LJOVA (Lev Zhurbin) - film composer, arranger, violist

Ljova and the Vjola Contraband return to the intimate backroom of Barbès for a "double-feature" with the prize-winning Parker String Quartet:

At 7pm, the Parker Quartet will perform, including a few of Ljova's originals in their set;
At 9pm, Ljova and the Vjola Contraband will take the stage to play a set of Ljova's originals, possibly including guests from the Parker Quartet on several selections.

LJOVA AND THE VJOLA CONTRABAND -- is chamber-jam music for the "remix generation". As if by alchemy, Eastern-European and Gypsy melodies, Latin rhythms, Jazz-inspired improvisations, and deeply rooted Classical forms are given new meanings. Founded by the maverick film composer, arranger, and violist Lev 'LJOVA' Zhurbin --- hailed by Billboard magazine as "one of New York's fastest rising composers and instrumentalists" -- the ensemble also features his close collaborators on vocals, accordion, bass and percussion. Inspired by his collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma, Osvaldo Golijov, the Kronos Quartet, the rapper Jay-Z and others, Ljova's compositions dazzle with intricate textures, odd rhythms and lilting melodies, creating music that is both fresh and timeless.

Ljova, viola
Patrick Farrell, accordion

Special guests:
Inna Barmash, vocals
Taylor Bergren-Chrisman, bass
Rich Stein, percussion

Watch videos of Ljova and the Vjola Contraband on YouTube!
Ljova and the Vjola Contraband reviewed by Justin Davidson in NEWSDAY