ORQUESTA Z
The Original Tango Band that premiered at Empanada Milonga in 2013 and has returned to entertain our tango dancers with their superb mix of traditional, alternative, and original tangos. They've played throughout the Bay Area from San Jose to Mt. Shasta's Burning Tango, Marin's Belrose, Emeryville's Allegro, and multiple times at Tango in the Square in San Francisco, but by far the favorite venue is the intimate, sunny, and sweet afternoon Empanada Milonga.
Orquesta Z
p r e s e n t s
​EMPANADA MILONGA
at St. Clement's, 2837 Claremont Blvd., Berkeley
SUNDAY JUNE 8, 2025
1:30-2:00 PM TAI CHI TANGO CLASS
2:00 - 6:00 PM EMPANADA MILONGA
featuring
the great DJ, Don An
Join us for a free intro Tai Chi Tango class where you’ll learn the art of movement! In our first lesson, we will focus on the opening step known as the "salida," blending the grace of Tai Chi with the passion of Tango. Experience the harmony of these two disciplines as you connect with your body and spirit. Led by renowned Bay Area dancer Bendrew Jong, this unique dance journey promises to enrich your mind and body through breath and "chi" energy. Don't miss out!
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This class is open to all, but will undoubtedly be particularly appreciated by advanced tango dancers. Normal shoes or barefoot optional. Singles or couples welcome.​
For those interested in learning more here's an article:
About Orquesta Z
Read the article from Berkeleyside
In addition to all being life-long musicians, we are tango lovers and dancers who wish to share the passion, the joy, the sadness, and the intimacy that is unique to Argentine tango.
We feel there is room to not only enjoy the richness of the past, but to bring the present into our music, including nuevo tango and our own compositions...but being led by a director who himself is an avid dancer, we know that the key to all of our music is that dancers have to share our passion and joy we have for the tango.
This will be our 9th year of bringing live Argentine tango to the San Francisco Bay Area. As of 9/23/13 Orquesta Z is a registered California 501(c)3 non-profit.
ORQUESTA Z: CURRENT
Bendrew Jong, bandoneon/vocal
Sandy Schniewind, double bass
Emily Bouton, violin
Elena Bouton, violin
Debra Feiger, piano
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ORQUESTA Z: ALUMNI
Victoria Perenyi, violin
Gail Machlis, violin
Jim Shallenberger, violin
Wakford Gong, violin
Joy Graham, violin
Ingrid Burger, violin
Carol Braves, violin
Catherine Jolly, cello
Tenzin Peterson, cello
Rebecca Trujillo, piano
Colleen Henry, piano
Barbie Wong, piano
James Shearer, double bass
Resh Michael Ortego, bando/vocal
Didem Kurt, kanun
Lynn Ewing, accordion
Mailing Address:
Orquesta Z
Bendrew Jong, Director
241 W J St
Benicia CA 94510
(925) 818-0800