Balkan Fascination

"Mirjana Lausevic's lively account of Balkan music's transplantation to the United States and its development as a quirky musical subculture deftly links the Balkan music scene to broader currents in American social history. Lausevic's insightful analysis comprises a first-rate contribution to current scholarship on the role of transnational culture and affinity communities in America today."--Theodore Levin, Dartmouth College "This thorough examination of the facets of Balkan music in America gives it a very human side, and although it's hard to reach truly definitive conclusions about anything in this area, Lausevi marshals her facts and ideas well, and presents them cogently and readably. The result is a fascinating window opened on an American subculture that looks beyond its own borders."--Sing Out! "After decades of American researchers studying the music practices of 'other' cultures, it's about time someone studied us. This book deals with many important and relevant questions, interpreted by an unusually observant and insightful investigator: Why do we fall in love with particular kinds of music and dance, to the extent that a first hearing/seeing changes the course of our lives? And even more crucial: How are many of our personal life decisions (that we believe are totally self-motivated and independent) influenced by historical forces beyond our awareness? Finally, and most broadly: What motivates us to do anything? This monograph may be focused on a particular topic, but the ideas and methods presented here are applicable to numerous aspects of sharing and learning in our globalized music world."--Mark Levy, University of Oregon "Lively examination, a solid jumping off point for further research by either scholar or layperson."-Dirty Linen "The way Lausevic interpreted her results reveals a very perceptive and knowledgeable researcher." --The World of Music "This insightful, thorough, and easily accessible book remains a testament to [Lausevic's] scholarship and teaching. It will serve well in Balkan music and dance circles, in undergraduate and graduate courses, and in the libraries of scholars and institutions of higher learning and research." --Yearbook for Traditional Music