Their name pretty much says it all: this Toronto-based "Eurofolk fusion" band busts boundaries right and left as they concoct a distinctive, virtuosic blend of the traditional and the unorthodox. The sextet mixes Klezmer, Balkan, and Romanian styles with an eclectic range of North American influences, their diverse musical and cultural backgrounds intersecting to push acoustic roots music into new realms. The group's exuberant live performances take audiences on an invigorating musical ride from raucous dance rhythms to rich, plaintive melodies to intricate chamber-folk dynamics, and beyond.

Featuring Bret Higgins (bass), Bogdan Djukic (percussion, violin), Aleksandar Gajic (violin, viola), Milos Popovic (accordion), Eric Stein (mandolin, mandocello, cimbalom), and Martin van de Ven (clarinets), Beyond the Pale play with remarkable grace and style. However, even more than the impeccable playing, the sheer gusto and joy the group brings to their music stand out, both live and on CDs like their recent Postcards. The group's previous two releases earned honors from the Canadian Folk Music Awards (Best Instrumental Group), Toronto Independent Music Awards (Best World Music Group), and Ontario Council of Folk Festivals Songwriting Competition (Best Instrumental Composition).

Visit Bayond the Pale's website