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Music "Polyethnic" best describes The Gypsies, Houston’s award winning European-style strolling and ethnic dance band. Voted "Best Traditional/Ethnic" band by the Houston Press, they have dominated this corner of the city’s live music scene since 1974. This versatile band plays Eastern European, Swing, Klezmer, French, Italian, British Isles, German, Polish-American, Czech, Norteno, Cajun and Zydeco, Country, Solid Gold Oldies, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean, and Tropical styles of music.
They play balalaikas, accordions, violins, mandolins, guitars, banjos, bouzouki, a full array of horns and ethnic percussion, and a wide variety of other folk instruments, The group ranges in size from a strolling quartet to a twelve-piece dance band. From wild parties with Russian ballet dancers and jam sessions with members of the State Folk Ensembles of Russia and Hungary, to cruises down Buffalo Bayou, The Gypsies play an intriguing assortment of engagements. They regularly play galas, balls, fund-raisers, grand openings, Opera and Symphony festivities throughout Texas, and and parties entertaining visiting royalty.
Their ethnic jobs have included weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, Gypsy Slavas (feasts), Octoberfest and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and Cajun crawfish boils. Their travels include appearances in Austria, France and Germany and on a U.S. tour with the Bulava Cossack Dance Ensemble, an extended engagement on a Caribbean cruise, and appearances at festivals throughout Texas.
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