A Night in Georgia - many thanks!

Thanks to everyone who helped make A Night in Georgia at Cafe Jazz in Cardiff a great success.

This one-off evening of Eastern European tunes, Balkan beats and gypsy dances was staged to provide a showcase for Newport's very own Georgian gypsy punks Rogora Khart (pictured above) who went down a storm.

Top marks to musical support acts Emese Hruska on violin, Jeff Japers on ukulele, and Cat Razzell on accordion - hard to believe she'd never played the instrument in public before.

Thanks also to my bellydancing friends Rachel Jones aka Siluria and Stephanie who added a touch of gypsy glamour to the night.

Don't forget our bellydance event at Cafe Jazz next Thursday 11 December - A Night in Tunisia with live music from Chas Whitaker on percussion and Maren Lueg on reeds.

See the BBC South East Wales website for some more photos of A Night in Georgia.

Thanks from Wendy

Message from Wendy:

"I would like to thank everyone who attended my Hafla in Abergavenny on 22nd November, and made it such a success.

"To all who danced, you were superb and the entertainment was second to none. Feedback from non-dancers who came as friends have said how professional the performances were. I was thrilled that everyone enjoyed it and here's to the next one next year.

"Big thank yous to Andy for the music, my mum for helping with the food and clearing up and to all my helpers on the door and raffle etc.

"We raised a massive £234 for JustBecause Breast Cancer Chairty for women in Egypt who are less fortunate than us and cannot afford equipment or treatment.

"Thank you so much."

A Night in Georgia - Weds 3 December

I'm hosting an evening of live Balkan, gypsy and Eastern European music this Wednesday 3 December at Cafe Jazz, St Mary Street, Cardiff.

It's called A Night in Georgia in honour of the headlining act, Newport's very own Georgian gypsy punks Rogora Khart (pictured above). After seeing them play TJs a few weeks ago, I just had to offer them a gig in the capital.

They'll be supported by a range of attractions, including Hungarian violinist Emese Hruska, accordioniste Cat Razzell, klezmer dancing from Siluria, a Turkish gypsy dance from Stephanie, plus some upbeat Balkan beats on CD from myself as DJ, host and MC for the evening.

Chances are there'll also be some surprise special guests as people are clamouring to be part of this event.

The fun starts at 9pm and admission is £4.

See www.myspace.com/rogorakhart for a taste of what to expect.