To understand Bella’s Bartok, imagine what you would get if Salvador Dali and Toulouse Lautrec were fronting the Moulin Rouge's house band, and you have the exuberant spectacle that is Bella's Bartok. Described as "about as much fun as you can have with your pants on" (Dan Wolovick, Two Way Monologues), this 6-piece powerhouse melds Bohemian Klezmer Punk with pop sensibilities into an eminently danceable party. The diversity of musicians that make up Bella's Bartok, combined with their boundless energy on stage, not only compels you to dance, but has been known to break a dancefloor, or two (or three, but who's counting?).
Often referred to as a modern-pop klezmer, the Bella’s Bartok’s sound moves way beyond that label, pushing the envelope towards the more eclectic side of the Eastern European style and forging a new pop sound as heard through the filter of 20th century fantasy and sci fi. Every show is filled with the exuberant joy of wildly energetic dancing. It's contagious. You simply cannot avoid it. When the circus-inspired sound of Bella's Bartok hits your ears, you are no longer in control. Their music makes everyone dance, regardless. From living rooms to concert halls, alleyways to weddings, the band's energy makes getting up and moving irresistible. Without fail, someone from the audience comes up after every single show and says the same thing: "I couldn't help it."
The Bella's Bartok line-up includes: Asher Putnam (Vocals and all-around entertainer), Jesse Putnam (Accordion, Mandolin, Guitar, Trumpet and Vocals), Chris "Fancy" Kerrigan (Guitar, Clarinet, Vocals and physicist!?!), Dan Niederhauser (Bass and Vocals), Amory Drennan (Trombone/Banjo and Vocals), and Crisco (Drums/Percussion and Trumpet). The band has shared the stage with musicians and acts such as Rubblebucket, The Indigo Girls, Larry & His Flask, The Suitcase Junket, And the Kids, Kanye, Rough Francis, Beau Sasser’s Escape Plan, West End Blend, Adam Ezra Group, Meat Puppets, World Inferno/Friendship Society, Rupa & the April Fishes, Arc Iris, and many more.
With multiple awards under their belts, including The Valley Advocate's Best Band in the Valley 2014 and The Deli Magazine's Best of New England (twice!), this eclectic group of guys have carefully crafted a sound that is part strange and creepy, part pop gold. With an aura of theatricality, Bella's Bartok shows not only entertain, but they invite you to partake in the wild party they are having on stage, to involve yourself in the spectacle. Quite simply put- this is the band you should never miss, ever.
Press:
"When you hear Amherst, MA, band Bella's Bartok play their unique blend of folk, punk, and klezmer, it’s easy to get lost in the atmosphere. The ensemble group draws the audience in with its visual theatricality and keeps their riveted attention with its sonic groove."
- Eoin Higgins, Huffington Post
“New England’s most infectious band.”
- Music Inkorporated
“A folk collective with perfect pop sensibilities combined with a Klezmer influence, this is basically about as much fun as you can have with your pants on.”
- Dan Wolovick, Two Way Monologues
“[A] manic, Old World-tinged onslaught of sound that’s not like much of anything else.”
- James Heflin, The Valley Advocate (Apr 02, 2014)
“Their goal is to spread the electrifyingly good time they’re having on stage out into the audience, until every last person is out of breath…in a good way.”
- Berkshire Living
“Perfect for Tim Burton’s next ghoulish movie. With some yo-ho-ho and shout-along songs, the seven-piece band will wake up any jaded dozers.”
- GazetteNet.com
“Bella’s Bartok is a strange mix of a band, and with their absurdity lies their charm. Varied percussion, bright pianos, scratchy guitars, scattered horn sections, and group harmonies give their dancey tunes a distinct bohemian vibe, and their raw sound gives them something of a punk edge. Bella’s Bartok topped our New England open submission.”
- The Deli Magazine
Doors 9:30 | Music 10 pm. 21 and up.