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Bela Ruino - "beautiful ruin" in Esperanto - is the captivating Romany-inflected goth rockn-soul project led by dynamic violinist, singer, and songwriter Lila Sklar. With her background in classical violin and training in diverse musical traditions, Lila weaves together influences from the Middle East and the Balkans with traditional popular song structures to create a sound that's both haunting and electrifying.Lila has played and toured with Joanna Newsom, Bauhaus, Love and Rockets, The Toids, Rosin Coven, Kugelplex, and Divahn. The band's performances blend sensuous, dark ballads with stirring torch songs. You’ll hear everything from a soul-stirring Nina Simone song in the 9-count meter of a Macedonian traditional, a Tom Waits tune reimagined with an Armenian folk melody, and Lila’s evocative eastern-flavored originals. Alongside Lila’s soaring violin and vocals, the ensemble includes top-flight musicians including Max Baloian (Kugelplex, Polkacide) on guitar, Safa Shokrai (The Lost Shapes, Misagh Moradi) on acoustic bass, Aaron Kierbel (Rupa and the April Fishes, The Jazz Mafia, Meklit Hadero) on drums and Jill Rogers (Orchestra Nostalgico, Ex-Juncos, Crying Time) on guitar and backing vocals, each adding their own magic to this dynamic and eclectic sound.
Dan Cantrell and Lila Sklar:
Drawing on 25 years of collaboration, Dan Cantrell and Lila Sklar bring to the stage a dynamic and diverse range of music and a telepathic language one only finds with life long commitment to music and kinship. Well versed in the traditions of Eastern Europe, the Middle East and beyond, their deep and respectful knowledge informs their original music, creating a sincere and soaring soundscape that is both oddball and heartfelt. Dan brings award winning compositional sensibilities and a solid shredding standard on the accordion to the fold, while Lila's scintillating and sultry voice, and mastery of the 5 string violin takes it to the edge, lights it on fire and then sings it to sleep at night.
Tickets are $25 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.
Doors open 30 minutes before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.
The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.
Please refrain from using your phone during performances, and if you use your camera or video, please disable the flash.
Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.
Thank you for your support!
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Event Venue
1984 Bonita Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA, United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
