Musiki Parea

Artist Website

Musiki Parea is a Vancouver-based ensemble with roots stretching back to 2000. Formed by Laura Blumenthal, Wendy Cutler, and sisters Kate and Erika Gerson — who met at the Mendocino Balkan Camp — the group later welcomed Joseph Condie and Mark Hamilton. Together, they create vibrant, danceable music inspired by Greek village traditions, urban rembetika, and cross-cultural folk melodies from Turkey and the Balkans.

Their performances are a regular feature at summer festivals across Metro Vancouver, including Greek Day on Broadway and the Greek Summerfest. They’ve also played at Balkan Night Northwest in Seattle, the 4th Corner Dancers in Bellingham, and various local cafés and community events — most recently for the Cambie Village Business Association.

Musiki Parea’s setlists blend regional Greek styles with select Turkish and ex-Yugoslav pieces, celebrating musical ties across borders.

Members:

• Laura Blumenthal – vocals, santouri, de
• Wendy Cutler – bass ukulele
• Erika Gerson – baglama, percussion
• Kate Gerson – clarinet
• Mark Hamilton – guitar

Photo credit: Bahar Çınarlı