Bela Ruino at The Back Room

Bela Ruino - "beautiful ruin" in Esperanto - plays Eastern European flavored soul music, weaving together influences from the Balkan diaspora and the Middle East with western, guitar-driven popular song structures to create a sound that's uniquely haunting and electrifying.

Led by dynamic and sultry violinist, singer, and songwriter Lila Sklar, the band includes Max Baloian (Kugelplex, Polkacide) on guitar, Jill Rogers (Orchestra Nostalgico, Crying Time) on guitar and backing vocals, Safa Shokrai (The Lost Shapes, Misagh Moradi) on acoustic bass, and Aaron Kierbel (Rupa and the April Fishes, The Jazz Mafia) on drums. Come join this exploration of musical contrasts that celebrates the beauty in entropy, and the light in the dark.

Tickets are $25 general admission. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available here, or if the show is not sold out, you may purchase your tickets at the door before the show.

Doors open 30 minutes before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and beverages. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Thank you for your support!

Please refrain from using your phone during performances, and if you use your camera or video, please disable the flash.

Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.