“Authentic” Gothic Balkan Cartoon Jazz. / “Dark Klezmer Storytime”

ZLA VILA ENSEMBLE were drawn together by a mutual love of nerding out over Eastern European folk tunes with odd meters and ornaments.  They learned tunes in Serbia, Romania, from friends, old recordings, and at band camp-- then they started making up new ones.

Started by multi-instrumentalist superstar Fiddlin’ Mickey (of Sour Mash Hug Band) and his accordionist wife, Nicolette. Mickey does the composing, violin, guitar, and main vocals. The sound is strengthened and supported by self-taught shredder Nicolette on accordion and backup vocals, and the truly amazing musicianship of Leo on the upright bass.