KAFANA

Kafana are an exciting new trio dedicated to Gypsy Jazz and the music of Greece and the Balkans. Kafana are Hertford-based, but all experienced players in London and beyond, showcasing mandolin and santouri (Greek hammer dulcimer) alongside violin, accordion and guitar.

Jon is accordionist with the group ZRI, re-imagining the Viennese classics as a Hungarian band, and has been a member of the Burning Bush, Jocelyn Pook Ensemble, Dufay Collective, and Society of Strange and Ancient Instruments. He has been a Globe theatre regular, including a solo collaboration with Simon Armitage, toured Uzbekistan with Fariborz Kiani, and film credits include Grand Budapest Hotel. Publications include chapters in the Cambridge History of Musical Performance and articles on Turkish music, and his latest book is a history of Romani bands in Vienna.

Matthew is a violinist and multi-instrumentalist who enjoys playing a wide variety of genres and styles. He graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2018. As an orchestral violinist he has played with orchestras such as the Orion Orchestra, Aurelius Orchestra and Insight Ensemble. As well as classical violin Matthew loves to play folk, jazz and rock, playing with an eclectic mix of bands and musicians. Aside from performance Matthew also teaches Violin, Drums and Orchestral Percussion in West London.

Steve began his musical career playing in folk, blues and rock groups in the Guildford area and later, with the group Phoenix, in the London pub rock scene. He then studied music at the City University and classical guitar at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Since moving to Hertford he has taught guitar at several local schools. As well as Kafana he also plays electric guitar in the Hertford based band Fidel.