VGmates and Raduga Trio at Leichhardt Bowlo

“Raduga”– meaning rainbow or joyous arch – is an eclectic, energetic and exciting take on a raw gypsy style. Original compositions and arrangements of melodies and songs from around the world on the clarinet, piano accordion, gitano guitar, acoustic bass, spoons and other percussion, flavoured with singing in English as well as in Slavic and Roma languages. The trio plays without looping or digital devices – truly live performance with high audience participation, expressed in dance, clap and sing along! Raduga Trio was founded by Nina Kharakoz and Diane Lenham in about 2010 in Sydney and since performed and gave traditional European village dance workshops at the National Folk Festival, Sydney Folk Festival, Newcastle Fringe, Illawarra Folk Festival, Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival, Blue Mountains Music Festival, Cygnet Folk Festival, to name a few, and multiple multicultural festivals and top venues.

VGmates – a genre-blending six-piece band from Sydney. With their passion for folk-rock and a diverse array of ethnic musical instruments, they offer a truly distinctive musical experience that breaks away from tradition while still honoring its roots.
The band seamlessly weaves together the sounds of traditional folk music with contemporary influences, resulting in a captivating fusion that resonates with audiences. With instruments like the tin whistle, Armenian duduk, jews harp, kalimba, and more, their performances showcase the rich tapestry of world music.