Eastbeat: Rakija and Roses

To mark its 15th anniversary, the Ostbeatbend is celebrating with a concert that puts the musical diversity of the Balkans in the spotlight. Under the title "RAKIJA I RUZE" – "Schnaps and Roses" – the ensemble combines traditional sounds from Serbia, Romania, Hungary, and other countries with its own compositions. Founded in 2012 by percussionist Alexander "Aco" Zechbauer, whose passion for Balkan music shaped the project, Ostbeatbend stands for cross-border collaboration. His legacy lives on in the creative fusion of Balkan music, world music, jazz, and free improvisation – full of energy, emotion, and joy of playing.

The current lineup, featuring Slavoljub "Pera" Jeremic (accordion, vocals), Roland Oberndorfer-Wagner (piano), Michael "Michi" Brandl (guitar), Peter Fürhapter (bass), Marcel "Sal" Chytra-Egger (drums), and Georg Degenhardt (percussion), is joined by guests such as saxophonist Robert Friedl, singer Aleksandra Milovanovic, and dancer Verena Aziz. Together, they create a concert that blends musical traditions with contemporary influences, transporting the audience into a world of rhythms and melodies.