Brothers of the Baladi

[Hala Jamal]

Maysa and I had the pleasure and the honour of performing with them last weekend at the Banff Centre. What an amazing experience with such a generous, talented and sincere group of people. I can't say enough good things about them. Maybe bhuzzers can help me find the words!

Post your appreciate for this Portland, Orgeon based, award-winning, awesome world music band that has been going strong for 35 years.

[jewelsdances]

I LOVE the Brothers of the Baladi! I am fortunate enough to live in Portland, Oregon, and so I get to experience them quite a bit, and also 3/5 of the band play every Wednesday night at a community Bellydance show which features 4-5 dancers getting a 10 minute or so set, with Michael Beach drumming and a variety of other musicians. And I've also danced with the BoB on their tour...

Michael Beach is one of the nicest people, and he really plays for the dancer... no egos at all!

[crystalllized]

Me three! My students and I performed for their show in Winters, CA (by Sacramento) and we all had such a great experience. From the initial communication to the quick rehearsal before the show, everything was relaxed and smooth. I had a blast dancing to their "rock" music and the drum solo was really fun. Even though we had never performed together it went off without a hitch!

[Lara L]

I have the great priveledge of hosting them next month here in Alaska- I can't wait! I've been listening to them for *(mumble-mumble)* years- so great to be able to work with them at last!

[zamora]

we also enjoy them in fresno ca. i have 2 drum solos with michael posted on youtube

[dunyah]

I've had the pleasure several times of performing with Arabesque, a smaller, acoustic ensemble headed by Michael Beach of the Brothers of the Baladi. Very fun! They had oud, accordion, saz and ney last time I heard them. They play every Wednesday at the Blue Monk in Portland, Oregon. I need to get back up there for one of the shows.

The organizer of those weekly shows, a wonderful dancer named Oberon, is currently ill with stomach cancer. There is a fabulous on-line auction happening to raise funds for her. http://www.ishimmy.com/Columns/Featu...t_Auction_Pg1/

and

http://www.ishimmy.com/Columns/Featu...t_Auction_Pg2/

I will also post in a new thread.

[Maysa_Dancer]

Like Hala said - it was an AMAZING experience. I feel so lucky to have danced in such a great venue, with such gracious musicians, and great company! What an experience!