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Gerardo Balestrieri, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist from Naples, Italy, is joining members of Fishtank Ensemble to create a kaleidoscope of musical cultures at the Beginnings Octagon in Briceland on Sunday, Nov. 29.

With a deep, sardonic baritone often infused with bittersweet longing, Gerardo sings of love, longing for homelands, and social irony. His travels throughout Eastern Europe and Greece have inspired his accordion and clarinet playing. His musical creativity has led him to blend eastern European, Middle Eastern, and western European music.

Playing Sunday with him are Fishtank’s Fabrice Martinez on violin, who played with Gerardo in Italy, Doug Smolens on guitar, Roland Martinez from France on bass (Fabrice’s brother), and Sean Tergis of the San Francisco Turkish ensemble Delikanli on percussion. Ursula Knudsen, Fishtank’s vocalist, saw player, and violinist will make a special appearance.

Dinner will be available at 6 p.m., to benefit the Grassroots Radio Conference coming in May 2010. Music begins at 7 p.m. For more information call the Society for the Preservation of Independent Musicians, 923-3807.

photo: Gerardo Balestrieri and members of Fishtank Ensemble will play a mix of European and Middle Eastern music at the Beginnings Octagon this Sunday evening.