Formed in 1988

The Electrocarpathians

Klezmer, Polka, and Czardas meet classic rock and Latin music in high-energy arrangements. Four albums, one restless band, and a fourth record on the way.

The core sound

Three traditions, one band

Each song draws from several traditions at once, so a single set can move from a Klezmer clarinet line to a driving rock backbeat.

East European folk

Klezmer, Polka, and Czardas supply the melodies, ornaments, and dance tempos that anchor every arrangement.

Classic rock drive

Electric guitar energy and a steady bass line give the folk material the punch of a rock band playing live.

Latin groove

Latin dance syncopations weave through the set, pulling the rhythm section and the dancers' feet into the same pulse.

Three albums

A catalog that keeps turning

Umpires of Straw (2001) was subtitled Slavic Music Collected in the Midwest performed by California Surfer Gypsy Punk Rockers. Fighting for Harmony (2005) searched for Byzantine roots in dance music from South California and Tijuana, and Cafe Bego (2010) celebrates Flamenco influences. A fourth album is on the way.

Jeff Pekarek's Panamerican Shanty (2010) tells the story of the Nakai Nakai, a fabled whale-tooth scrimshaw piece, through sea shanties and film-noir originals.

Book The Electrocarpathians

Presenters and venues can reach the band for concert dates. The group also performs as Blackthorn's Maritime Band for sea shanties and Celtic music.