My personal Favorite - Ben Wheeler

Ben Wheeler

Ben Wheeler is a musician, composer, and ethnomusicologist specializing in the music of the Caucasus region. He also performs frequently as a member of the experimental music scene in Tbilisi.

Facebook: @benwheeler

Where to Eat:

Kakhuri Dukhani - Uznadze Street’s Kakhuri Dukhani offers unpretentious, delicious food in generous portions served alongside golden Kakhetian wine. I don’t know many dishes better than their version of shkmeruli (pan fried chicken with copious amounts of butter and garlic) served in the original Rachan style (without milk) with some fresh bread to soak up the remnants. Add a plate of fresh greens to round things out.

What to See:

Museum of Musical Instruments. This small museum is wedged in a small corner behind the old city’s main square, close to the sulfur baths and some of the district’s more famous churches. Essentially consisting of two exhibitions, one of folk instruments and another of analog music boxes and other oddities donated from a private collector, these objects serve as an excellent introduction to the diverse musical cultures and histories of the region. Rural, urban, classical, and folk musics are all represented and the museum’s tour guides will help to give you some context and introduce you to some unique sounds.