Martha Forsyth

For more on Martha Forsyth, visit: martha.forsyths.org/about/
Video: Dobra Nevesto

Martha started her field research in traditional Bulgarian singing in 1978 and continued through some 25 subsequent trips to Bulgaria. She has written a dual-language book presenting the songs and life of a well-known village singer, and presented several conference papers. She is one of the drivers of live music performance in the Boston area.

Zdravets, of which she is a founding member, will play for the Wednesday evening dance party.

Together with her friend Helen Snively, Martha will teach us how to make the Martenitsas traditionally given to one’s loved ones on the first of March, to protect them throughout the year.

Michael Ginsburg

Michael started folk dancing as a teenager, and danced with the Michael & Mary Ann Herman. His fascination with Balkan dance & music was likely sparked by a dance he was introduced to by Mary Ann.

Michael has an incredible gift for making Balkan folk dances accessible to all by breaking down their complicated music rhythms.

He is the director and lead trumpet player of Zlatne Uste Balkan Brass Band.

We will have the pleasure of learning from Michael and hearing him play on Saturday.

For more on Michael Ginsburg, visit: Michael’s biography on EEFC
Video: Zlatne Uste Balkan Brass Band

Joe Graziosi

For more on Joe Graziosi, visit: his biography on EEFC
Video: Island Syrto

Joe grew up in a multicultural family and has spent his life studying and teaching the dances of Greece. His Greek heritage derives from his mother’s side coming from Eastern Thrace.

Joe has lectured in ethnomusicology departments in California and given dance workshops around the world and serves as a judge for numerous Greek dance competitions.

He has produced numerous anthology CDs of dances from recorded sources not widely available in the United States, which he makes available to students in his classes.

Tom & Barbara Pixton

Tom and Barbara Pixton are both former professional musicians who changed careers in their early 30s, and, after embarking on successful careers in other fields, discovered folk dancing in their free time. For Barbara it was a rediscovery: she had been folk dancing on and off since she was in grade school. They both subsequently merged their love of folk dance with their classical training to start dance bands in the Boston area with far reaching consequences. Tom and Barbara lined up musicians to create bands for live music dance events with the Flying Tomatoes, and subsequently the Pinewoods Band, which still enjoys an international reputation. Tom engineered the production of CDs and music books, and managed an increasing demand for out-of-state gigs.

For more on Tom Pixton, visit: pixton.org

Barbara initiated programs with the Folk Arts Center that brought amateur musicians together to play for dance, the International Music Club, and a youth ensemble, the Next Generation.

She currently plays bass for the Pixton Poirier Trio and the Pinewoods Band, accordion for her current project, the All Girl Band, and piano for English Country dances around the Boston area.

She is also a graphic artist, with numerous items for sale on various online shops.