Out of Portland, Ore., the sextet includes two opera-trained singers: soprano and alto saxophonist Lesley Kernochan, and tenor, band founder, accordionist, pianist, and composer extraordinaire, Eric Stern.

Tenor saxophonist Robin Jackson, Skip von Kuske on cello, Jason Flores on upright bass, and percussionist Mark Burdon round out the ensemble that has been playing together since 2002.

Recognizable melodies are reminiscent of Duke Ellington, but with energetic klezmer and Balkan belly dance thrown in. The songs are surprisingly catchy and reminiscent of old-time European jazz houses, and cover subjects as varied as Parisian tramps and thieves, Yiddish weddings and the ever-enigmatic Marlene Dietrich.

The group’s first album, “Get on the Train,” was released in 2003, with its self-titled “Vagabond Opera” following in 2006. They’ve shared the stage with Pink Martini, the Decemberists and the Oregon symphony, and have cultivated a cult following of fans.

They’re playing an all-ages show with Baby Gramps on Friday at the WhAAM Old Foundry, 100 E. Maple St. Tickets are $6 and the doors open at 7:30 p.m.

For more on the band, go to www.vagabondopera.com or check out www.myspace.com/vagabondopera.