Fanfare Ciocărlia

A brass band heralding from Zece Prajini, Romania. Starting out as a local band that played at weddings and festivals, Fanfare Ciocarlia began recording and touring in 1996 when approached by a German producer. They are known for their dizzying speed and energy, playing traditional folk melodies from Romania and other eastern European countries.

Since they began touring, they have played over a thousand concerts in over 50 countries, and have released five albums.

An African Brass Band

Just found this video of a local brass band in Jacqueville, Côte d'Ivoire (the Ivory Coast in Africa). When the local missionaries banned traditional music, the people responded by creating an amateur brass band that began to play at the towns various festivities. Although they mainly provide dancing music, the band also plays at religious ceremonies, festivals, funerals, and celebrations.

The video advertises a documentary made about the band, shot just a few weeks before an outbreak of civil war in the country. The first couple minutes are silent shots, but hear the band around the 2:15 mark!