Arabesk

Originally formed in 2003 Arabesk is a stunningly talented quartet of musicians that include Veren Grigorov (violin/viola), Rob Shannon (guitar/d’rrbuka), Calvin Welch (drums/percussion) and Thomas Wade (Double Bass). Bulgarian born Veren has previously played with Fourplay, toured with chamber orchestras and INXS, is a member of KUSH and is in demand as a composer for film and television soundtracks. Rob has played with numerous world and jazz combos and is an avid fan of the great gypsy virtuoso Django Reinhardt and keeps a very busy schedule teaching guitar and percussion around the country. Michigan born drummer Calvin Welch is highly respected on the Australian and international music scene having played and toured with the likes of saxophone legend Sonny Stitt and Bob Crawford (USA), Harry Manx (Canada), Jackie Orszaczky (Hungary/Australia), indie rock legend Deniz Tek (US/Australia) also Australian legends Renee Geyer, Christine Anu, SWOOP, Coloured Stone and indie pop band Philadelphia Grand Jury.  In 2016 Arabesk welcomed classically trained double bass player Thomas Wade to the band. Thomas is a founding member of “garage jazz” band The Cooking Club and gypsy-dub party band The Midnight Tea Party. A graduate of The Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Thomas also tours with acclaimed bluegrass band The Pigs and has recorded with The String Cartel.

In 2011 Arabesk won best instrumental song for their track "Good Month, Bad Month" in the ASA (Australian Songwriters Association) awards. In 2011 and 2015 Arabesk performed before large crowds at Takatsuki Jazz Festival, Osaka, Japan and had people dancing in the streets.  Arabesk will be returning to Tokyo for Sumida Street Jazz Festival in August 2016. Other 2015 highlights include packed shows at Blue Mountains Music Festival and Wangaratta Jazz & Blues Festival.  Arabesk sold out 2 nights at the 2016 Clarence Jazz Festival in Tasmania and are booked to perform at the 25th Annual Palm Creek Festival in Townsville Queensland in June 2016. Arabesk continue touring bringing their brand of fun to as many people as possible.