Ukrainian folk ensemble performs tonight in Cd'A

Raven & Rose will perform an evening of Ukrainian and eastern European folk music today in Coeur d’Alene.

The performance, from 7-10 at Java on Sherman, 819 Sherman Ave., will accompany the CD release of Raven & Rose’s album, “Coin of the Realm.”

The gyspy-folk ensemble is traveling through Coeur d’Alene on its first cross-country, 30-city spring tour.

Led by the husband-and-wife team of Rosalie Crowe on violin and singer-songwriter Roy Crowe (aka Raven) on accordion, trombone, guitar and melodica, Raven & Rose puts a modern spin on gypsy and Eastern European folk music.

Their music is described as “a unique soundscape from serene and dreamy waltzes to lively and wild kolomeykas.”

Rosalie’s Polish heritage inspired her focus on eastern European folk music. She was mesmerized early on by her uncle, Zigmund Bieniek, who played accordion tunes at gatherings on his farm in Ragiewiec, Poland. “Both of my parents emigrated from Poland to Detroit when they were young. We made several trips to stay with my family back in the tiny farm town of Rogówiec, Poland. I have lots of good memories of the wheat fields, horse-drawn carts, family farm, and accordions,” Rosalie said in a press release.

She has played violin in orchestral arrangements for the play, “Le Tartuffe” for Oregon State University Theater, old-time bands like “When Picks Fly,” recorded with solo artists like Gabriel Surley and the Unstable Atmospheres, and in her larger band: “Coin of the Realm Orchestra.”

Raven started playing trombone in fifth grade at his elementary school. Since then, he has performed in symphonies, jazz bands, wind ensembles, marching bands, rock bands and his solo project “Ravencrowe.” Raven has toured 37 states and performed in “too many venues to count.” His multi-instrumental talents also include bass, bells and percussion.

Raven & Rose’s album “Coin of the Realm” was recorded live and independently at Wild Rose Studios in Corvallis, Ore., where the musicians hail from.

The cover charge for the Java on Sherman show is $5.