Jerome and Radio M host Tony Sarabia listen to Vagabond Opera, a Portland-based group that puts a modern spin on Balkan music, operatic singing, Klezmer and cabaret.
“It’s nice to go to a show and be immersed not only some really fantastic music, because these are pretty top notch musicians…but to just see the playfulness on stage.” – Radio M Host Tony Serabia
Review: A night at the Seattle International Cabaret Festival
By Michael Upchurch in The Seattle Times
“At the Triple Door, Vagabond Opera (”from faraway exotic sunny Portland”) was the indisputable crowning glory of the night. This sextet has fine voices, unbelievable musical chops and a huge and humorous stage presence. They know how to dress, how to make an entrance and how to craft an instantly hummable tune.”
Vagabond Opera rocks! Cabaret lives!
By Christopher Key in Entertainment News NW
“One thing I have learned in all these years is that there are some things worth waiting for and Vagabond Opera is one of them. They are nothing short of sensational and they are also indescribable.
One of the things I take pride in is my objectivity. I go to events like this, observe with journalistic distance and report the facts. Vagabond Opera demolished that foolish pretension with their first notes. I was on my feet and wiggling like no one my age should. Their beat is that infectious.
They have a formula that releases us from everyday existence and transports us into a fantasy that is addictive enough to be classified as a dangerous substance. Let’s hope the DEA doesn’t clue into what these folks do.”
ALL THINGS WEIRD AND WONDERFUL : Behind the music with Vagabond Opera
By Krissi Bucholtz in The Capilano Courier
“The band utilizes a strange combination of theatrics, comedy, dance, incredible musical talent and, of course, what band is complete without a little burlesque dancing? On Friday, November 6th, they shocked and awed the audience at the Capilano Performing Arts Theatre with their antics, which included speaking gibberish to each other between songs, and one of the band members pulling a set of false teeth out of her bra. Music and drama compete in Vagabond Opera, but the real wonder behind the scenes of the band is the secret ingredient of both these elements – improvisation. ”
Seattle International Cabaret Festival, Report the Second
By Sepia Chord
“Portland OR’s Vagabond Opera are consummate entertainers. They grab your attention from the minute they take the stage and woo you for the rest of the evening. I don’t know how you can watch them and not have a good time. They exude such constant, positive energy I get winded just watching them.”
Vagabond — not your father’s opera
By Jessica Schaeffer in Madison.com
“At the show, clubgoers can expect to see a touch of the naughty and exotic. With costumes that sometimes include corsets, suspenders and bowler hats, the band (six, including Sterns) brings vocal power plus piano, saxophone, accordion, cello, clarinet, drums and even the didgeridoo to create a unique cabaret experience with worldly rhythms and beats.”
Vagabond Opera frontman Eric Stern is no stranger to irony
By Tony Montague In Straight.com, Vancouver BC
“There’s certainly nothing too highbrow about Vagabond Opera’s fusion of music with popular theatre. The ensemble’s shows include many comedic elements, and the humour is often dark-hued, with a sharp sense of irony. “I think that comes partly from my being Jewish and having East European roots,” says Stern. ‘It’s in the history if not in the blood. Irony is also part of the cabaret tradition, especially in prewar Germany. Plus, this ensemble was created during the Bush years, and the politics of that time touch us. There’s no way we couldn’t be ironic.’ ”
An aftershow interview with Vagabond Opera at the Mountain Stage in West Virgina! Interview features Eric, Mark and Ashia with live video clips and witty dialogue!
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