Roma Traditions Meet Live Music in Aberdeen’s Blue Lamp
Discover a night of Roma heritage, music, and culture at Barvale Nights.
Aberdeen’s Blue Lamp is no stranger to surprising music nights. For folk looking for something a bit different, Barvale Nights offers an exciting opportunity to experience a side of the city’s cultural scene that isn’t always in the spotlight. Later this month it’s hosting something a bit special. to surprising music nights, and for locals looking for something a bit different, Barvale Nights offers an exciting opportunity to experience a side of the city’s cultural scene that isn’t always in the spotlight, and later this month it’s hosting something a bit special. Barvale Nights is bringing the Ando Glaso Collective, a lively group of musicians from Scotland’s Roma communities, for a night that promises an intriguing mix of traditional and contemporary sounds.
Formed in 2019, the group includes players from Romanian, Polish, Slovak, Czech, and Hungarian Roma backgrounds. Their music has been described as “blinding!… Utterly glorious” by BBC Radio Scotland’s Nicola Meighan, and they’ve lit up stages from Celtic Connections to Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. The fact they’re coming to the Blue Lamp, a venue loved for its independent spirit and intimate setting, feels like a real find for anyone interested in live music with a difference.
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Open Road presents a screening of Meet the Buchanans, an off-beat documentary about the first Clan Buchanan Chief in over 300 years. With missing historical records, much of the inauguration ceremony is improvised, offering a fresh take on the role of Clans today.
Join director Barbara Orton and Professor Alison Lumsden for a post-screening Q&A. Catch it at Fittie Community Hall on Friday 6 June at 7pm, doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets are £5, pay by card or cash.
More Than a Gig
What makes Barvale Nights more than just a good night out is its aim to create genuine connections. “Our goal is to create a brand that consistently delivers exceptional artistic quality and allows audiences to genuinely connect with Roma artists from Scotland and beyond,” says Janos Lang, Ando Glaso’s creative director. It’s a chance to see not just great music, but a window into a culture that’s often on the margins.
The event, supported by Creative Scotland, provides Roma artists with a platform to showcase their talent to audiences nationwide. It’s part of a wider movement to bring underrepresented voices to the forefront and authentically share their cultural traditions.
The Blue Lamp’s intimate and laid-back vibe, with its intimate tables and close-knit crowd, often feels like you’re stepping into a secret gig only a few know about, and the compact space makes it a perfect fit for a night like this. Expect music that swings from soulful ballads to foot-tapping dance numbers, all with a deep connection to Roma heritage.
Whether you’re a regular at the Blue Lamp or just looking for something different to do in Aberdeen, Barvale Nights is worth checking out. It’s a night where music and culture come together, shining a light on Roma traditions you won’t find elsewhere in the city. It’s happening on Saturday, 21 June, from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM. Tickets are £14, or £10 if you’re a student. You can get more details and tickets here.
