Slavic Festival 2026 Performance Lineup
- Ann Kutner
- Jan 19
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
We're proud to present our lineup of amazing perfomers, musicians, and singers. Performances will be held throughout both days in three different locations.
Review our program schedule and browse a short description about each of our performers.
Performance Schedule
Saturday Program
Sunday Program
Saturday: Main Stage Program
12:30 - 1:30 | Opening Ceremony Vladimir Riazantsev & Friends - Slavic folk dance Kostroma - Capella Russian village songs Russian Center Dancers - Russian & Slavic folk dance Vladimir Riazantsev & Friends - Slavic folk dance |
2:30 - 3:30 | Sveta Sofia Dancers - Bulgarian dance group Sukachov Dance Academy - Children’s ballroom dance St. Cyril Methodius Choir - Russian folk songs Sveta Sofia Horo - Horo dance (circle dance) instruction for attendees |
4:30 - 5:30 | SF Balalaika Ensemble - Authentic folk instrument ensemble Russian Center Dancers - Russian & Slavic folk dance Lowiczanie - Polish folk dance ensemble |
6:30 - 7:30 | Marina V - Award-winning singer/pianist/songwriter Lowiczanie - Polish folk dance ensemble |
7:45 - 9:00 | Slavic Costume Contest - All welcome to compete for prizes! Dance Class - Led by Lowiczanie instructor Mary Kay Stuvland |
Saturday: Lower Level Dining Area
12:00 - 2:00 | Balkanera Band |
2:30 - 4:30 | Zsa-Zsa Duo |
5:00 - 7:00 | Levitation Trio |
Saturday: Second Floor Bar Area
Performing during Main Stage Intermission | Dasha Svensson Marina Sapozhnikov Clement Hudson |
Sunday: Main Stage Program
12:30 - 1:30v | Opening Remarks Marina V - Award-winning singer/pianist/songwriter Mladost - Serbian folklore dance group |
2:00 - 3:00 | Iskra Etno - Serbian, Slavic & Balkan musical ensemble Sokoly - Traditional Polish song and dance children’s ensemble |
3:30 - 4:30 | Kitka Trio - Centuries-old vocals from many Slavic countries Gypsy Duo - A vibrant blend of soulful music & expressive dance |
5:00 - 6:00 | Slavyanka Chorus - Capella choral music of Eastern Europe Vladimir Riazantsev & Friends - Slavic folk dance |
Sunday: Lower Level Dining Area
12:00 - 1:00 | Balkanera Band |
1:30 - 3:30 | East European Music Duet |
4:00 - 6:00 | Balkanera Band |
Sunday: Second Floor Bar Area
Performing during Main Stage Intermission | Dasha Svensson Clement Hudson |
About Our Performers
Balkanera Band
Known for delivering a lively and eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary tunes, Balkanera band specializes in international and Balkan music, featuring an accordion, two guitars, and a cajon (box-shaped percussion instrument.)
East European Duet
For decades, Nada Lewis & Clark Welsh have performed Eastern European folk music. Both are multi-instrumentalists, educators, and leaders in the SF Balalaika Ensemble.
Gypsy Duo
Zhenya & Nataly Rock bring a vibrant blend of soulful music and expressive dance rooted in Romani traditions. Zhenya is a masterful multi-instrumentalist known for his spirited mix of world, jazz, and folk styles, while Nataly lights up the stage with her colorful, high-energy dance that invites participation.
Iskra Etno
Iskra Etno is a group dedicated to sharing Serbian, Slavic and Balkan music, traditions and language, through musical performances and educational sessions throughout the SF Bay Area. Artistic director: NenaLovre.
Kitka Trio
For nearly five decades, the Oakland ensemble has developed a breathtaking repertoire of traditional songs from the Balkans, Caucasus and Slavic lands. The ravishing textures of the women’s voices, unearthly cadences, and angular rhythms make Kitka’s performances an enthralling experience. Kitka Trio features Kelly Atkins, Maclovia Quintana, and Stacey Barnett.
Kostroma
Kostroma, a San Jose based vocal group that is part of the non-profit Russian House Kedry. sings authentic village songs from different regions of Russia passed down through many generations. They perform in traditional costumes from Altay to the Yaroslavl region.
Levitation Trio
Fusing the pulse of two guitars with a flying violin, Levitation Trio brings on a bohemian journey through Balkan music traditions and the Romani performance ethos, culminating in a high energy hot club jazz style as a vehicle of expression. Artistic director: Oliver Levi.
Łowiczanie Polish Folk Dance Ensemble
The mission of Łowiczanie Polish Folk Dance Ensemble is to preserve and present traditional music, song and dance from Poland through the creation and production of professional programs that both entertain and educate audiences.
Artistic director: Mary Kay Stuvland.
Marina V
Marina V is a Russian-American singer/pianist/songwriter known for her "hauntingly beautiful" voice. Born in Moscow, she came to the US and blossomed into an international voice, performing over 1,500 concerts worldwide. Marina has self-released several critically-acclaimed albums, won numerous awards, and helped launch the GRAMMY Museum exhibit in Moscow.
Mladost Folklore Group
Mladost includes children in grades 6 - 12, who preserve Serbian heritage and culture for the next generation. For 20 years, they have performed in the Bay Area and across the United States. They represent SF's St. John the Baptist Cathedral, Moraga's Holy Trinity, and Saratoga's St. Archangel Michael communities.
Russian Center Dancers
The Russian Center Dancers will perform a variety of Russian and Slavic character and folk dances. Artistic directors: Alexei and Olga Prokoshin.
San Francisco Balalaika Ensemble
SF Balalaika Ensemble is a group of accomplished musicians playing Russian, Ukrainian, folk, and Gypsy repertoires on authentic instruments.
Artistic director: Clark Welsh.
Slavyanka Chorus
Slavyanka Chorus is a Bay Area choir specializing in Russian and Slavic music. For more than 46 years, they have been a cultural phenomenon introducing Americans to Russian music and bringing American music and goodwill to Russia and Eastern Europe on their concert tours. Artistic director: Irina Shachneva.
Sokoly
Sokoly, "Falcons" in Polish, is a spirited group of young performers dedicated to showcasing Poland's traditional dances and songs. Established in April 2015, children learn the folk traditions of Poland while gaining an appreciation of their heritage. Executive Director: Gosia Wojciechowska. Music Director: Kasia Hudack.
Sts Cyril & Methodius Choir
Children from San Francisco's Sts Cyril & Methodius School will perform two famous Russian folk songs, accompanied on the accordion by Vladimir Riazantsev.
Sukachov Dance Academy
Talented students from the San Francisco based ballroom and Latin dance program will perform a series of ballroom dances.
Sveta Sofia
Sveta Sophia is a Bulgarian cultural and heritage organization representing the Bulgarian Sunday School in San Francisco. It provides immersive experiences in language, culture, and folk traditions, giving students the opportunity to build strong connections to their roots through engaging programs. Artistic director: Ivan Velev.
Vladimir Riazantsev & Friends
Russian folk dance ensemble, featuring a variety of lively character and folk dance performances.
Artistic director: Vladimir Riazantsev.
Zsa-Zsa Duo
The Zsa-Zsa Duo features two conservatory-trained musicians, Jutka Mandoki and Barbara Deutsch, who have performed for over 20 years in the San Francisco-based group Danubius. Together they sing and play music from countries near the Danube River, including Russia, Macedonia, Serbia, and Bulgaria.
Ready to buy your ticket to fun times? Buy your tickets online and skip the entrance line.