLKCKJLEGO4N2VTV/Velingrad+award.jpg Bulgaria 2018 - Planina Concert in Velingrad Our friends Milyo and Elka Kepcheleva are from Draginovo but have spent a fair amount of time over the last many years living in Boulder, CO. They are involved with the cultural center and the folklore group in Draginovo, and they lined up many experiences for us while we were there. Milyo arranged for Planina to present a concert on July 25 in Velingrad, a larger town near Draginovo. Velingrad is a spa town and a popular summer resort. We sang at an art gallery with a top-notch sound system and sound technician, for an audience of about 30. Having just spent several days singing with the fearless singers of Breznitsa, we performed well and the audience was extremely enthusiastic. Most surprising was that the mayor of Velingrad sent a cultural representative who read a proclamation (shown here), commending Planina for studying Bulgarian folk music and for coming to Velingrad. She gave us a bouquet of sunflowers (Bailey is holding the bouquet somewhere else on this page) and handed me a bag that contained a plaque, some souvenirs, and 12 little bunches of zdravets leaves: wild geranium, traditionally given as a greeting. J.L. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1533863748964-18US8P5R8YTCIFITX2XO/20180722_113206.jpg Bulgaria 2018 - With Salih Laura—sporting one of the costumes that the Breznitsa folks brought for us to try on—writes down lyrics with the help of one of our teachers, Salih Bukovyan. He directs one of the traditional folklore groups in Breznitsa and works in the mayor’s office. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1533915013201-TJ2KLCMMIZ4UHB2XTK7F/Salih+hut+1+-+adj.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534181262919-RG9U9YB2VRM6WHP17Z30/image-asset.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 Wherever Planina member Nicholas Caputo was found was usually where the party was—the accordion party, that is! Self taught in accordion after years of piano instruction, Nicholas charmed Planina members and villagers alike with his alluring, passionate, and energetic melodies, both traditional and those he composed. Added bonus: he brought the fabulous Bailey Harper on our trip. She fit right in with our Planina group, and, as a professional dancer, Bailey folk danced like she’d been doing it all her life. - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1533863056949-QQQ83ITXBTYORH9ONLYM/20180722_170802.jpg Bulgaria 2018 - Nafie and Nusha Nafie and Nusha, two of our teachers in Breznitsa, are longtime friends and have sung together for years. (In the background, Bailey Harper, one of the significant others with Planina on this trip.) Nafie (center in the photo) was also host to most of us. One treat she cooked was zelen bob (green beans): wide, flat, Italian-style green beans from her garden, made with some kind of a roux and garnished with homemade yogurt seasoned with garlic, scallions and salt. A true culinary highlight. - J.L. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534182595492-WN7Z2E87196V9OEFDBCB/image-asset.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 Nafie kissing Dan, to Dan’s half-horror, half-enjoyment . . . - L.O. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534789452502-9417BTTMYPIPJU0J5WEV/IMG_7528+%28Sharon%29.jpg Bulgaria 2018 - A Lesson in Bulgarian Planina member Mallie Kermiet learned some Bulgarian before the trip, and she was pleased to find she could have conversations with Bulgarians! Her past experience with Russian helped a lot as there is some overlap in the languages. Here Mallie tries out her Bulgarian with our host in Breznitsa, Nafie, who held Mallie's hand throughout the conversation. We grew so fond of Nafie who provided us with great food, a beautiful place to stay, and many, many songs.A Lesson in Bulgarian - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1532476496980-I3N19GXN6IYTXEPFCCZH/Picnic+mts+Breznitsa.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 - Somewhere in the Pirin Mountains On Monday, July 23, our host took us to the mountains again, this time for a lamb roast. Probably 35 people altogether. These three women (left) are a trio of sublime singers. They are teenagers, although one is married and a mom. The location is a public picnic house that anyone can use on a first-come basis. The property has a big shelter with a wood-burning stove for winter warmth and sliding windows to keep out the wind and rain if needed, or be completely open for a nice day like we had. A short distance across the field from us was another small building with running water and a built-in place to grill (our lamb was delivered). What an incredible amenity! What a party place, and it held all of us in comfort. Our two groups sang for eight solid hours, the women brought costumes for folks to try on, and we danced in the field between the buildings. The groups took turns singing and frequently sang together when they knew the same songs. The host group was incredibly generous musically. And, once again, a fabulous feast! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534182643838-ELXVIWFV8L7DROXUPB3P/image-asset.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 Nafie playing Ernie’s sousaphone, to general merriment. L.O. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1532477453055-14R7J9429R7KY1GZW4DZ/post+lesson+lunch.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 - The Food? It's fabulous. And plentiful. Bulgarians are amazing hosts and each meal is a feast! This party took place on Sunday, July 22, at a Breznitsa resident's mountain villa. They served us beans and meat cooked in ceramic pots in a fire pit, four different kinds of banitsa (a Bulgarian specialty involving filo dough and fillings, either savory or sweet), watermelon, and copious amounts of cucumbers. Members of both folklore groups came and sang for hours, some a cappella singing and some accompanied by an indefatigable accordionist, a tambura player and various drummers. Many strong male as well as female singers. - J.S. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534181288930-3XMT8Z8GEQGKP0AQNXYF/image-asset.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 Photo of the pots of beans, and two of the cooks, at the workshop in Breznitsa. It takes a village . . . - L.O. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534037757446-Z65L81N0BHP6F2PK009A/Field+music.jpg Bulgaria 2018 - Who's the Guy with the Horn? Ernie Williams plays the sousaphone. He lives in Gainesville, FL, and is a longtime friend of and musical co-conspirator with Planina member / accordion player Nicholas Caputo. They played street music in several countries en route to Planina's meet-up in Sofia. Could Ernie join our trip? Yes! Ernie learned the bass line for a number of Planina tunes and accompanied us in our performances and our adventures. They found moments to do street music (or in this case, field music) in the Bulgarian towns we visited, too—sometimes accompanied by Savy on viola, with Bailey dancing. - J.L. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1532477576202-7WIZBY3X92PU5KS8K65A/Laura+%26+Savy.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 - Joining us from Estonia We are so happy that former Planina member Savannah Powell joined us on this trip. Savy lives in Estonia, where she is studying folklore. Many Planina fans will remember her silvery soprano voice and soulful viola playing. She and Laura share a laugh as Planina learns a new song from traditional singers in Breznitsa. - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1532477340418-KTONTFS750HHGJFHP95D/1st+lesson+in+Breznitza.JPG Bulgaria 2018 Our first lesson in Breznitsa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1532474990522-6RGVDI8ZN74MTPTSBFX2/Breakfast+in+the+grape+arbor+in+Breznitsa.JPG Bulgaria 2018 - Breakfast Under a grape arbor. The night before, we drank rakia made from grapes from these vines... - J.S. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1532476971392-U5RM9E4N6TWQWOAD3TDH/Laura+%26+old+Breznitsa+woman.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 - Breznitsa at last! Nothing could prepare Planina members for the Muslim village of Breznitsa, Bulgaria and its welcoming residents. Beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, fruit trees, hay barns with horses, cows and sheep in the winding lanes. Here, a 90-year-old woman greets Laura on our first afternoon in Breznitsa. - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1532474409420-CK65G7L3RIISHAU8SY4G/Rest+stop+on+way+to+Breznitsa+-+Koka+Kola+tastes+just+like+Coke%21.JPG Bulgaria 2018 - On the way to Breznitsa Rest stop on the way to Breznitza, where the peaches were fabulous, as was the Koka Kola (according to one connoisseur, it tastes just like Coke). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1532474200489-1ASF2RT5JORP6BDDCVLR/Julie+%26+Cabbie+singing.JPG Bulgaria 2018 - First Contact Julie gets a thumbs up from the cab driver as they sing while traveling from the airport to the apartment where some of us would be staying in Sofia. - J.S. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534789576348-IQO13CYJ0FWAKPELW43I/IMG_8087%28Dan%29.jpg Bulgaria 2018 - Dan Osterman Most Planina members left Dorkovo on July 30th to catch flights back home to Denver. So hard to say goodbye to beautiful Bulgaria and our warm and friendly teachers in the villages. But also difficult to part with Dan Osterman, bright, curious, and very patient with the rigors of travel. Dan stayed awhile longer in Bulgaria with his mother, Planina member Laura Olson Osterman, trip organizer extraordinaire, for a few more days while Laura did additional research on folk traditions in the villages. Dan joined Planina on stage in a traditional costume - pictured here - for some songs. We loved traveling with him! - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534789354222-Y0R0N5206YM44BY0ZL1N/image-asset.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 - "Mom, are you a celebrity in villages?" Dan Osterman asked this question as we walked through the night to our cars in Draginovo after attending an impressive street party one evening in connection with a Muslim wedding (see the post "The Wedding Dance"). As we folk danced with family and friends of the bride and groom, several people asked us if Laura had come with us; she had, but the crowd was so large it was hard to locate individuals. On leaving the party, a group called out to Laura and spoke with her for several minutes. After the conversation Dan asked this funny question. The answer is, of course, yes, and Planina members are the richer for Laura's research and deep connections with villagers developed over many years. In this photo Laura talks with residents of Dorkovo during a daytime party with lots of singing. Thanks in large part to Laura, Planina members experienced a wonderful intensity in our conversations and singing with villagers in the Pirin and Rhodope villages we visited. Laura translated for some of us (other Planinas had some command of Bulgarian); organized numerous field trips; and resolved many of the issues that arise with foreign travel. We are deeply grateful to Laura for all she did for Planina to make this trip so rich and memorable! - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534787567471-XXZMANBGL56LVM7ITT49/image002.jpg Bulgaria 2018 - Savy's Report After studying folklore for a year in a Baltic country situated along regions that Planina draws upon for much of our repertoire, I have gained some interesting cultural perspective. As it turns out, I arrived in Bulgaria directly from a folk music festival in Kaustinen, Finland, where I performed a rather jazzy version of “As më jep,” which I had shared with a small ensemble I joined while in Estonia. (Image: Sofia Ethnographic Museum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534787991200-GWUF2BC3DYD6H0RRENQB/image008.jpg Bulgaria 2018 Leaving the hustle and bustle of the capital and venturing to the first village of Breznitsa was quite the adventure. After winding through picturesque valleys and lush mountain roads we arrived to meet our very kind hosts. (Image: Fatme, one of our lovely hosts, posing in Galina's new Ukrainian outfit in Breznitsa) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534787712236-VS29WH2T6EO5VEDG5HTU/image006.jpg Bulgaria 2018 Galina and I took early morning walks along the hilltops to get a view of the village. Surrounded by mist- covered mountains, we shared songs and stories as shepherds led flocks up to graze along the trees and meadows. During one of our walks we discovered a traditional wooden washing drum built into the passing mountain stream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534787826703-KG6AT3ZOKR06YF3L4VVV/image004.jpg Bulgaria 2018 Bulgaria is known for being a farming country and there are many animals roaming the streets of the villages. In each village we visited we made many furry friends. Our mascot for Breznitsa was Peanut the kitten who lived on the porch of the home where Laura stayed with her son Dan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534788173743-V4KXH2FW6QF1M92OXMNJ/image010.jpg Bulgaria 2018 Galina with a farm rabbit we met on one of our walks in the mountains of Breznitsa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534788274235-XF20X7YNMS7Q585V66E8/image012.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534788274277-UXN6BTRJBSJ27HB7U6WS/image014.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534788511439-AYG34UB5FPH315WQHG6E/image016.jpg Bulgaria 2018 We later met with the local ensemble and attended their rehearsal. Near the end we were invited to sing and dance along with the locals well into the night. The following day we met for a music workshop with members of the ensemble. They brought along a village elder who shared some very special songs. After really honing our musical skills with the locals we shared some of our repertoire at a special concert in an art gallery in Velingrad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534788669175-58EL8SDCF21JPOWUABN4/image020.jpg Bulgaria 2018 Wedding Party in Draginovo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534788783684-H89HTF7T145ZHCPVA2UD/image022.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534788783683-8MNSDN34M71BH4Y1U8YU/image024.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534788784365-RPHB18XE7LZ3UBKXA4BD/image026.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534788784365-MN43X429XMVEFUY8CCC9/image028.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534788784890-M1762SBH97ZMLDTCTF7Z/image030.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534788785015-TZ7E7IBCCK96IGMLAQFS/image032.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534181208814-BQKX2MU7EG4PY47NRJWT/image-asset.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 - Making Friends in Dorkovo Prior to marching in the opening night parade of the Dorkovo Festival, Planina members got reacquainted with some members of the Dorkovo Ensemble, from whom we've learned songs in the past. Pictured here with Ensemble members are Mallie Kermiet and Savy Powell of Planina. - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534179920258-5ZO5NINUOUGVSQIBGK9E/IMG_8062.jpg Bulgaria 2018 Planina member Mallie admires the heavy wool coat of a Dorkovo Ensemble member. - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534179870837-O98XQKVVK97X0TVFB2KX/IMG_7930.jpg Bulgaria 2018 An audience member asked to be photographed with Galina, who is wearing a headdress from Ukraine. - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534178469371-HZO7ZJ1ZGNGMEO0Z6UO1/IMG_0357.jpg Bulgaria 2018 Later that evening, I was thrilled to witness Julie and Jim’s reunion with their hosts from 2005, Nadka and her son Kostadin, depicted in the photo here. What a heartfelt scene that was. I loved the hands-to-heart gesture that Julie and Nadka mirrored to convey their connection – the international language! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534178584779-956M68MQN1TDNMSP6GLR/IMG_0373.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534178590067-32C0RW2G44AP8D3H3QL9/IMG_0370.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534178584490-2DQHYPMZGEKESKLLJWXL/IMG_0377.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534178788412-JD8ALBQUPYW75FQ6SYMQ/IMG_0378.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534178984518-ZZKFZHL1WCGLMDPZFVF4/20180729_230328.jpg Bulgaria 2018 We capped off our time in Dorkovo with a visit to our favorite Dorkovo resident, Yanko Duzov. Yanko apparently no longer sings with the ensemble, but otherwise hasn’t changed a bit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534181154070-NQOPDII82WQJESSOQNI2/IMG_7974.jpg Bulgaria 2018 - The Wedding Dance During our stay in Bulgaria, Planina attended a party in connection with a Muslim wedding in the village of Draginovo. We had met the bride and some of her family earlier in the week when we visited the bride's dowry (see below). In addition to dancing with her and the groom in a folk dance that stretched a block with two full dance lines, we were greeted enthusiastically by the village singers who had taught us new songs and also by our friendly server from the Draginovo hotel we stayed in earlier in the week. It seemed the whole village was at the party that night. - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1533866641690-7JHTYV6XMKDLYA3A164H/20180727_105227.jpg Bulgaria 2018 - The Wedding Dowry While in Draginovo, we were invited to see the dowry for a traditional Muslem wedding that would be taking place that weekend. The bride’s house was in a neighborhood up a steep hill, and the items were on display in a separate building, like a small garage, behind the house. The items filled all four sides of the room. On one wall were gifts the family would be giving to friends and relatives, and on the other walls were the bride’s dowry that she would be taking with her. The bride’s mother had been sewing and knitting these items for many years. The bride graciously came out and met us, passed out festive bread and gave each of us a small gift, then changed into a special dress to pose with her fiancé for us. - J.L. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1533866455573-XF9ZHAQ0ZV3CL1RXWU3C/20180727_104527.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1533866480942-H0D94FKSQR8H3OQINAFG/20180727_104605.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1533866581456-R29CHB01K9INRUECB91Q/20180727_110325.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534203815498-PE11ZLKCKJLEGO4N2VTV/Velingrad+award.jpg Bulgaria 2018 - Planina Concert in Velingrad Our friends Milyo and Elka Kepcheleva are from Draginovo but have spent a fair amount of time over the last many years living in Boulder, CO. They are involved with the cultural center and the folklore group in Draginovo, and they lined up many experiences for us while we were there. Milyo arranged for Planina to present a concert on July 25 in Velingrad, a larger town near Draginovo. Velingrad is a spa town and a popular summer resort. We sang at an art gallery with a top-notch sound system and sound technician, for an audience of about 30. Having just spent several days singing with the fearless singers of Breznitsa, we performed well and the audience was extremely enthusiastic. Most surprising was that the mayor of Velingrad sent a cultural representative who read a proclamation (shown here), commending Planina for studying Bulgarian folk music and for coming to Velingrad. She gave us a bouquet of sunflowers (Bailey is holding the bouquet somewhere else on this page) and handed me a bag that contained a plaque, some souvenirs, and 12 little bunches of zdravets leaves: wild geranium, traditionally given as a greeting. J.L. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534184024860-J4NHLYYLVSATD2U3ONB0/IMG_0169.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534184029702-KYRO48O0FPHMX9MU42MG/IMG_0166.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534184023400-BNOB7ZDX7MQAVF36M6V6/IMG_0179.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534184039283-ZGKI3HCZNOMTVVOAH1K6/20180723_150509.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1533863748964-18US8P5R8YTCIFITX2XO/20180722_113206.jpg Bulgaria 2018 - With Salih Laura—sporting one of the costumes that the Breznitsa folks brought for us to try on—writes down lyrics with the help of one of our teachers, Salih Bukovyan. He directs one of the traditional folklore groups in Breznitsa and works in the mayor’s office. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1533915013201-TJ2KLCMMIZ4UHB2XTK7F/Salih+hut+1+-+adj.jpg Bulgaria 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534181262919-RG9U9YB2VRM6WHP17Z30/image-asset.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 Wherever Planina member Nicholas Caputo was found was usually where the party was—the accordion party, that is! Self taught in accordion after years of piano instruction, Nicholas charmed Planina members and villagers alike with his alluring, passionate, and energetic melodies, both traditional and those he composed. Added bonus: he brought the fabulous Bailey Harper on our trip. She fit right in with our Planina group, and, as a professional dancer, Bailey folk danced like she’d been doing it all her life. - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1533863056949-QQQ83ITXBTYORH9ONLYM/20180722_170802.jpg Bulgaria 2018 - Nafie and Nusha Nafie and Nusha, two of our teachers in Breznitsa, are longtime friends and have sung together for years. (In the background, Bailey Harper, one of the significant others with Planina on this trip.) Nafie (center in the photo) was also host to most of us. One treat she cooked was zelen bob (green beans): wide, flat, Italian-style green beans from her garden, made with some kind of a roux and garnished with homemade yogurt seasoned with garlic, scallions and salt. A true culinary highlight. - J.L. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534182595492-WN7Z2E87196V9OEFDBCB/image-asset.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 Nafie kissing Dan, to Dan’s half-horror, half-enjoyment . . . - L.O. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534789452502-9417BTTMYPIPJU0J5WEV/IMG_7528+%28Sharon%29.jpg Bulgaria 2018 - A Lesson in Bulgarian Planina member Mallie Kermiet learned some Bulgarian before the trip, and she was pleased to find she could have conversations with Bulgarians! Her past experience with Russian helped a lot as there is some overlap in the languages. Here Mallie tries out her Bulgarian with our host in Breznitsa, Nafie, who held Mallie's hand throughout the conversation. We grew so fond of Nafie who provided us with great food, a beautiful place to stay, and many, many songs.A Lesson in Bulgarian - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1532476496980-I3N19GXN6IYTXEPFCCZH/Picnic+mts+Breznitsa.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 - Somewhere in the Pirin Mountains On Monday, July 23, our host took us to the mountains again, this time for a lamb roast. Probably 35 people altogether. These three women (left) are a trio of sublime singers. They are teenagers, although one is married and a mom. The location is a public picnic house that anyone can use on a first-come basis. The property has a big shelter with a wood-burning stove for winter warmth and sliding windows to keep out the wind and rain if needed, or be completely open for a nice day like we had. A short distance across the field from us was another small building with running water and a built-in place to grill (our lamb was delivered). What an incredible amenity! What a party place, and it held all of us in comfort. Our two groups sang for eight solid hours, the women brought costumes for folks to try on, and we danced in the field between the buildings. The groups took turns singing and frequently sang together when they knew the same songs. The host group was incredibly generous musically. And, once again, a fabulous feast! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534182643838-ELXVIWFV8L7DROXUPB3P/image-asset.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 Nafie playing Ernie’s sousaphone, to general merriment. L.O. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1532477453055-14R7J9429R7KY1GZW4DZ/post+lesson+lunch.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 - The Food? It's fabulous. And plentiful. Bulgarians are amazing hosts and each meal is a feast! This party took place on Sunday, July 22, at a Breznitsa resident's mountain villa. They served us beans and meat cooked in ceramic pots in a fire pit, four different kinds of banitsa (a Bulgarian specialty involving filo dough and fillings, either savory or sweet), watermelon, and copious amounts of cucumbers. Members of both folklore groups came and sang for hours, some a cappella singing and some accompanied by an indefatigable accordionist, a tambura player and various drummers. Many strong male as well as female singers. - J.S. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534181288930-3XMT8Z8GEQGKP0AQNXYF/image-asset.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 Photo of the pots of beans, and two of the cooks, at the workshop in Breznitsa. It takes a village . . . - L.O. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1534037757446-Z65L81N0BHP6F2PK009A/Field+music.jpg Bulgaria 2018 - Who's the Guy with the Horn? Ernie Williams plays the sousaphone. He lives in Gainesville, FL, and is a longtime friend of and musical co-conspirator with Planina member / accordion player Nicholas Caputo. They played street music in several countries en route to Planina's meet-up in Sofia. Could Ernie join our trip? Yes! Ernie learned the bass line for a number of Planina tunes and accompanied us in our performances and our adventures. They found moments to do street music (or in this case, field music) in the Bulgarian towns we visited, too—sometimes accompanied by Savy on viola, with Bailey dancing. - J.L. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1532477576202-7WIZBY3X92PU5KS8K65A/Laura+%26+Savy.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 - Joining us from Estonia We are so happy that former Planina member Savannah Powell joined us on this trip. Savy lives in Estonia, where she is studying folklore. Many Planina fans will remember her silvery soprano voice and soulful viola playing. She and Laura share a laugh as Planina learns a new song from traditional singers in Breznitsa. - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1532477340418-KTONTFS750HHGJFHP95D/1st+lesson+in+Breznitza.JPG Bulgaria 2018 Our first lesson in Breznitsa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1532474990522-6RGVDI8ZN74MTPTSBFX2/Breakfast+in+the+grape+arbor+in+Breznitsa.JPG Bulgaria 2018 - Breakfast Under a grape arbor. The night before, we drank rakia made from grapes from these vines... - J.S. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1532476971392-U5RM9E4N6TWQWOAD3TDH/Laura+%26+old+Breznitsa+woman.jpeg Bulgaria 2018 - Breznitsa at last! Nothing could prepare Planina members for the Muslim village of Breznitsa, Bulgaria and its welcoming residents. Beautiful flower and vegetable gardens, fruit trees, hay barns with horses, cows and sheep in the winding lanes. Here, a 90-year-old woman greets Laura on our first afternoon in Breznitsa. - S.K. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1532474409420-CK65G7L3RIISHAU8SY4G/Rest+stop+on+way+to+Breznitsa+-+Koka+Kola+tastes+just+like+Coke%21.JPG Bulgaria 2018 - On the way to Breznitsa Rest stop on the way to Breznitza, where the peaches were fabulous, as was the Koka Kola (according to one connoisseur, it tastes just like Coke). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1532474200489-1ASF2RT5JORP6BDDCVLR/Julie+%26+Cabbie+singing.JPG Bulgaria 2018 - First Contact Julie gets a thumbs up from the cab driver as they sing while traveling from the airport to the apartment where some of us would be staying in Sofia. - J.S. https://www.planina.org/ukrainian-song-weekend-in-louisville daily 0.75 2026-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/6044848b-07c5-4606-912d-4cf9172ece4c/Flyer+3-1-26.png Ukrainian Song Weekend in Louisville - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/bf05fb9b-3b59-4f9c-9d92-c6bb3a09a306/Concert+Image.png Ukrainian Song Weekend in Louisville - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/e267e490-744a-4ed0-a29f-5e5ad5707569/Workshop+FB+Graphic.png Ukrainian Song Weekend in Louisville - Make it stand out "Here it comes, here it goes my little heart . . . ,” 1972, by Ivan Honchar; Ivan Honchar Museum collection, Kyiv, Ukraine https://www.planina.org/balkan-bash-finale-tunes daily 0.75 2026-01-17 https://www.planina.org/home daily 1.0 2026-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1471214357886-B3N9YZIC3QX1KSCSVF6T/image-asset.jpeg Home https://www.planina.org/about-us daily 0.75 2026-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1472600248558-GEMNIM0F5D7V6YAC6DXO/Georgetown_circa_1990_3.jpg Who we are - Circa 1990 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1472600266970-6IDTISSGQ60APEOMXY8F/Pearl_St_Fair_1_circa_1991.jpg Who we are - Circa 1991 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1472600628974-VCIW6KBJAVXF63OHJ5WE/Planina-trad.costume-crop%2Bcolor+adj.jpg Who we are - Planina 2004 photo: Eric Weber https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1490304905575-3IZRAVKG91CA3EJLODEQ/Planina+1991.jpg Who we are - 1991 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1490304834346-3J5GC7LL6000O44ECJGN/Planina+mid-90s.JPG Who we are - mid-1990s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1490304841680-ETIVSU130FFJ1LWP80BY/Planina+Red+Rocks+%28no+inst%29+1996.JPG Who we are - 1996 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1490413191267-Q72UTPJODZ3DUFJ8JCMS/Planina+2007+021-cropped%26brighter.jpg Who we are - Planina 2007 photo: Eric Weber https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1490413218676-B4RIVDPSDVAQZ9KNGKR3/Planina_shot_Eric_Weber+2009.JPG Who we are - Planina 2009 photo: Eric Weber https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57800157d1758e9af4000669/1724640089810-NHJG151K13L5KW0XPIOQ/Planina+2016+-+horiz+2_72dpi.jpg Who we are https://www.planina.org/project-gallery-nueva daily 0.75 2026-01-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56ec101db09f95da37e77918/1458572726409-QKULUSZI5021EFXHCO8J/2Q%3D%3D-1.jpg Project Gallery Person wearing gloves using a handheld electric sander on a wooden surface in a workshop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56ec101db09f95da37e77918/1458572726458-1C2XP0HPEUCTAY1C6QJZ/2Q%3D%3D.jpg Project Gallery Person using a cloth to apply stain or finish to a wooden surface in a carpentry or woodworking setting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56ec101db09f95da37e77918/1458572727231-9WYFK3VBYB0IU0MTG4G8/9k%3D-1.jpg Project Gallery A tattooed man holding a skateboard in a workshop with brick walls and woodworking tools in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56ec101db09f95da37e77918/1458572727307-9JIHJUDFPSCVBFQBCUPY/9k%3D.jpg Project Gallery Close-up of a person adjusting a skateboard's wheel and truck on a wooden surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56ec101db09f95da37e77918/1458572727607-OT5AX31UTLG4Y2MV0DI5/Z-1.jpg Project Gallery A man wearing a white sweater and black apron stands in a woodworking shop, lifting and positioning a piece of wood on a shelving unit with dozens of wooden planks around him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56ec101db09f95da37e77918/1458572727616-TWYRQVOZ5U44HHFSJBGV/Z-2.jpg Project Gallery A person wearing a long apron and a flannel shirt, holding leather work gloves in a woodworking shop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/56ec101db09f95da37e77918/1458572728004-5MRDTEKVBIA79GK8I5PX/Z.jpg Project Gallery Person working on an acoustic guitar, screwing a screw into its back, in a woodworking workshop with a pile of wooden pieces on the left side.