Thread: Research question

When substitute teaching I like to give a little history lesson of the artist's music being used for class, the time frame they were popular and then move on to the class content.

Thought George Abdo with all his fabulousness would be a great musician to teach to tonight, but can't find a lot of information to draw from. Popular during the 60's and 70's, sang in seven different languages, died at 65 in a car crash in 2002.

Really? The man was brilliant and that's all the internet has to say? Does anyone have sites they can recommend?

This was posted on Tribe on the Belly Dance Legacy tribe:
Excerpt from Smithsonian Folkways website:
www.folkways.si.edu/search/A...ails.aspx

Known as "The King of Belly Dance Music," George Abdo and his Flames of Araby Orchestra combine Syrian, Lebanese, Egyptian, Armenian, Greek, and Turkish musical traditions to create a uniquely American belly dance soundscape. Abdo's music is based on the repertoire, instrumentation, and performance styles of the Middle East while also incorporating influences from American pop and jazz. A prototype for "World Beat," Abdo and His Flames of Araby helped bring Middle Eastern music and belly dancing to mainstream North American audiences.

George Abdo passed away in May of 2002.

More about George at Eric Peter's Website:
www.geocities.com/ericnpete..._abdo.html

I don't have any web sites for you specifically, but I can put you in touch with a few dancers who used to dance with him. He was the band leader at Averof's, a nightclub/restaurant here in Cambridge. I believe he was Lebanese, but I can't say so for sure.

Za-Beth was doing an annual tribute, in cooperation with his family, for a while there:
Za-Beth - Belly Dancing, Zills Lessons & Workshops
(I recommend calling her, rather than emailing)

Shazar's web site says she danced with him a lot:
Home

You might also want to get in touch with Amy Smith:
Belly Dance New England - Your Hostess
I don't think she danced with him herself, but she's producing a documentary on the early days of belly dance in the Boston area (The first middle eastern night club in the US was in Boston!), so she may have more information. She is really really nice, so I wouldn't be shy about contacting her.

I don't know if any of you can get the info you need in time, but I hope that helps!

Had read that lovely tribute at Eric Peter's site. The other link doesn't function. Went to the Smithsonian Folkways site~ Doesn't recognize George Abdo's name or titles of cd's. Thank-you for trying.

Spoke with Amaya who danced with Bert Baladine while George Abdo and Flame of Araby band were playing live. Swoon. How cool is that?! She is going to send an e-mail address to someone who may know more. Any assistance is appreciated.

This scenario has brought awareness the famous individuals from decades past happened before the internet. If those who have information don't create a page in dedication or post it some where, it will be lost to future generations. ..cr.:..cr.:..cr.:

Originally Posted by jmdruadh

I don't have any web sites for you specifically, but I can put you in touch with a few dancers who used to dance with him. He was the band leader at Averof's, a nightclub/restaurant here in Cambridge. I believe he was Lebanese, but I can't say so for sure.

Za-Beth was doing an annual tribute, in cooperation with his family, for a while there:
Za-Beth - Belly Dancing, Zills Lessons & Workshops
(I recommend calling her, rather than emailing)

Shazar's web site says she danced with him a lot:
Home

You might also want to get in touch with Amy Smith:
Belly Dance New England - Your Hostess
I don't think she danced with him herself, but she's producing a documentary on the early days of belly dance in the Boston area (The first middle eastern night club in the US was in Boston!), so she may have more information. She is really really nice, so I wouldn't be shy about contacting her.

I don't know if any of you can get the info you need in time, but I hope that helps!

Thank-you!!! Going to start calling...

Amy Smith just sent this and holy smokes!

Aziza!

I love first hand accounts from people who were there.

Try Gilded Serpent too.

Wow- that video clip was so cool! I was lucky and thrilled to get to dance with the Mike Gregian Ensemble and hang out a bit with them at the Festival on the Nile last year- they are great musicians and guys! And how neat to see George speaking...