This was one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen, totally over-the-top great. Goran is the mix-master genius putting it all together: the gypsy lead vocals and percussion, Bulgarian women singers, gypsy brass band, Orthodox men’s choir, string quartet, each in their own standard performance costume to highlight the meeting of cultures. He took the audience on a multi-cultural journey, and their joy in going on the ride was obvious.

I was not bothered by the volume, sitting near the stage, nor by the computer tracks. After all, there were 19 amazing musicians on stage. Did it really matter that the one or two more, adding to the rhythm section, were on a track and didn’t require more flights and hotel rooms?

Goran and the musicians were obviously having a great time and were thrilled by the enthusiasm of the audience. I even noticed the sax player taking photos of US! I don’t live in Ann Arbor, and don’t know about the Serbian/Croat/Roma community in Michigan, or if people came from across a multi-state region to be there, but it was obviously a joyous “gathering of the clan” that I felt honored to witness.