Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp

The Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp will be taking place in Mendicino on August 13-20, 2006. More information here: http://www.middleeastcamp.com/

Nice priced drums

I found the following source for nicely priced, quality drums: www.magictails.com/abydos/doumbek.html

Karim Nagi Instructional Riqq DVD

Wow, this is an incredible production. From the moment I first played this DVD, I was mezmerized by Karim Nagi's skill on the Riqq. He is also an excellent teacher, musician and entertainer. This instructional DVD is well thought out and organized. It's well mixed and mastered. Karim covers both the "Classical" style of play as well as the "Caberet" style of playing. He also provides some classic rhythm examples.
As a music teacher myself, I am always looking for new ways to create a learning experience for my students, and I think that Karim has accomplished that with this valuable learning tool. If you play the riq, or have ever considered playing the Riq, then this DVD is a valuable addition to your library.
The performance cuts on this DVD are also a nice touch. You get a chance to watch Karim play DVD along with Oud player Baha' Agha.
You can purchase a copy here: http://www.xauen-music.com/xauen-music/showCD.php?cd=10

Debute CD available from the SHARQ Ensemble

I just got notice that the SHARQ Ensemble has released their debute CD titled: "Revival". I haven't received my copy yet, but here's a description of the SHARQ Ensemble:

"The SHARQ Arabic Music Ensemble is composed of Arab Americans. The group specializes in traditional Arabic music, as it was performed for hundreds of years in the royal courts, art houses and concert halls of past Arabic kingdoms. SHARQ maintains this lost tradition and renews it with the vitality of modern musical acumen, perspective and expertise.

You can order a copy here: http://www.xauen-music.com/xauen-music/showCD.php?cd=19

The SHARQ Ensemble includes the following musicians:

• Karim Nagi / riqq
• Kareem Roustom / oud
• Aboud Agha / vocals
• Hanna Khoury / violin
• Jamal Sinno / qanun
• Boujemaa Razgui / nay

Yuval Ron Ensemble

When: Thu. June 29 8pm $12 adv./$14 door
SEATED CONCERT <21WITH PARENT
Where: Don Quixote's Music Hall, Santa Cruz, CA
The Yuval Ron Ensemble unites the sacred and folkloric musical traditions of Jewish and Arabic cultures into an unusual musical celebration. Composer and world-music record producer Yuval Ron imparts the ancient and deep inter-cultural connection between these three traditions and the musical influences they share. Featuring songs from Morocco, Yemen, Andalusia, Bukhara and Israel. Yuval Ron is an Israeli composer and record producer of international reputation. His ensemble was featured in the World Festival of Sacred Music in LA 2002 and 2005 and International Peace Festival in Korea . Yuval Ron - oud, saz, musical director, Tehila Lauder - vocals, percussion, Nimrod Nol – violin, Dror Sinai - percussion, voice For more info and beautiful photos go to Yuval Ron Ensemble page at: www.yuvalronmusic.com