A passion for travel, Balkan music and culture brought the Balkan Alien Sound together, united by an ethos fueled by the exploration and celebration of cultural diversity through music.

Influences in traditional music, classical, jazz, rock and folk pepper and permeate the eclectic seven-piece’s sound enthralling audiences from all over Ireland since the band’s formation in 2008.

Avant-garde strings combining bouzouki and violin with piano accordion are the melodic vanguard, accompanied by guitar, vocals and the solidity of electric bass and drums that round out the sound.

Hints of Bulgaria, Macedonia and indeed Ireland can be heard throughout their writing style and their repertoire.

The last six years has seen them produce, promote and preserve the world music scene in Northern Ireland, introducing live audiences to new music and cultures in addition to working within communities through interactive music performances and workshops.

Balkan Alien Sound work hand in hand with organisations such as LUXe Processional Spectacle Theatre, WOMAD NI and Beyond Skin NI which has led to valuable developments addressing racism through music with the latter.

The fact the band are an all-Irish outfit is important element of the group and hints of this echo throughout their sound.

Entirely at home on the big stage, the band has toured festivals throughout Ireland, UK and Europe over the last few years including major festivals such as Glastonbury, WOMAD, Tradicionarius (Esp) and MELA.

They run their own International Music Club in Derry, Northern Ireland and regularly host bands from all over Europe and beyond, sharing the stage to embrace music and culture.

The freshness and vitality of their latest compositions have already been causing a stir in the UK, with award winning jazz pianist Neil Cowley inviting the group to London to premier their new track Balkaseltzer at a PRS showcase with his trio.

They can be seen live at Telford’s Warehouse in Chester on Friday, March 27. Admission free before 9pm, £4 thereafter. Call 01244 390 090 or visit www.telfordswarehouse.com .