It’s hard knowing what to make of the wandering band the Underscore Orkestra. The group’s music is variously Balkan-inspired, gypsy-jazz sensual, swing with an exotic twist; and often seasoned with Klezmer.
“Ours is an old world style of music,” said Jorge Kachmari, leader of the band and driver of the bus that carries them from gig to gig. “That’s something people often comment on the first time they hear us. They feel very connected.”
The Orkestra members — five of a larger group of 18 — who are committed to this particular tour are based out of Portland, Ore. Theirs is a group of classically and professionally trained musicians with a repertoire of Bulgarian, Rumanian and Serbian songs. Their hit parade also includes jazz standards, old jazz tunes and American Songbook songs. They are rendered a la Django Reinhardt and, if the mood hits, are sung Billie Holiday-style.
| Onstage |
| The Underscore Orkestra |
| Where: The Red Palace, 1210 H St. NE |
| When: 9 p.m. Wednesday |
| Info: $10; 202-399-3201; redpalacedc.com |
Their program is set prior to performance, but depending on the audience reaction, they will modify it — often to the dinging of a belly dancer’s castanets.
In addition to the violin, harmonica and vocals of Jorge Kachmari, the music is rich with the addition of Wilo Sertain, accordionist and vocalist, Scott Stobbe, guitar player, Danielle Smith, dancer and percussionist and Joe Medeiros, sousaphone and bass guitar player.
Kachmari explains that the show is definitely interactive.
“We have contests, free CDs and a little shtick,” he notes. “We sell mustache wax and underwear, T-shirts and vintage slips. It’s all merchandise with our logo and name on it. We sell it from the stage; it is part of the show and what keeps the show running.”
