Hailing from (and still residing in) the sleepy hamlet of Clejaniin in rural Romania, gypsy band Taraf de Haidouks are unlikely music stars, but they are indeed one of the world's most popular Balkan exports. The large, multigenerational group formed in the early 1990s, and specializes in frenzied dance tunes both traditional and original. Relentless global touring, several well-received albums (including a collection of classical pieces), and a fortuitous appearance in a 2000 Johnny Depp film have contributed to their wide exposure. They continue to progress musically and find new audiences despite the death in 2002 of the band's leader, Neculae Neacsu.