Kune (small ensemble offshoots)

Kune is a Vancouver-based collective exploring the intersection of Balkan, klezmer, and jazz traditions, with smaller ensemble offshoots allowing for intimate performances of their eclectic repertoire. Led by clarinetist/saxophonist Kenton Loewen and featuring some of Vancouver's finest improvising musicians, Kune draws from Eastern European folk traditions while incorporating contemporary jazz improvisation and global influences. Small ensemble versions might feature clarinet, accordion, bass, and percussion, bringing the energy of Balkan brass bands and klezmer celebrations to acoustic settings. The group has performed at folk and jazz festivals across British Columbia, earning praise for their infectious rhythms and virtuosic playing. Their name means 'together' in Esperanto, reflecting their collaborative spirit and belief in music's power to unite people across cultural boundaries. The smaller configurations showcase both the traditional material and the group's improvisational creativity.

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