Sunday, September 23, 2012 On the Lawn at Duke Gardens Durham, North Carolina

Romanian brass band maestros Fanfare Ciocarlia brought their vibrant Balkan sound to Duke University this evening. Supported by tubas and drums, the large Gypsy ensemble treated the audience to a mix of traditional Romanian songs and dances and medleys of popular modern songs with spectacular trumpet and saxophone solos and a few lively vocal performances.

Although most members of the audience were sitting on the lawn, by mid-concert most audience members were dancing in groups, circles and even conga line dancing.

Fanfare Ciocarlia’s concert combined ear catching songs, instrumental virtuosity and good humor.

Most of Fanfare Ciocarlia’s members come from the village of Zece Prajini in northeastern Romania. The popular brass orchestra is one of the world’s best known Gypsy bands. They are currently doing an eight-city tour in the United States and Canada. Tomorrow they will be in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.