Gypsy Fever returns to Wellington for an extra special event featuring the Benka Boradovsky Bordello Band’s ‘Polkapocalypse’ album launch with guests Niko Ne Zna and DJs Balkanetic and Rasa.
In early 2008, The Benka Boradovsky Bordello Band officially released their first ep, Danse Macabre. Since then they have been busy whipping audiences into frenzies with their crazed gypsy/east European sounds performing at Prana, Jambalaya, Parihaka, AK09, Cross St Carnival, Fleetwaters and Splore Festivals as well as undertaking three highly successful national tours which saw them playing to packed houses all over the country. During this time, the Benkas have also supported many popular NZ acts including The Hot Grits, The Mamaku Project, An Emerald City and The Jews Brothers and in March 2008 they had the honour of supporting international act Beirut in Auckland.
On May 2nd they are releasing their highly anticipated album ‘Polkapocalypse’ followed by just two New Zealand shows in Wellington and Auckland (May 23rd, Kings Arms) before the band relocates to Berlin for six months.
For the Wellington show the Benkas are delighted to be supported by Wellington Balkan brass champions Niko Ne Zna who will no doubt deliver a hot and spicy taste of the old countries. Playing music from the gypsy-soaked Balkan States, Niko Ne Zna’s hypnotic melodies and wild infectious rhythms are guaranteed to set even the most rhythmically challenged moving and grooving.
Gypsy Fever DJs Balknetic and Rasa will round the night out playing an intoxicating mix of Balkan beats, klezmer, gypsy swing and middle eastern grooves till dawn.
$10 doorsales only from 8pm or $20 with the album.
Benka Reviews
Frenetic and bawdy, the eclectic BBBB have a gypsy/klezmer/Eastern European-thing going on that is very addictive and slightly unhinged. It’s funny, energetic and simply irresistible.
Kia Ora Magazine
All good, fun stuff. It makes you want to kick up your heels and dance like a Cossack.
Real Groove
Emanating seemingly unlimited passion and desire, the group’s charm is also rooted in their playfulness. Best served with a generous helping of alcohol, preferably vodka, to get in the generously lubricated spirit of the recording. ***** (5 stars)
Groove Guide
