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Upcoming Events
 

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Learn out about our upcoming performances, join the conversation, or just "like" us on Mila's Facebook page. We'll see you over there!

Past Events
 

Mila presents: A Winter Concert

Mila is excited to present our first winter concert since 2019! Join us for an evening of songs that celebrate the spirit of the winter holiday season. Featuring music from Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Ukraine, and the Republic of Georgia. 

This is an all-ages, seated show. Doors open at 7:00pm; show starts at 7:30pm. 

Tickets:  Pay what you like ($10 minimum)
Tickets can be purchased at the door or online:  https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/5631321

Friday, December 9, 2022, 7:30pm
Unity Church - Unitarian
732 Holly Avenue 
St Paul, MN 55104
Map and directions

Kolyada: Winter Songs from the Black Sea

Featuring the talents of Mila Vocal Ensemble, Orkestar Bez Ime, Nomadi, and Peter O’Gorman, Kolyada offers sacred and secular songs and folklore from the countries surrounding the Black Sea— Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia, Romania, Turkey, and the Republic of Georgia — all celebrating the great seasonal passage from darkness into light.

The all-ages show features traditional a cappella and accompanied songs, including ancient songs learned by Mila Vocal Ensemble on a recent trip to the Republic of Georgia, modern arrangements of Romanian Colinde (carols) written by Orkestar Bez Ime violinist, Colleen Bertsch, and original compositions for the toaca, a semantron used by Orthodox priests to call parishioners to church, written and performed by percussionist, Peter O’Gorman. Orkestar Bez Ime and Nomadi, beloved local Balkan bands featuring local artists and native Bulgarian musicians, bring festive recreations of village sounds to life.

Tickets:  $20 advance / $25 day of show / 20% discount for students and seniors
Buy tickets and see event page

Sunday, December 15, 2019, 7:00pm
The Cedar Cultural Center
416 Cedar Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55454

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

               

Odd Measures Even-ing 2019

Mila is honored to be one of seven artist groups selected for this unique festival featuring unusual time signatures from artistic traditions around the world. Come see us and meet our new friends!

Tickets:  $11 advance / $13 day of show
Buy tickets and see event page

Thursday, November 14, 2019, 7:30pm
The Cedar Cultural Center
416 Cedar Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55454

NEWPOLI with Mila Vocal Ensemble at The Cedar Cultural Center

NEWPOLI stirs up a mesmerizing sound that melds traditional Italian folk music, Greek and Turkish Grooves, Mediterranean and Spanish colors. With the pulsing of the tamburello and the wild, frenetic dancing of the two female lead singers, their performance at The Cedar is sure to make audience members eager to get on their feet.

This is an all-ages, seated show. Doors open at 7:00pm; show starts at 7:30pm.

Tickets:  $18 advance / $20 day of show
Available online through Ticketfly.

Thursday, March 28, 2019, 7:00pm
The Cedar
416 Cedar Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Map and directions

Martenitsa 2019 at the Amsterdam:
Nomadi, Orkestar Bez Ime, and Traki, with special guests Mila Vocal Ensemble

Celebrate spring Bulgarian-style with a dance party, featuring live music by Nomadi, Orkestar Bez Ime (OBI), and Traki, with special guests Mila Vocal Ensemble. Kid-friendly until 10:00pm.

Martenitsa is a musical celebration of the coming of spring and the holiday of Baba Marta (baba meaning "grandma," and Marta a derivative of the word for "March"). Traditional folklore depicts Baba Marta as a temperamental old woman whose moods are as changeable as March weather. On March 1st, it is customary to exchange and wear Martenitsi—tokens of good health, luck and vitality. Wearing the red and white yarns of the Martenitsa symbolizes the hope that Baba Marta will smile and grant us an early spring. After this snowy February, the end of winter cannot come soon enough!

Tickets:  $15 at the door or $12 in advance / $5 kids 12 and under
Available directly through Amsterdam's ticket outlets or online through Eventbrite.

Saturday, March 2, 2019, 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Amsterdam Bar and Hall
6 West 6th Street
St. Paul, MN 55102
Map, directions and parking

DRONE NOT DRONES:  The 6th Annual 28-hour Drone

Presented by The Cedar, KFAI and Drone Not Drones, this is an all-ages, 28-hour concert that celebrates the expansive world of drone music while raising funds for Doctors Without Borders. Musicians from across the musical spectrum will unite to create a continuous, uninterrupted, 28-hour drone of unified sound.

Be part of a unique experience while supporting a just cause. Come by before work, after work, or both. This is a standing show with an open floor. Bring a pillow/blanket to make yourself comfortable! For more details, an up-to-date schedule, and to buy tickets, see The Cedar's event listing.

Friday, January 25, 2019, 7:00pm - Saturday, January 26, 2019 11:00pm
The Cedar
416 Cedar Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Map and directions
Buy tickets:
$20 advance, $30 day of show
Door price on second day will drop to $20

VocalEssence Family Event:  Together We Sing

Every social movement in modern history has been inspired by music that rouses the masses, speaks truth to power, and cements public consciousness. On MLK weekend 2019, join VocalEssence and guest artists (Mila Vocal Ensemble among them) to raise your voice and give back. In partnership with the Minnesota Historical Society, sing songs of protest and progress, move your feet to the rhythm of justice, try your hand at spoken word performance, and volunteer for a cause. All ages welcome. 

Saturday, January 19, 2019, 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Minnesota History Center
345 Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
Map, directions, and parking

Festival registration:  1:00pm - 1:30pm
Festival event:  1:30pm - 5:00pm
Cost:  Free
Admission to the 1968 and Somali American Exhibits may be purchased separately through the Minnesota Historical Society.

Mosaic - Songs of Love and Life from Eastern Europe

Mila is proud to present Mosaic, a touring show featuring stories of life and love, told through centuries-old songs. With authentic folk styling in the native languages of Bulgaria, Georgia, Ukraine, Croatia, Russia and Romania, this music delights, moves, and haunts us. The tour kicked off this summer at the Driftless Music Festival in Viroqua, Wisconsin, and continues in Minnesota this fall and winter.

Sunday, October 14, 2018, 4:00pm
First Unitarian Universalist Church
1727 Walden Lane SW
Rochester, MN 55902
Map and directions
Tickets: $15 at the door or $12 in advance / $5 youth under 18

Sunday, November 18, 2018, 4:00pm
Good Samaritan United Methodist Church
5730 Grove Street
Edina, MN 55436
Map and directions
Tickets: $15 at the door or $12 in advance / $5 youth under 18

Sunday, January 13, 2019, 4:00pm
First Congregational United Church of Christ
1923 Third Avenue South
Anoka, MN 55303
Map and directions
Tickets: $10 at the door or in advance

Mila at Driftless Music Festival

We're very excited to be performing at Driftless Music Festival, on July 14th! There will be great music all day, starting at 1:00pm, at Eckhart Park in beautiful Viroqua, WI. Eckhart Park is located on Decker St. (Highway 56) between Dunlap and Western Avenues.

Mila will be closing the festival from 8:30pm - 10:00pm. Hope to see you there!

Admission is free.

Saturday, July 14, 2018, 12:00pm - 10:00pm
Driftless Music Festival
Eckhart Park
Viroqua, WI 54665
Map and directions

Martenitsa 2018 at the Amsterdam:
Mila Vocal Ensemble, Nomadi, Orkestar Bez Ime, and Traki

Celebrate spring Bulgarian-style with a dance party, featuring live music on two stages by Mila Vocal Ensemble, Nomadi, Orkestar Bez Ime (OBI), and Traki, co-hosted by the Bulgarian School of Minnesota. New this year:  make your own martenitsi! Kid-friendly until 10:00pm.

Martenitsa is a musical celebration of the coming of spring and the holiday of Baba Marta (baba meaning "grandma," and Marta a derivative of the word for "March"). Traditional folklore depicts Baba Marta as a temperamental old woman whose moods are as changeable as March weather. On March 1st, it is customary to exchange and wear Martenitsi—tokens of good health, luck and vitality. Wearing the red and white yarns of the Martenitsa symbolizes the hope that Baba Marta will smile and grant us an early spring. As we Minnesotans know, the end of winter can never come soon enough.

Tickets:  $15 at the door or $12 in advance / $5 kids 12 and under
Available directly through Amsterdam's ticket outlets or online through Ticketfly.

Saturday, March 3, 2018, 6:00pm - 10:00pm
Amsterdam Bar and Hall
6 West 6th Street
St. Paul, MN 55102
Map, directions and parking

Alilo!  Classic Carols of Eastern Europe

Join us for an evening of songs from Eastern Europe. A reception with light refreshments will follow the show.

Tickets will be available at the door, or you can buy tickets online. (Online ticket sales will end 12 hours before the show.)

Admission:  $12 adults / $10 seniors, students, kids 12 and under.

Friday, December 15, 2017, 7:30pm
Unity Church - Unitarian
733 Portland Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104
(Corner of Portland Avenue and Grotto Street)
View map and directions

Bulgarian Bacchanalia at the Amsterdam:
Orkestar Bez Ime, Mila Vocal Ensemble, and Special Guests

Sunday, March 5, 2017, 5:00pm
Amsterdam Bar and Hall
6 West 6th Street
St. Paul, MN 55102
Map and directions

Tickets $15 at the door or $12 in advance
www.amsterdambarandhall.com
612-285-3112

Orkestar Bez Ime (OBI) and Mila Vocal Ensemble proudly present Martenitsa, an annual Balkan celebration of spring—now at the Amsterdam Bar and Hall in St. Paul. What started as a small underground gathering of Balkan music-obsessed fans and the local Bulgarian community has grown into a massive Balkan dance party featuring music from Bulgaria, Macedonia, and surrounding areas.

This year, they bring back a special group of Bulgarian guests to the party: the Twin Cities-based folk ensemble Traki, which upholds the traditional Bulgarian folk idiom while also adapting to the ever-evolving Bulgarian folk music scene. The group is a longtime collaborator with both OBI and Mila, and, in fact, helped initiate one of the first official Twin Cities Martenitsa celebrations a decade ago. With this amount of musical fireworks, audience members can count on a festive and memorable Martenitsa to light up the Amsterdam!

OBI and Mila's musical celebration of the coming of spring—traditionally referred to as the ancient Bulgarian holiday of Baba Marta (baba meaning "grandma," and Marta a derivative of the word for "March")—is highly anticipated every year, not only for the music and camaraderie, but also for the symbolic parallel many Minnesotans feel during a long winter:  Traditional folklore depicts Baba Marta as a temperamental old woman whose moods are as changeable as March weather. On March 1st, it is customary to exchange and wear Martenitsi—tokens of good health, luck and vitality. Wearing the red and white yarns of the Martenitsa symbolizes the hope that Baba Marta will smile and grant us an early spring. As we Minnesotans know, the end of winter can never come soon enough.

Grasslands by Ethnic Dance Theatre

Whether known as steppes, prairies, savannahs, or pampas, the grasslands of the world cover 25% of the earth's surface. They are present wherever rainfall is insufficient to produce a forest but enough to prevent the formation of a desert.

In their fall concert series, Grasslands, Ethnic Dance Theatre and the EDT Orchestra, along with guest artists Mila Vocal Ensemble, take you on a journey through the temperate grasslands of Croatia, Argentina, Poland, Romania, Ireland, Ukraine, Russia, Mexico, Mongolia, and Bulgaria. The program will feature works such as Posavska Žetva, depicting a harvest scene from the Croatian region of Posavina, a suite of dances from the plains of Thrace, and additional choreographies such as Bailes Norteños from Chihuahua, Mexico, El Cuando from Argentina, and Myangad from Mongolia.

When:
Friday, November 4, 2016, 7:30pm
Saturday, November 5, 2016, 7:30pm
Sunday, November 6, 2016, 2:00pm

Where:
The E.M. Pearson Theatre, Concordia University
312 Hamline Avenue North
St. Paul, MN 55104
View map and get directions

Tickets:
Adults $25, Seniors and students $22, Children (12 and under) $10
Purchase tickets online, by phone, or at the E.M. Pearson box office up to one hour prior to each show.
Online: https://ethnicdancetheatre.networkforgood.com/events/874-grasslands
Phone: 651-341-5312

Encore performance!
Perekotypole:  New Ukrainian Folk Songs
by Natalie Nowytski, with Mila Vocal Ensemble

If you missed the December 4th world premiere of Natalie Nowytski's "Perekotypole," with Mila Vocal Ensemble, we will be reprising the program on Saturday, December 12th, at Unity Church - Unitarian.

For more information about this very special encore performance of Nowytski's thirteen new Ukrainian choral works, set to Nadia Lan's poetry, find this event on Facebook.

Natalie Nowytski is a fiscal year 2015 recipient of an Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota State Legislature from the State's arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

This is a donation-based event. Please join us!

Saturday, December 12, 2015, 4:00pm
Unity Church - Unitarian
733 Portland Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104
(Corner of Portland Avenue and Grotto Street)
View map and directions

Perekotypole:  New Ukrainian Folk Songs
by Natalie Nowytski, with Mila Vocal Ensemble

Please join Natalie Nowytski and Mila Vocal Ensemble for a very special night, featuring Natalie's thirteen new Ukrainian choral works, set to Nadia Lan's poetry.

About the poetry:  In 1978, Nadia Lan compiled decades' worth of her poetry in a collection called "Perekotypole" (Tumbleweed—a metaphor for the Ukrainian culture, especially those who have emigrated). Nadia Lan's poems range from the early 1920s when she was a young woman in Ukraine living under the oppression of a newly established Soviet empire, to her post-WWII years living in a German refugee camp, to her transition as a "New American" in the 1970s. Thoughtful, funny, heartbreaking, compassionate, stern—her poetry is the embodiment of many people's experiences, not only of her lifetime, but also of today.

About the music:  Natalie's song project—also entitled "Perekotypole"—pulls from multiple traditions that have inspired her both as a singer and as a composer: Her interpretation of Lan's poems range from traditional Ukrainian to Balkan to Central Asian, even extending to American bluegrass, including perhaps the first ever Ukrainian-Appalachian gospel song.

Natalie Nowytski is a fiscal year 2015 recipient of an Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is funded, in part, by the Minnesota State Legislature from the State's arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Tickets ($10) can be purchased at the door or from one of the performers.

For more information, find this event on Facebook.

Friday, December 4, 2015, 7:00pm
MacPhail Center for Music (Antonello Hall)
501 South 2nd Street
Minneapolis, MN 55401
View map and directions

Mila Vocal Ensemble opens for Zedashe at Cedar Cultural Center

Mila is honored and delighted to open for Zedashe Ensemble at The Cedar Cultural Center.

Zedashe Ensemble is based in the medieval fortress city of Sighnaghi, Eastern Georgia, which has been home to the Kiziqian wine growers and warriors since ancient times. Directed by Ketevan Mindorashvili, the current incarnation of the ensemble was founded in the mid 1990s to sing repertoire largely lost during the Communist era. Their repertoire consists of ancient three-part harmony chants from the Orthodox Christian liturgy, folk songs from the Kiziqian region as collected from village song-masters and old publications, and folk dances from the region.

See event page on The Cedar's website for more information and to buy tickets online.

Monday, September 14, 2015, 7:30pm (doors open 7:00pm)
Cedar Cultural Center
416 Cedar Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55454
View map and directions

Mila Vocal Ensemble partners with Wynn Fricke and Zenon Dance Company

Zenon Dance Company, one of the nation's premier repertory dance companies, and Mila Vocal Ensemble present the world premiere of Wynn Fricke's The Mourning Tree, set to a palette of colorful Bulgarian folk melodies. These songs, which startle with their arresting rhythms and harmonies, tell age-old stories of love and sorrow. The choreography captures their themes in a powerfully ritualistic and contemporary expression.

For this series, Mila Vocal Ensemble is joined by guest artist Natalie Nowytski.

Zenon's 32nd Spring Season will also feature a world premiere by post-modern wunderkind Chris Schlichting. Be moved by Cuban choreographer Osnel Delgado's "Coming Home," in which baseball and movement are common ground, and through other contemporary works of spectacular, daredevil, gorgeously arresting performance by the Twin Cities' most accomplished dancers. 

Buy tickets online: http://www.thecowlescenter.org/zenon-dance-company-0

May 8-17, 2015
Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm: May 8-9 and May 15-16
Sunday at 2:00pm: May 17

The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts
528 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
View directions and parking info

Three Stars on the Mountain - Eastern European Folk Music

Mila Vocal Ensemble illuminates the folk traditions of Eastern Europe with an evening of music and explanation. From the incandescence of Bulgarian music to the sparkle of Ukrainian melodies to the soft glow of Georgian harmonies, the same night sky has inspired songs passed down through generations.

This free concert is part of the University of St. Thomas Sacred Arts Festival.

Parking: Everyone attending this concert may park anywhere on campus, including lot P.

Saturday, April 11, 2015, 7:00pm
St. Mary's Chapel
The Saint Paul Seminary
2260 Summit Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
Campus maps and directions

Martenitsa - Celebrate spring, Balkan style!

Dance, sing, eat, drink and be merry with Orkestar Bez Ime and Mila Vocal Ensemble, on this ancient Bulgarian holiday of Baba Marta.

("Baba" means "Grandma" in Bulgarian, and "Marta" comes from the word "mart," or "March." Traditional folklore depicts Baba Marta as a temperamental old woman whose moods are as changeable as March weather. On March first, it's customary to exchange and wear Martenitsi - tokens of good health, luck and vitality. Wearing the red and white colors of the Martenitsa symbolizes our hope that Baba Marta will smile and grant us an early Spring!)

This year, our annual celebration has a new home: Lowertown's beloved Bedlam Theatre. What started as a small underground gathering of Balkan music-obsessed fans and the local Bulgarian community has grown into a massive Balkan dance party featuring music from Bulgaria, Macedonia, and surrounding areas.

Tickets are $5 at the door or in advance (651-209-0597).

Sunday, March 1, 2015, 2:00pm - 5:00pm (overlaps with happy hour)
Bedlam Theatre Lowertown
213 East Fourth Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
View map and directions

St. Nick's Night

Join Mila Vocal Ensemble and Ethnic Dance Theatre for a seasonal showcase of song and dance from Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Serbia, and Ukraine. Featuring traditions from St. Nicholas day, the Christmas season and the New Year, this musical extravaganza will delight young and old alike!

Admission at door:  Adults $15; Seniors and students $12; Ages 12 and under $10

Saturday, December 13, 2014, 7:00pm
Ukrainian American Community Center
301 Main Street NE
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413
View map

Ethnic Dance Theatre's 40th Anniversary Concert Series

Celebrating their 40th Anniversary Season, the artists of Ethnic Dance Theatre will present choreographies from each decade of the company's repertoire, representing the artistic vision of co-founder and Artistic Director, Donald La Course. The company of dancers will collaborate with the EDT Orchestra, many members of which are McKnight Foundation and American Composers Forum award winners. Master vocalist Natalie Nowytski and Mila Vocal Ensemble will also share the stage.

Ethnic Dance Theatre is known for its exquisite costume collection, consisting of over 5,000 pieces representing 55 distinct cultures from around the world. In addition to complementing the choreographies, selected examples of EDT's collection will be modeled in the lobby during intermission.

Following the Friday, June 27 performance, join the artists of Ethnic Dance Theatre for a discussion as part of The Cowles Center's Meet the Company: Talk-Back Series. This question and answer session is an ideal opportunity for audiences to meet artistic staff and company members, ask questions, and enrich their live performance experience.

Prior to the Sunday, June 29 matinee, there will be a Family Day package that includes a Trip Around the World dance workshop, hosted by EDT alumnus and teacher Christopher Yaeger, as well as a special meet and greet session. Family Day starts at 12:45pm; show at 2:00pm. Please call the box office at 612.206.3600 to reserve this package.

When:
Friday, June 27, 2014, 7:30pm
Saturday, June 28, 2014, 7:30pm
Sunday, June 29, 2014 2:00pm

Where:
The Cowles Center
528 Hennepin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55403
View directions and parking info

Tickets:
Adults $29, Seniors $24, Students (13-18) $24, Children (12 and under) $16
Sunday, June 29 Family Day package: Adults $39, Seniors $34, Students (13-18) $17, Children (12 and under) free

Purchase tickets online or by phone.
Online: http://www.thecowlescenter.org/calendar-tickets/ethnic-dance-theatre
Box office phone: 612.206.3600

Mila at Minneapolis Institute of Arts' Third Thursday

Mila Vocal Ensemble will be appearing as part of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts' Third Thursday event, singing in the MAEP Galleries near work from Minnesota artist Jonathan Bruce Williams.

The Minnesota Artists Exhibition Program (MAEP) is a curatorial department of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) dedicated to exhibiting and supporting artists living and working in the state of Minnesota. Begun in 1975 as a creative partnership with the MIA, the MAEP was founded by a group of regional artists interested in creating an innovative exhibition and programming space. What began as a year-long agreement has been extended into an ongoing relationship between the Minnesota artist community and the MIA.

For more information on this FREE event, please visit this page.

Thursday, March 20, 2014, 7:00pm
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
MAEP Galleries (2nd floor)
2400 3rd Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
View directions, maps and parking

Concert for Ukraine

Featuring the Twin Cities finest Ukrainian Performers and Artists and their Friends:

Cheremosh Ukrainian Dance Ensemble
Ukrainian Village Band
Natalie Nowytski
Galina Gabrielle
Volodymyr Ilemsky
Igor Michaylenko
Orkestar Bez Ime
Mila Vocal Ensemble
The Tim Malloys
and others

Proceeds to support the humanitarian needs of the Maidan protestors in Ukraine. Sponsored by: Maidan Minnesota Committee.

Open to ALL. Voluntary Donations. Cash Bar / Ukrainian Foods available throughout the evening.

Saturday, March 8, 2014, 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Ukrainian Center
301 Main Street NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
View map

Mila at Winter Bluegrass Weekend

Mila Vocal Ensemble is looking forward to sharing our unique sound at Winter Bluegrass Weekend: A Festival of Bluegrass & Old-Time Music & Dance. The festival takes place Friday-Sunday, February 28 through March 2, 2014.

Mila will be featured at the "Spotlight On: Singing" event at the festival. "Spotlight On" is an annual concert held Saturday evening in the Music & Dance Hall (lower level) from 5:30pm to 7:30pm and hosted by Phil Nusbaum. Each year, it features a different slice of local music that is not necessarily bluegrass. This year's theme is vocal group music and features Mila Vocal Ensemble, singers of sea chanteys and related sea songs The Eddys, and the local Sacred Harp singing group.

Tickets available in advance or at the door. Single-day and weekend passes available.
View ticket prices

For more info on finding Mila at the festival, see official website

Saturday, March 1, 2014, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West
Music and Dance Hall (lower level)
3131 Campus Drive
Plymouth, MN 55441
View map or directions and parking info

Chestita Baba Marta!

Welcome the coming of Spring, with Orkestar Bez Ime and Mila Vocal Ensemble, on the eve of Baba Marta, an ancient Bulgarian holiday. ("Baba" means "Grandma" in Bulgarian, and "Marta" comes from the word "mart," or "March.") Traditional folklore depicts Baba Marta as a temperamental old woman whose moods are as changeable as March weather. On March 1st, it is customary to exchange and wear Martenitsi - tokens of good health, luck and vitality. Wearing the red and white colors of the Martenitsa symbolizes our hope that Baba Marta will smile and grant us an early Spring!

We couldn't resist celebrating early this year - over happy hour and dinner on February 28th. Please join us for this lively evening of music from Bulgaria, Macedonia and surrounding areas.

Admission is free.

Friday, February 28, 2014, 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Hell's Kitchen
80 South 9th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55402
View map

Muzika: Celebrating the Sounds of Eastern Europe

This concert features award-winning vocalist Natalie Nowytski with friends, including Bulgarian gadulka player Nikolay Gueorguiev, womens a cappella group Mila Vocal Ensemble, Balkan party band Orkestar Bez Ime, and the folk supergroup Ukrainian Village Band.

The groups will share a selection of music that covers the Balkans to the Carpathians, including Bulgaria, Bosnia, Croatia, Latvia, Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, as well as music of the Roma, the Carpatho-Rusyns, and others. The audience might even see the musicians intermingling and collaborating on songs throughout the program, as nearly everyone on the stage has worked with one another at some point.

At 7:00pm the artists will give a talk on what to listen for in Eastern European music to help those new to the music, followed by the concert itself at 7:30pm.

Tickets available at the door or by phone at 651-523-2459
$12 adult, $8 youth/students, $5 for the Hamline community
Parking at Hamline is free

Friday, December 6, 2013, 7:30pm
7:00pm pre-concert talk, "Listening to Eastern European Music"
Hamline University (Sundin Music Hall)
1531 Hewitt Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104
View map and get directions
For more information see official website

Harvest Songs: Folk Music from Eastern Europe, Russia and Finland

Join Mila and Saana Ensemble for an evening of songs celebrating the joys of harvest time. Delight in musical sounds and styles from Finland, Latvia, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Croatia. Relax into the spirit of bounty, gratitude and collaboration that infuses this concert program.

A portion of the proceeds from these concerts will be donated to Tubman family crisis and support services.

Tickets available at the door.
$12 general admission / $10 youth, students and seniors

Friday, November 15, 2013, 7:30pm
Pilgrim Lutheran Church
1935 St. Clair Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105
View map and directions

Sunday, November 17, 2013, 6:00pm
MacPhail Center for Music (Antonello Hall)
501 South 2nd Street
Minneapolis, MN 55401
View map and directions

Fall Fun with OBI and Mila at Black Dog

Orkestar Bez Ime hosts Mila at their "3rd Thursdays at Black Dog" event. Stop by the Black Dog for Balkan party music and good fun. This is a free, family-friendly show.

Thursday, October 17, 2013, 7:30pm
Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar
308 East Prince Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
View Map and Directions

Mila joins OBI at Black Dog

Mila joins Orkestar Bez Ime for a summer evening of music and festivities at the Black Dog in St. Paul.

Join us for a free, family-friendly show!

Thursday, June 20, 2013, 7:30pm
Black Dog Coffee and Wine Bar
308 East Prince Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
View Map and Directions

Black Sea Treasures

Explore musical treasures of the Black Sea and surrounding areas, in a sight- and sound-spectacular presentation by Ethnic Dance Theatre (EDT). This concert will incorporate traditional choreography, live music and award-winning costumes. ASL interpretation will be a part of each performance.

Artistic Director Donald La Course and John Omorean from the Twin Cities' Izvorasul Romanian Dance Ensemble created choreography for "Black Sea Treasures," including five new premieres and four revivals from the EDT repertoire. Dances from Georgia, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey will be featured. The acclaimed EDT Folk Orchestra will perform all the musical sets, and guest artists Mila Vocal Ensemble will provide vocal music from Russia, Ukraine and Bulgaria.

When:
Friday, March 15, 2013, 8:00pm
Saturday, March 16, 2013, 8:00pm
Sunday, March 17, 2013, 2:00pm

Where:
Ritz Theater
345 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
View Map

Tickets:
Adults: $25
Students and Seniors: $20
Under 12: $12

Purchase tickets online or by phone. Tickets also available at the door, starting two hours before showtime.
Ritz Theater Online: www.ritz-theater.org/tickets/
Ritz Theater Box Office: 612-436-1129
(Tuesday-Thursday, 12:30pm - 4:30pm)

Celebrate Spring!

Orkestar Bez Ime and Mila Vocal Ensemble present a musical celebration of the coming of Spring, on this ancient Bulgarian holiday of Baba Marta. ("Baba" means "Grandma" in Bulgarian, and "Marta" comes from the word "mart," or "March.") Traditional folklore depicts Baba Marta as a temperamental old woman whose moods are as changeable as March weather. On March 1st, it is customary to exchange and wear Martenitsi - tokens of good health, luck and vitality. Wearing the red and white colors of the Martenitsa symbolizes our hope that Baba Marta will smile and grant us an early Spring.

Special guests SlovCzech will keep revelers dancing into the wee hours, with their signature blend of Contemporary Czechoslovak and European Folkrock styles.

Join us for this musical celebration of Spring. Chestita Baba Marta!

Admission is free.

Friday, March 1, 2013, 8:00pm
Acadia Cafe
329 Cedar Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN 55454
View Map and Directions

COLINDĂ: CLASSIC CAROLS OF EASTERN EUROPE

"Behold, the carolers come at night to the music lovers." – Iată vin Colindători (16th-century Romanian carol)

Inspired by the ancient, Romanian tradition of colindători (Christmas carolers), Mila Vocal Ensemble presents a holiday concert that will take audiences on a breathtaking tour of Eastern European holiday sounds. Music lovers will be thrilled by the bracing sounds of Croatia, surprised by the raw energy and dissonant harmonies of Bulgaria, and charmed by joyful Ukrainian carols. Treats from Romania, Russia, Belarus, Georgia and Serbia also will delight new audiences and familiar friends alike.

In the spirit of the caroler, Mila will take their Friday show on the road to Crossings Art Center, a folk musicians' favorite in Zumbrota, MN. Enjoy the ambiance and crisp acoustics in a cozy, smaller-town setting.

Saturday's concertgoers will appreciate the local appeal of the Croatian Hall in South St. Paul, with its stunning woodwork and low-key charm. Stay, mingle with friends, and raise a glass at the post-concert holiday party! Refreshments and a cash bar will be provided.

Sunday's matinee offers a warm dose of holiday spirit in the airy, greenery-infused sanctuary at Unity Church in St. Paul.

Tickets available at the door.

Friday, December 14, 2012, 7:30pm
Crossings Art Center
320 East Avenue
Zumbrota, MN 55992
$18 day of show / $16 in advance
Reservations suggested: 507-732-7616
View map and directions

Saturday, December 15, 2012, 7:30pm
Croatian Hall
445 2nd Avenue South
South St. Paul, MN 55075
$12 general admission / $10 youth, students and seniors
View map and directions

Sunday, December 16, 2012, 2:00pm
Unity Church - Unitarian
732 Holly Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104
$12 general admission / $10 youth, students and seniors
View map and directions

Reflections on the Danube

Take a journey from the Black Forest to the Black Sea as Ethnic Dance Theatre (EDT) presents Reflections on the Danube. EDT is known for traditional presentations of the movements, sounds and colors of various ethnic dance and music cultures. This performance will reflect EDT's signature style, incorporating traditional choreography, live music and spectacular costumes.

Artistic Director Donald LaCourse, EDT resident choreographer Eva Maria Kish, and guest choreographers John Morovich from Seattle and John Omorean from the Twin Cities will premier three new choreographies: LaCourse will stage Tanze vom Schwarzwald, from the fairytale-like Black Forest of Germany. Morovich will create a new work from the Baranja region of Croatia featuring enchanting music and priceless antique costumes. Omorean's piece comes from the Danube delta region of Dobrogea in Romania, with haunting violins and lightning footwork. In addition, several works from the EDT repertoire will be revived, representing music and dance from Bulgaria, Austria, Slovakia, Serbia and Hungary.

McKnight-award-winners Orkestar Bez Ime will perform all musical sets. This show also will feature the vocal talents of singer Natalie Nowytski and Mila Vocal Ensemble. ASL interpretation will be a part of each performance.

When:
Friday, March 23, 2012, 8:00pm
Saturday, March 24, 2012, 8:00pm
Sunday, March 25, 2012, 2:00pm

Where:
Ritz Theater
345 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413, USA
View Map and Directions

Admission:
Adults: $20
Students and Seniors: $15
Under 12: $12

Purchase tickets online or by phone. Tickets also available at the door, starting two hours before showtime.
Ritz Theater Online: www.ritzdolls.com/tickets/
Ritz Theater Box Office: 612-436-1129
(Tuesday-Friday, 12:30pm - 4:30pm)

Chestita Baba Marta!

Orkestar Bez Ime and Mila Vocal Ensemble present a musical celebration of the coming of Spring, on this ancient Bulgarian holiday of Baba Marta. ("Baba" means "Grandma" in Bulgarian, and "Marta" comes from the word "mart," or "March.") Traditional folklore depicts Baba Marta as a temperamental old woman whose moods are as changeable as March weather. On March 1st, it is customary to exchange and wear Martenitsi - tokens of good health, luck and vitality. Wearing the red and white colors of the Martenitsa symbolizes our hope that Baba Marta will smile and grant us an early Spring!

Join us for this lively evening of music from Bulgaria, Macedonia and surrounding areas.

Admission is free.

Thursday, March 1, 2012, 8:00pm
Acadia Cafe
329 Cedar Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
View Map and Directions

Radujsja! Rejoice in the Holiday Music of Eastern Europe

Rejoice in the unique sounds of Eastern Europe! Mila Vocal Ensemble presents a choral tour of winter songs from countries such as Russia, Belarus, Georgia, Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria and Ukraine. At turns rich, mysterious, thrilling, zesty, and lilting, this holiday music will warm your heart and invigorate your spirit. Radujsja! (Rejoice!)

Tickets available at the door.
$10 general admission / $5 youth, students and seniors

Sunday, December 4, 2011, 2:00pm
United Theological Seminary (Bigelow Chapel)
3000 Fifth Street Northwest
New Brighton, MN 55112, USA
View Map and Directions

Friday, December 16, 2011, 7:30pm
Hobgoblin Music (Stoney End Music Loft)
920 MN Hwy 19
Red Wing, MN 55066, USA
View Map and Directions

Sunday, December 18, 2011, 2:00pm
Unity Church - Unitarian
732 Holly Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104, USA
View Map and Directions

Mila at Walker Art Center's Acoustic Campfire

Martenitsa!

A Christmas Celebration!

Songs for Springtime!

"First Love: A Bulgarian Tale," An Ethnic Dance Theatre Premiere Performance
Ivan loves Tudora. Todora loves Kolyo. And Kolyo loves....who? Find out at First Love: A Bulgarian Tale." Featuring vibrant music and dance from exotic Bulgaria! Presented by the Ethnic Dance Theatre with live music by the EDT Folk Orchestra and guests, Mila Vocal Ensemble.
Friday - Sunday, April 18 - 20, O'Shaughnessy Auditorium
2004 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105. For more information and ticket purchase, please call 651-690-6700 or visit www.ticketmaster.com

With Bread and Salt: Songs and stories for Mother’s Day
Nourish the mothers in your life with a delectable assortment of songs and stories from Eastern and Central Europe. With thrilling harmonies and captivating spoken word, Mila will follow the mother's journey from girlhood to grandmotherhood and honor her many contributions as wife, mother, cook and tradition keeper. Spicy accompaniment by the Niks Folk Ensemble.

Saturday, May 10, 2008, 7:30pm at Lakeville Area Arts Center
20965 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, MN 55044. For more information and ticket purchase, please visit: http://www.ci.lakeville.mn.us/departments/artscenter.htm

Sunday, May 11, 2008, 2 PM at the Southern Theater
1420 Washington Avenue So., Minneapolis, MN 55454. For more information and ticket purchase, please visit: http://www.southerntheater.org

WITH BREAD AND SALT: SONGS FROM THE FEAST OF LIFE, Saturday, March 8
Central Square, Glenwood, MN

Ongoing

MilaCast
If you missed our first series of podcasts in the days leading up to the V Gradinata CD release party, you can still hear the episodes by visiting www.milavocalensemble.com/milacast. Let us know what you think by e-mailing milacast@milavocalensemble.com.

Photo gallery: V Gradinata CD release party
It was a lovely party, and we have the pictures to prove it! Thanks to Minneapolis-based Red Event Design for creating a memorablegarden-themed party, to the talented musicians who joined us, and to all of our gracious guests. If you missed the party, you can live (or re-live) the magic by viewing the slideshow. (56 photos)

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