Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino will be keeping the folkloric tradition of pizzica tarantata alive and whirling on the festive dance floor this December. The group is formed of a seven-piece band and one dancer from Salento, Southern Italy, and perform modern renditions of their region’s musical style. These frantic tambourine laden numbers are sung to accompany a tarantella dance, a ritual designed to rid one of the demons from the bite of a tarantula.

The band has been formed since 1975 – and with a large following in Italy – have also toured Europe extensively. In their home country, they have been awarded Best Italian World Music Group.

If you like your Christmas celebrations with a dressing of frenzied passion and seduction, alongside a little animalistic danger, then Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino’s party at Rich Mix is one to brave.

Interview: Q&A with Justin Adams & Mauro Durante (May 2022)

Justin Adams, guitarist and producer, is notorious for his love of the North/West African blues grooves. In previous years he had already appeared in projects with Mauro Durante and his seven-piece band, Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino. Known for his violin and percussive abilities, Mauro performs music from Southern Italy, the pizzica…

Artists: Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino , Justin Adams , Mauro Durante