View the event program HERE [PDF]
Seattle’s own Kultur Shock was founded by vocalist Gino Yevdjevich and a ragtag of immigrant Balkan musicians in 1996. Ten records and over 1,000 shows later, the band has become the gold standard for Balkan music infused by punk metal. The band recently got back on the post pandemic touring path with a festival and club tour in Europe in 2022, and is gearing up to release a vinyl version of their newest record, D.R.E.A.M., on Jello Biafra’s iconic Alternative Tentacles label.
Kultur Shock is hugely influential to a whole genre of rock music that combines experimentalism with heart-pounding punk rock. With sounds reminiscent of Gogol Bordello, System of a Down, Dubioza Kolektiv, Manu Chao, The Pogues, and Gang of Four, Kultur Shock continues to bend the rules and mix international sounds full of energy, irreverence, and lyricism in an unmistakable signature sound of their own.
As part of the Global Rhythms series at Town Hall, Kultur Shock has prepared a unique “unplugged” set, creating an exciting new subgenre in popular music that they lovingly refer to as “acoustic punk metal”!
MC Darek Mazzone (KEXP-FM WoPop) and series curator Jon Kertzer will host this unique evening.
Stick around after the show for a brief interview with Darek Mazzone about Kultur Shock’s acoustic approach to this performance, followed by an audience Q&A session.
Current lineup
Gino Yevdjevich – vocals, trumpet, percussion
Val Kiossovski – guitar, vocals
Chris Stromquist – drums and percussion
Amy Denio – saxophone, clarinet, bouzouki, guitar, vocals
Guy Michael Davis – bass, banjo, vocals
Eleni Govetas – violin, saxophone, oud, percussion, vocals
New! Global Atmosphere
Pre-Show Food and Beverages starting at 6PM
Before the Kultur Shock show, Seattle-based pop-up Baked in Bosnia joins us with hearty and flavorful comfort dishes inspired by Chef Selma’s Balkan heritage. Follow the aroma and grab a plate of sarma (slow-cooked cabbage rolls filled with halal beef), chicken paprikash, vegan stuffed peppers, delicious desserts, and more. Dishes will range from approximately $5-$19.
To round out the Balkan flavors of the evening, head over to the bar to sip some rakija (Balkan rustic fruit brandy). Enjoy it the traditional way, straight up and neat, or try it in our signature cocktail, a Rakija Collins.
Presented by Town Hall Seattle, in association with Seattle Sacred Music & Arts. This event is supported by our media sponsor, KEXP.
