Blues Band in Niksic, Montenegro

In Niksic we realized that John Henry, the American mythical figure we sing about who goes up against the machine, has a lot in common with the men of  Montenegro.  Strong! Once we realized this, we sang together in harmony.  Thanks to Miro for welcoming us to to the Zahumlje music and folk dance center […]

Blues Band in Podgorica, Montenegro

Our first concert in Montenegro was at the Cultural Information Center and filmed for public television.  Thanks to the magnificent Maja Popovic for organizing everything.  She brings a wide range of great arts programs to her center and we were honored to be a part of it.  Here are some highlights from the broadcast. The […]

Blues Band in Oradea, Romania

We did a workshop at the Univerisity of Oradea in Oradea, Romania.  Music students and professors joined us, some with jazz and blues backgrounds and some without. We started by hearing the students play… Then we collected everyone’s responses to the question:  “What do you like about the student performances we just heard?”  This generated […]

Blues Band in Baia Mare, Romania

While in Baia Mare, we visited this nearly 300 year old wooden church.  We also met folks in their homes living like the olden days.  Look at the sparks coming out of their eyes.  I loved the natural washing machine.  Then, a workshop at the Liceu de Arta School in town and finally a packed […]

Blues Band in Brasov, Romania

The Blues Band arrived in Romania on Wednesday.  After spending a relaxing evening in Bucharest, we traveled on the Blues Bus to Brasov, an ancient Romanian town in the country.  The concert was a hoot-the second set more packed then the first.  I guess people went and called/texted their friends.This beautiful country town was a […]

LaFrae Sci

LaFrae Sci is the drummer in the Eli Yamin Blues Band.  We have been playing together for 10 years and she always grooves her behind off.  She’s got a great blog going now from the Rhythm Road where we are currently in Brasov, Romania.  I might have to steal some of her photos.  Check out […]

The Jazz Drama Program: Jazz Stories of India and America

Here’s a taste of last summer’s trip for cultural diplomacy to India.  Thank-you Stefan Schatz for putting together such a wonderful travelogue of our journey! “Jazz Pianist-Composer-Educator Eli Yamin leads a quartet on a musical journey through India, performing everything from jazz standards to original compositions and Indian classical music, and collaborating with renowned North […]

Happy Birthday to Pete Seeger at 90

Pete Seeger turned 90 last night and I was fortunate to be there for the celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York City with my wife Lorraine and daughter Manika.  It was a historic event.  President Obama sent a letter congratulating Pete for his tremendous contribution inspiring people to work for change, justice and […]