Thread: Mendocino or Bust!

Anybody else going to Mendocino Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp??

I just registered myself, my two kids, and my mom. We'll schlepp down with violins, cello, keyboards, and sundry percussion instruments.

Anybody else planning on going? Or have gone and have suggestions??

Alimah

Originally Posted by alimahdances

Anybody else going to Mendocino Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp??

I just registered myself, my two kids, and my mom. We'll schlepp down with violins, cello, keyboards, and sundry percussion instruments.

Anybody else planning on going? Or have gone and have suggestions??

Alimah

I went twice, but it's been years ..... sign up to dance in the informal cabaret setting as soon as you get there! It's more intimate and fun than dancing in the big hall where the dance workshops are. Dalia Carella danced there the year I went and she brought the house down....... the drum classes are outside and soooo much fun. Be prepared to volunteer in the kitchen -- you don't have to, but it's nice to feel the camaraderie and lets a few people out to enjoy themselves for a few hours ...... John went with me the second time and took some videos -- he loved the informality of finding people practicing or jamming in the woods .... the food is, or was at least, very good! HAVE A BLAST!!! Are you staying in one of the cabins or camping? (The cabins have BIG spiders---watch out, lol!)

You can also sell stuff -- but it used to be informal, put a blanket down, put out some stuff and a box -- everyone was honest, you'd come back in the evening after workshops and find money with notes in your box! Now I heard it's organized and you have to pay to vend ...... sad, it was a nice way to pay for some of the expenses...

Bring warm snuggly clothes just in case, sometimes it gets chilly in those woods.

btw who is teaching this year? I'd love to go again, but it would be nice to know who is on staff. They don't have anybody up on their website yet.

Originally Posted by naiyahayal

snip (The cabins have BIG spiders---watch out, lol!)

I had bats in my cabin one year. I was too tired to care, I just snugged way down in my sleeping bag and let them fly about as I fell asleep.

I don't mind bats, but I am a bit intimidated by the spiders. I also have total mama bear fears about my kids getting bitten by poisonous spiders. I don't know who is teaching yet - I guess I should figure that out before I send the check! I really want to play music, and I know my mom and kids would have a blast. I'm mostly wondering if it is still everything it used to be.

Thanks for the input!

Alimah

I am seriously considering going this year, but am waiting to see the staff line-up. My other option is Oasis Camp West in October.

(My first option was supposed to be Cairo in November, but it looks like I may need to stick close to home this winter. We'll see, but dance camps are a great second choice.)

every year I went in the past, Mendocino camp rocked. Maybe they need a little prodding to release their teachers list? I will go inquire.

I didn't have to inquire, I just looked and it appears to be posted:

Middle East music culture dance seminar bellydance folklore folk dancing

Middle East music culture dance seminar bellydance folklore folk dancing

Wow, that sounds amazing!! What to do??? Maybe I should go to both camps. I thought I had a conflict with Mendocino for a while there, but I think I could reschedule that... Aaaargh!!!

If I went to both camps, I'd be poor and have no costumes, but I'd be able to rock that violin! decisions, decisions, decisions...

I'll keep you posted! Shems, let me know if you are going!

Alimah

Now I've found out that both camps happen the exact same week. Plus, a chamber music festival where I teach and my daughter plays is going on the same week here is Seattle! So, @#$%!! @#$%!! &^$#!!!!! Full swearing power being utilized right now.

I think I might end up going to Simon Shaheen's event by myself this year, and take the family to Mendocino next year.

Okay, have to go off and mutter to myself for a bit! What a dilemma!

Alimah

I was thinking of finally heading back to Mendocino this year!
I've been waiting for that teachers list.
Shems, are you going?

I'm very very seriously considering it. I really want to go and get my camp fix. Especially since folktours was canceled this year.

Originally Posted by shems

I'm very very seriously considering it. I really want to go and get my camp fix. Especially since folktours was canceled this year.

I know, I was bummed to find out that Folk Tours was cancelled. I would love to go also, but feel overwhelmed on how to get all my gear there and not pay a fortune in luggage fees, now that they charge for every piece going.

Thalia

I'm at 90% sure I'm going to Mendo this year. This helped remind me why I love camp:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2QBdjd6jcc]YouTube - Middle Eastern Music And Dance Camp Mendocino CA from Vedat 01[/ame]


I love the music!

i'm thinking of going this year. any thoughts, advice, tips??? my teacher raves about camp, and she really thinks i should go. it looks like a ton of fun!

i'm going! just registered this morning! woot!

I can not go after-all because my daughter is playing in a chamber music festival (okay, and I'm teaching at the same festival) and it happens during the same week. The Arabic Music Retreat is also the same week, so I can't go.

I'm taking my first middle eastern violin lesson tonight, though, so hopefully I'll be all ready for next year!

Have a GREAT time!!!!!

alimah

Originally Posted by emtink

i'm thinking of going this year. any thoughts, advice, tips??? my teacher raves about camp, and she really thinks i should go. it looks like a ton of fun!

Bring warm snuggly clothes to wrap up in, it can get cold at night. Bring a costume if you are interested in dancing in the Cabaret (you have to talk to Shoshana, I believe she arranges it) and bring night time party clothes, so you can look good for the concert and open dance. Bring your dancing shoes. And keep hydrated. Bring your smile, because you'll be using it a ton!

thanks shems! i'm so looking forward to it! is it august yet...

getting closer... anyone else going other than me and alimah?

one week and counting... the instructor list looks ridiculous! it will be an exhausting and fabulous week!!!!!