Don’t forget: we have one more online culture class for you before the summer camp season. Join Dr. Gail Holst-Warthaft to learn about Greek urban music from the rebetika to the so-called “art songs” of Theodorakis and Hadzidakis. We will also explore the nisiotika, music from the Aegean islands that became broadly popular in the fifties and sixties.
As always, we offer a sliding scale of fees, and links to streaming videos will be provided to registered students the day after each live class, so you can join us even if you can’t make the scheduled time. Class starts tomorrow, so sign up today at [bit.ly/EEFCGreekPopularMusic]!
The weather outside is frightful, but remembering warm moments with our friends in music and dance is oh so delightful.
As we head into the winter, we are dreaming of our summer workshops: the world-class instruction and performances, great parties, and above all, pervasive love for the music and dance of the Balkans. And we need your support to make to make these workshops happen in 2026 and beyond.
There are many ways you can make camp happen this year. Read on to find which ways work best for you, and be sure to check your recent email newsletters for links to our new outreach materials. No matter how you help, your support is always appreciated.
We have brand new dance instructors at Mendocino this year! Between Stoyan Getsov (Bulgarian Dance), Janetta Redžić (Balkan Dance), and Danny Staveris (Greek Dance), we’ll be moving and grooving with some fun, fresh faces at West Coast. Visit eefc.org to register for camp so you can meet them in person!
Want to learn more about this year’s new instructors and camp programs before you sign up? Be sure to come to our Board & Staff Office Hour this Saturday (May 16) at 1:00 PM ET/10:00 AM PT. We’ll also be discussing the future of the EEFC, so check our latest newsletter for the link!
In a time of economic and political uncertainty, EEFC’s mission to share Balkan music and dance feels more important than ever. To preserve this community together, we invite you to join our next Board & Staff Office Hour on Saturday, May 16 (via Zoom), where we’ll share key priorities for the coming year, highlight new developments for the 2026 camp season (including first-time faculty members!), and outline ways to get involved.
This gathering is an opportunity to connect, learn more about where we’re headed, and explore how you can take part in sustaining and growing EEFC’s work. We’ll also share a few guiding questions to spark reflection and conversation about how we can continue to support one another as a community.
Stay tuned for our email newsletters for the meeting link and discussion questions, which we’ll share in the week leading up to the event. We look forward to seeing you there!
Surprise! Before our summer camp season begins we have one more online culture class for you this month with Dr. Gail Holst-Warthaft. This course will focus on urban music from the rebetika to the so-called “art songs” of Theodorakis and Hadzidakis. We will also explore the nisiotika, music from the Aegean islands that became broadly popular in the fifties and sixties.
As always, we offer a sliding scale of fees, and links to streaming videos will be provided to registered students the day after each live class, so you can join us even if you can’t make the scheduled time. Sign up today at [bit.ly/EEFCGreekPopularMusic]!
🚨 Last call for East Coast scholarship applications due Sunday April 12!! Don’t miss out on a chance get support to come to Balkan Camp! 🚨
We encourage dancers, singers, and instrumentalists to apply whether they are new to Balkan music, song, and dance (and our workshops) or veterans, have Balkan roots or not, whether they are professionals or amateurs. If you’re excited to be a member of our wonderful community, you should submit an application.
Visit our website eefc.org for a chance to join this year’s cohort of scholarship recipients!
Balkan Camp Kafana: It’s like Friday night every night.
While you’re enjoying this sweet snippet by Merita, Mensur, and Co., don’t forget to register for Balkan Camp! And especially don’t forget to submit your East Coast scholarship applications by THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 12! Visit eefc.org to learn more.
Last call for the season, folks! Our April online classes, the last ones till after Balkan Camp, are open for registration. Check out our two wonderful instrumental courses this month:
Introduction to Transylvanian Fiddle Music with Zoë Aqua
Mondays starting April 6,
8:00 p.m. EST/5:00 p.m. PST
[bit.ly/EEFCTransylvanianFiddle]
Thracian Gaida with Varol Saatcıoğlu
Wednesdays starting April 8,
8:00 p.m. EST/5:00 p.m. PST
[bit.ly/EEFCThracianGaida]
As a gentle reminder, all registrants get access to class recordings, so you can still partake of Zoë and Varol’s expert instruction even if you can’t make the classes.
Visit the links above or eefc.org to learn more and sign up today!
Calling all gaida players! You don’t have to wait for camp to learn from Varol Saatcıoğlu. Just register for his online class series this month!
In “Thracian Gaida,” Varol focus on the region’s characteristic ornamentation and melodic vocabulary. Repertoire will draw from a range of sources, including private lessons, professional recordings, and the living social contexts of parties and festivals. This course is best suited for players who are already comfortable on the gaida and play by ear or read music; that said, Varol is an experienced teacher who will gladly meet students where they are!
Join in on Wednesdays starting April 8 and sign up at [bit.ly/EEFCThracianGaida]. As a gentle reminder, all registrants get access to class recordings, so you can still partake of Varol’s specialized instruction even if you can’t make the classes.
Transylvania, a fascinating region located in modern-day Northwest Romania, is a crossroads of many cultures. And we’ll be lucky to learn more about it from Zoë Aqua at East Coast camp this year as well as in one of our April online classes!
In Introduction to Transylvanian Fiddle Music, Zoë will share four tunes, each representing four Transylvanian cultures: Romanian, Romani, Hungarian, and Jewish. This course is targeted for bowed-string instruments: violin, viola, cello, and bass. We will start by learning the fiddle part (melody), but will also talk about chords and accompaniment as well. All levels are welcome!
Sign up at [bit.ly/EEFCTransylvanianFiddle] with classes on Mondays starting April 6.
We are thrilled that registration for our summer workshops is officially open! For almost 50 years, these weeklong residential camps have brought together thousands of musicians, dancers, and appreciators of Balkan folk cultures. Together, we share classes, meals, and dance parties for a truly unforgettable experience.
Visit eefc.org to learn more about and register for the camp (or camps!) of your choice.
We can’t wait to see you this summer!
![Don’t forget: we have one more online culture class for you before the summer camp season. Join Dr. Gail Holst-Warthaft to learn about Greek urban music from the rebetika to the so-called “art songs” of Theodorakis and Hadzidakis. We will also explore the nisiotika, music from the Aegean islands that became broadly popular in the fifties and sixties.As always, we offer a sliding scale of fees, and links to streaming videos will be provided to registered students the day after each live class, so you can join us even if you can’t make the scheduled time. Class starts tomorrow, so sign up today at [bit.ly/EEFCGreekPopularMusic]!](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6739391563173649202664_0_9d8dcb49b9361f820c58bad719bd22c5.jpg?o=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&h=4524d153dbed3417c40b488a4f6c3fdc)
![Surprise! Before our summer camp season begins we have one more online culture class for you this month with Dr. Gail Holst-Warthaft. This course will focus on urban music from the rebetika to the so-called “art songs” of Theodorakis and Hadzidakis. We will also explore the nisiotika, music from the Aegean islands that became broadly popular in the fifties and sixties.As always, we offer a sliding scale of fees, and links to streaming videos will be provided to registered students the day after each live class, so you can join us even if you can’t make the scheduled time. Sign up today at [bit.ly/EEFCGreekPopularMusic]!](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6739643131296067251066_0_dda8aeeac3a7681d2f42a8c990f15867.jpg?o=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&h=ad17986dcae3cb62290c0002c944670d)
![Last call for the season, folks! Our April online classes, the last ones till after Balkan Camp, are open for registration. Check out our two wonderful instrumental courses this month:Introduction to Transylvanian Fiddle Music with Zoë AquaMondays starting April 6,8:00 p.m. EST/5:00 p.m. PST[bit.ly/EEFCTransylvanianFiddle]Thracian Gaida with Varol SaatcıoğluWednesdays starting April 8,8:00 p.m. EST/5:00 p.m. PST[bit.ly/EEFCThracianGaida]As a gentle reminder, all registrants get access to class recordings, so you can still partake of Zoë and Varol’s expert instruction even if you can’t make the classes.Visit the links above or eefc.org to learn more and sign up today!](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6747106449602734576819_0_fbaa62f082d404becd6bd88396e7fd18.jpg?o=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&h=6e40dac35ea6fe308defb065b140b7ba)
![Calling all gaida players! You don’t have to wait for camp to learn from Varol Saatcıoğlu. Just register for his online class series this month!In “Thracian Gaida,” Varol focus on the region’s characteristic ornamentation and melodic vocabulary. Repertoire will draw from a range of sources, including private lessons, professional recordings, and the living social contexts of parties and festivals. This course is best suited for players who are already comfortable on the gaida and play by ear or read music; that said, Varol is an experienced teacher who will gladly meet students where they are!Join in on Wednesdays starting April 8 and sign up at [bit.ly/EEFCThracianGaida]. As a gentle reminder, all registrants get access to class recordings, so you can still partake of Varol’s specialized instruction even if you can’t make the classes.](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6747106433194867482723_0_e8a1ae3284ea085c1a4e9f2e98ee3468.jpg?o=aHR0cHM6Ly9zY29udGVudC1sZ2EzLTMuY2RuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS92L3Q1MS44Mjc4Ny0xNS82NTkwODcwMDlfMTgzNDkzNzg3MzUyMTM4OTJfNjk1MzQ4NDM1MjE3NDk0Nzk4NF9uLmpwZz9zdHA9YzAuMTA2LjY0MC42NDBhX2RzdC1qcGdfZTE1X3R0NiZfbmNfaHQ9c2NvbnRlbnQtbGdhMy0zLmNkbmluc3RhZ3JhbS5jb20mX25jX2NhdD0xMDgmX25jX29jPVE2Y1oyZ0Z3TXBqRm52YTN3TndxQVZpMUN1djJRVTEtNVZlaXhta0dzcGV6WGZHNWE1ckdvOWZ5YUZmUWF2SUZlNkcxV2l0cTB5Q3JMLWdaZmxHbkE5QU85UFhGJl9uY19vaGM9amF1dmE0RHV6TFVRN2tOdndGTTdGNGImX25jX2dpZD15dFM2UWlqd3o5b0NZQnE4WnN0bTRBJmVkbT1BUFU4OUZBQkFBQUEmY2NiPTctNSZvaD0wMF9BZjRHYl85d2RGSnhMUWFtSDRESmFKUmV4ZWxUWEhmMEdTVmRKUXNkN0FjcC1BJm9lPTZBMTBFMDc3Jl9uY19zaWQ9YmMwYzJj&h=8584d96cb3f65f2dac88554a918fb299)
![Transylvania, a fascinating region located in modern-day Northwest Romania, is a crossroads of many cultures. And we’ll be lucky to learn more about it from Zoë Aqua at East Coast camp this year as well as in one of our April online classes!In Introduction to Transylvanian Fiddle Music, Zoë will share four tunes, each representing four Transylvanian cultures: Romanian, Romani, Hungarian, and Jewish. This course is targeted for bowed-string instruments: violin, viola, cello, and bass. We will start by learning the fiddle part (melody), but will also talk about chords and accompaniment as well. All levels are welcome!Sign up at [bit.ly/EEFCTransylvanianFiddle] with classes on Mondays starting April 6.](https://sp1.picnob.com/p/pt_6747632423123449641919_0_b1d7f7c522f9354fdd0c63e954a0c357.jpg?o=aHR0cHM6Ly9zY29udGVudC1sZ2EzLTMuY2RuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS92L3Q1MS44Mjc4Ny0xNS82NTg5MDUwNjdfMTgzNDg4MDYyNTEyMTM4OTJfNjk2OTUyNzc2MzM5MDc4MDI5OV9uLmpwZz9zdHA9YzAuMTA3Ljg1NS44NTVhX2RzdC1qcGdfZTE1X3M2NDB4NjQwX3R0NiZfbmNfaHQ9c2NvbnRlbnQtbGdhMy0zLmNkbmluc3RhZ3JhbS5jb20mX25jX2NhdD0xMDgmX25jX29jPVE2Y1oyZ0Z3TXBqRm52YTN3TndxQVZpMUN1djJRVTEtNVZlaXhta0dzcGV6WGZHNWE1ckdvOWZ5YUZmUWF2SUZlNkcxV2l0cTB5Q3JMLWdaZmxHbkE5QU85UFhGJl9uY19vaGM9M2s3YVQxZ0lBMThRN2tOdndGQXRNMnkmX25jX2dpZD15dFM2UWlqd3o5b0NZQnE4WnN0bTRBJmVkbT1BUFU4OUZBQkFBQUEmY2NiPTctNSZvaD0wMF9BZjRVdDljWlNFNGNTRm5lcTlHRXVwX2ZfdFhHSmJmVmtwYklmSWl1UlAzZkpRJm9lPTZBMTBERTFGJl9uY19zaWQ9YmMwYzJj&h=a7d494c95f888c51bd1dde3e528e824b)
