Orkestar Unbound Winter Weekend 2025

Bill Cope has the honor this year of putting together our house band, Orkestar Unbound, for the fifth year in a row! Bill is a multi-instrumentalist who is drawn to play music w/o borders, that will get people on their feet, dancing!

Orkestar Unbound will once again be hanging out together at the Cope-a-cabana, eating, drinking, talking and best of all, getting to play music for your dancing pleasure, live!

Please see Cope-A-Cabana and Kolo Festival for more info about what he’s up to!
Want an Orkestar Unbound t-shirt? Buy t-shirts and swag here.
Visit Bill’s website for Balkan Noyz Boyz CDs, Orkestar Unbound swag, and lots of other free stuff!

Asaf Ophir began his career as a woodwind player in musical theater, performing on some of the most distinguished stages in Israel. Currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ophir is often invited to collaborate with artists from a wide variety of cultures, including Jewish, Arabic, European, Persian, Kurdish, and others. Equally at home with classical, jazz, and world music, Ophir has shared the stage with Miri Mesika, Avi Kushnir, Galit Giat, David De’or, Ustad Mahwash, Rana Farhan, and Barbara Streisand.

Check out Asaf’s website.

Known for her eclectic musical repertoire, contagious smile and never-ending enthusiasm, Amberly Rosen started playing violin when she was three and started fiddling soon after. She was exposed to International Folk Dance and music very early in life and loves all the odd time signatures! She graduated from Berklee College of Music, Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance.

Performing with diverse musical acts such as Paul Simon, Terri Clark, Christopher Guest, Orla Fallon, Maddie & Tae, Gloria Estefan, Ruthie Collins, The Carmona’s, Jerry Vandiver, Ashleigh Caudill, Jeff Clayborn, Tansova Grupa, Bill Cope (Black Sea Surf, Zabava, Orkestar Unbound, Kolo Festival Band and more!), The Rosen Sisters as well as many others, Amberly has toured the U.S. and abroad including such venues as The Grand Ole’ Opry and The Late Show with David Letterman. From 2017-2019 she was the featured fiddler on the evening show of the General Jackson showboat in Nashville, TN.

Off stage, Amberly was awarded a scholarship to the Nashville Suzuki Institute at Blair School of Music in 2019 where she studied violin pedagogy. She currently enjoys teaching private virtual and in person lessons and group classes for violin/fiddle students ranging from 3-80 years young and is taking new students. She also teaches beginning international folk dancing to young kids and seniors. Music comes in all tones and time signatures and Amberly enjoys bridging the gaps between classical, bluegrass and traditional international folk music from around the world.

Check out Amberly’s Facebook page

Ivan Velev is a Bulgarian-born percussionist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, renowned for his expertise in Balkan music. His spirited tapan playing and charismatic presence have made him a prominent figure in the local Balkan music scene.

Ivan is a member of Fanfare Zambaleta, a Balkan brass band that originated in 2012 as an offshoot of the SF Music and Dance Troupe. The ensemble is known for its lively performances that blend traditional Balkan rhythms with contemporary influences.

In addition to his musical talents, Ivan is also a charismatic Balkan folk dance leader, bringing a deep love and connection to Eastern European music and dance traditions.

Ivan’s contributions to the Balkan music community in San Francisco were highlighted in the documentary “Balkancisco,” which explores the influence of Balkan music in the Bay Area.

In January 2025, Ivan is scheduled to perform with Bill Cope’s band at the Cope-a-Cabana venue in San Jose, California. The event is part of a series of concerts featuring various artists.

Ivan’s joyous and playful spirit, combined with his deep connection to Eastern European music, continues to inspire audiences and preserve the rich traditions of Balkan music and dance in the San Francisco Bay Area.