Description
The Great American Gypsies take the traditional folk melodies of the world and weave, bend, and transform them into a unique performance experience. Although not ethnic Gypsies themselves, the members of the band draw deeply on their European ancestry to keep the legacy of the old country alive.

Charley Rappaport s first mandolin belonged to his grandfather who carried it from Odessa, Russia in a pillowcase. Charley has played for audiences great and small, from school classrooms to major venues in the United States and Europe. He is the subject of a recent cover story in Mandolin Magazine and has just been elected to the Balalaika and Domra Association of America Hall of Fame.

Guitarist Joseph Kovach s family roots are in Slovakia. He has traveled around the world and has played and learned songs in 30 countries, including the jungles of Central America, our own Appalachians, the forests of Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the palaces of Europe.

After studying flute performance and compposition at Yale University, Kelly Armor spent two years living with native families in Kenya and Tanzania where she collected pagan, Islamic, and Christian traditional songs. She has given workshops and lectures throughout the U.S. on folk music and culture. Since 1995 the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts Roster has sponsored Kelly as a teaching artist which has placed her in more than 40 residencies at schools and social service organizations across the state. Since 1993 she has been half of the duo Armor & Sturtevant, performing an eclectic mix of Appalachian, African, and original songs on voice, flute, bass flute, fife, whistle, chivoti, kalimba, kayamba, accordion, and concertina.

Music style
The Great American Gypsies are the compelling melodies of Eastern Europe. Whether they are playing a Gypsy lament or a Klezmer wedding tune, a Romanian doina or a Hungarian csardas, a Russian romance or a Ukrainian hopak, the tunes soar from their strings like sparks from a campfire. Their music also includes Italian street songs, European and American standards, Middle Eastern dances, bluegrass and folk tunes and any melody that catches their fancy.

Musical influences
We pay tribute to the many immigrants, past and present who have chosen this area as their home. The Great American Gypsies, Charley Rappaport and Joe Kovach, have met, played with and learned from many of these transplanted folk. To these they give their thanks for the many gifts they have brought to the soil of America.

Group members
Charley Rappaport: mandolin

Joseph Kovach: guitar

Kelly Armor: flute vocals

Albums
Before I had A Red Tomato

Website
www.greatamericangypsies.com/

Additional info
We are dedicated to educating the general public that World folk music continues to flourish in the U.S.
We play for smaller local charities and festivals, and large concert venues. Our home base is Erie, Pennsylvania. We would consider it a privilege to entertain you. Music is a gift that is meant to be shared.

Location
Erie, PA

"Csárdás"		World/Folk
	Lo Fi Play (dial-up) Hi Fi Play (DSL/cable)	Download (2.2 MB)
	CD: Before I had A Red Tomato Credits: V. Monti

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