Musical Bridges Around the World (MBAW) completed the second segment of its new retirement community outreach program, Golden Age 2014, funded by the Texas Commission on the Arts. The Flying Balalaika Brothers visited six different retirement communities on August 21 & 22; Granada Homes, Army Residence Community, Adante Senior Living, Franklin Park Sonterra, Wedgwood Senior Apartments, and Emeritus at Woodbridge Estates.
The Flying Balalaika Brothers brough their 45 minute program to each of the six retirement communities; world fusion music sprinkled with the glitter of Russian fairy tales. They performed a variety of pieces and visited with the residents.
A special thanks to the Texas Commission on the Arts, and all of the participating retirement communities for making this concert series a success!
The original Flying Balalaika Brothers were formed in Los Angeles in 1995 by Zhenya Kolykhanov (a.k.a. Z Rock), the former lead guitarist of the Russian surf/rockabilly group Red Elvises. The group started as a street band and later transformed into the group Red Elvises; which had a large history of performing for clubs, motion pictures, and tv shows in California. After Zhenya set up shop in Austin, TX, he reestablished The Flying Balalaika Brothers. The band represents a blend of traditional world music and original musical pieces. The group has found a home in the musically rich culture in Austin, TX.