Founded in 1998, Toronto's Beyond the Pale are among the most exciting ensembles in the Canadian folk and world music scenes. Their explosive acoustic roots sound is inspired by a wide range of cross-cultural influences, from European folk styles (Klezmer, Balkan, Gypsy, Romanian) to contemporary and North American styles (bluegrass, jazz, reggae, funk). They are known for their consummate musicianship, compelling original compositions, inventive arrangements of traditional material, and infectious energy.  With spectacularly dynamic and exuberant live performances, Beyond the Pale’s unique genre-defying sound has delighted audiences of all kinds at major music festivals, concert theatres, and clubs across Canada and parts of the US.
Beyond the Pale’s debut CD "Routes” (Borealis Records) received rave reviews from across the globe and was nominated “Best World Music Album” at the 2002 Canadian Independent Music Awards.  Their most recent CD release “Consensus” (Borealis, fall 2004) has also received wide critical acclaim, and captures them at their fiery best, live in concert with an exciting and wide-ranging program of all-new material. The group features Eric Stein (mandolin), Bogdan Djukic (violin, percussion), Martin van de Ven (clarinet), Milos Popovic (accordion), and Bret Higgins (bass).