Mediterraneo

Ed Fest Mag TV / Rosie Phenix-Walker


This one-off event was a not-to-be-missed event of the Fringe, with three fantastically talented Mediterranean bands and over thirty musicians lined up to showcase the versatility, variety and sheer excitement of European folk music.

First on stage was Pellizco Flamenco, an Edinburgh based flamenco group, and an excellent example of the genre. Not only are they musically talented, but they also demonstrated amazing flamenco dancing skills throughout the performance. The whole band looked as if they were enjoying every moment, and this was reflected on the faces and the dancing bodies crammed into the audience.

Next, Edinburgh’s own Tarantella band stormed the stage: the Badwills. The Badwills play a selection of traditional Italian folk songs, particularly tarantella, which is a Southern Italian folk dance tradition known for its fast pace and tambourine beats. With accordions, fiddles, guitars, tambourines, a double bass and several singers, the band filled the room with fun: I think everyone in the packed-out venue was dancing to the Badwills’ beat.

Finally, the headline act of the night were a tremendous Klezmer band from Belgium, Les Taupes qui boivent du lait. Klezmer music is traditionally Eastern European and Jewish in origin; it’s celebratory and great for dancing, and Les Taupes were no exception. Sousaphone, clarinet, accordions, drummers, a trumpet, a banjo, a fiddle (and probably others) came together to create a wonderful, chaotic and exciting sound the likes of which Edinburgh has never seen.

You can catch the Badwills at the Cowbarn (Cowgate) on Friday 16th, The Circus Cafe on St Mary’s Street on Thursday 15th (22.30) and Saturday 17th August (22.00). Keep your eyes peeled for other surprise gigs from the Badwills and Pellizco Flamenco around Edinburgh: it’s the best dancing you’ll find all August.