Guvenc & Burk Orchestra plays variety of Turkish music. During the GBO performances, it is not out of ordinary to hear a Classical Turkish piece followed by a Baris Manco (Anatolian Rock/ Pop) tune followed by an Asik Veysel (Anatolian Folklore) tune and a 9/8 Romani tune from Trace. 

Guvenc & Burk Orchestra features some of the world class musicians from the Twin Cities area. These musicians include David Burk, Pat O'Keefe, Tim O'Keefe and Serdar Guvenc. Occasionally, guest artists include other well known Twin Cities musicians such as, Laura Harada, Hristo Alexiev and Mick LaBriola.

Guvenc & Burk Orchestra members play traditional and modern instruments. Here are some of instruments that you might see during the performances:
•    Stringed instruments: Saz, cumbus, cura, violin, viola, bass guitar, Spanish guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, uzun sap baglama, charango, oud
•    Winds: Clarinet, duduk, saxophone
•    Drums: Darbuka, tef, dumbek, cajones, brake drum, maracas, clave, davul
•    Keyboards, synthesizers and sequencers 

Guvenc & Burk Orchestra also specializes in educational workshops that focus on communicating the richness and vastness of Turkish music and culture.
 

David Burk (Guitars, vocals, saz, oud, cumbus, percussion)
David Burk is a versatile multi-instrumentalist specializing in world and ethnic music. Proficient in guitar, bass, oud, banjo, saz, mandolin, and more, he has performed across North America, Europe, and the Middle East with groups like the Rose Ensemble, Lorraine Klaasen, Voices of Sepharad, and the Georges Lammam Arabic Orchestra.

David has also shared stages with rock legends such as the Drifters, Coasters, Spencer Davis, and Bo Diddley. A recipient of the Jerome Travel and Study Grant, he studied with Arabic music luminaries at the Arabic Music Retreat. David runs a recording studio in Minneapolis, producing his music and over 30 albums for other artists. His work spans theatre, film, commercials, and educational outreach, including writing for Guitar Player and TrueFire.

Serdar Guvenc (Guitars, vocals, charango, oud, cumbus, percussion)
Serdar G, born in Ankara, Türkiye, migrated to the USA in 1999 and has an extensive background in blues, jazz, reggae, Turkish, calypso, and soca music. He has performed with renowned bands like Cyril Paul and the Calypso Monarchs, Shangoya, and the multiple award-winning Dred I Dread, where he has been a member since 2001, contributing to six album releases. Serdar also performs with David Martin as part of MJGD – Minneapolis Jazz Guitar Duo. Additionally, he is a key member of the Guvenc and Burk Orchestra, blending traditional and classical Turkish melodies with global musical influences. With his rich musical heritage and passion for cultural fusion, Serdar brings vibrant energy and artistry to every performance.

Tim O’Keefe (Drums, percussion, duduk, oud)
Tim O’Keefe, a percussionist and multi-instrumentalist, excels in Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and South American music. He has performed with artists like Simon Shaheen and Sattar and recorded with oud master Sakher Hattar. A frequent performer with Twin Cities groups like Amwaaj and Brasamba, Tim also teaches percussion workshops and classes, including at the Arabic Music Retreat.

Patrick O'Keefe (Clarinet, soprano saxophone, percussion)
Pat O’Keefe, co-artistic director of ZEITGEIST, is a clarinetist and saxophonist known for contemporary classical and world music. He has performed with the San Diego Symphony, Ensemble Sospeso, and Brazilian ensembles like Sol e Mar. Pat is also a skilled improviser and educator, teaching clarinet at UW-River Falls and previously at institutions like UCSD and Augusta State University.

Laura Harada (Violin)
Laura Harada is an eclectic violinist specializing in Middle Eastern and Brazilian music. Trained classically, she has performed with the National Arab Orchestra, Samba Meu, and other ensembles spanning tango, folk, jazz, and contemporary styles. Her diverse career includes theater, dance, and free improvisation projects.