From Russia, With Fun

So you’re not planning a visit to Russia this summer? Then consider a trip this weekend to the Falcon Theatre in Burbank to see Limpopo, a band of wild and crazy former Moscow University students.

Limpopo spices up traditional Russian music with what it calls “folk ‘n’ roll.” The band throws in some foot-stomping Cossack dancing and acrobatics, and blends old customs with comedy. They are the kinds of musicians who pull families onstage to dance the Russian macarena.

For some reason, some people apparently think Russians don’t laugh a lot. Although “In Russia, not smiling is like some kind of a mask,” said Igor Khramov, the group’s leader, who plays trombone and balalaika, it’s also true that “humor is a very big thing.”

“In general, Russians are quiet outdoors,” said drummer Oleg Krivenkoff. “When we get indoors together, in our closed company, it’s like a bomb . . . I mean it’s very energetic.”

Much of their humor centers on mishaps of Russian immigrants adapting to American culture.

“We’re a mix of Groucho Marx and the Three Stooges--making fools of musicians,” said Khramov, who played in a jazz big band in Russia after receiving mandatory classical music training.

“A lot of Russians really appreciate American jazz, blues and pop music,” said Khramov, who often works in blues clubs around Los Angeles.

Other members of the group have studied gymnastics, folk dance and classical ballet.

The whole stew of artistic education gets heaped onto the stage. Said Tatiana Gorbenko, president of the Russian Children’s Welfare Society in L.A., “I think they have even more success with American audiences than with Russian ones.”

Through the Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles, the group has given more than 400 cultural performances for children in county schools.

“It’s not hard for those who don’t speak Russian,” said fan Kathy Piatak of Burbank, who works at a stock brokerage firm. “Americans don’t understand the words, but [the band] interacts with the audience so well that everyone loves them.”

Said Gorbenko, “I am a classical music lover. But with Limpopo, I cannot sit still. It gives life to people. In the worst times, it makes you feel better.”

Felisa Vanoff, who co-chaired an opening-night gala at which Limpopo performed for the Bolshoi Ballet, said, “They’re crazy, they’re enchanting and they’re endearing.”

BE THERE

Limpopo performs Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m., at the Falcon Theatre, 4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank. Tickets: $12. Call (818) 955-8101.