Thread: Amel Tafsout And Ishmael, Musician, In New Orleans; Apr 4-6th, 2008

AMEL TAFSOUT AND ISHMAEL, MUSICIAN, IN NEW ORLEANS; APR 4-6TH, 2008

All events will be at the Hotel Le Cirque, #2 Lee Circle, New Orleans, LA 70130; Parking behind hotel is $5 for up to 10 hours and $20 for overnight guests. $99 sg/dbl occupancy; 3 or more: +$10 each.

Do Call Early. 1-888-211-3447. Ask for MEDA discount.

Hafla-type Show (Finger food, socializing, and dance; Friday April 4th, 2008; $10

6:30-9:30p 16 Performance slots available on a first-come, first-served basis; must be a workshop participant. Hotel lobby bar. Hotel Le Cirque is a short streetcar ride from the French Quarter.

Amel’s Schedule Saturday April 5th, 2008 $85; $90 cash at door; $75 MEDA members; $40: ½ day, which includes Ishmael’s lecture; no lunch.

9-10 Registration

10a-12p Dances of the Ouled Nayl

12p-1p Box Lunch In-House (Cost included)

12:25-12:45 MEDA meeting; everyone’s invited

1p-2:30p Ishmael lecturing on Middle Eastern Music Theory (joint Dancer/Musician Class)

3p-5p Sahraoui Morrish/Guedra: Hand & Arm techniques, and Facial Expressions Various hand movements from the Amazigh-Berber and the Andalusian plus how to tell a story or bring emotions to the dance.

6:30p-8:45p Banquet and Lecture “ALGERIAN WOMEN Throughout HISTORY”: Amel will give us a background on Algerian women’s history: the radical changes that affected Algerian women’s lives as a result of the wars of colonization; decolonization; the establishment of independence; and the injustices toward Algerian women during the ‘events’ of the 90s; and their contemporary situation. $25, if registered for workshop; $30 if not.

Sunday Healing Workshop: Amel says Both Men And Women are welcome; $85; $90 cash at door; $75 MEDA members. Read her credentials & the Sufism article at MEDA - Middle Eastern Dance Artists & on her website. Eat a good breakfast beforehand; Bring a small blanket & a PLAIN long shawl, NO COINS.

9-10 Registration; 10a-3:30 First: Preparation for the Healing Release of sadness, frustration, etc. (due to Katrina’s flooding or perhaps another circumstance) through music and dance.

Break for a Box Lunch In-House (Cost included); during mid-lunch a short MEDA meeting.

Zar-Hadra Trance Dance. Amel, the expert, asks that you come with an open heart.

Ishmael’s Schedule; Our famous Middle Eastern Musician who plays the Kanun.
Saturday $85; $90 cash at door; $75 MEDA members; $40: ½ day, which includes lecture; no lunch.

11a-12p Introduction to Middle Eastern Music (Maqams)

1p-2:30p Lecture on Middle Eastern Music Theory (Dancer/Musician Class)

2:45-4:15p Use of Maqams in melodies and songs. BRING Instruments that can play maqams (ma koms’): Any Middle Eastern Instrument (except drums); Violin; Cello; Fretless Guitar; Oud; Lute; Flute; Bass or Double Bass.

Vendors: Jewel of India and The Belly Dance Shop, representing both tribal and cabaret.

Registration & more information at MEDA - Middle Eastern Dance Artists and info@meda-la.com.

Oh, this sounds SO incredible. I LOVE Amel and Ishmael!!

This sounds soooo wonderful! But already signed up for Raqia Hassan's workshop that weekend. ..cr.:

Is your Ishmael the same Ishmael that used to be "our" (San Francisco Bay Are) Ishmael? If so, please give him a hug and kiss from me when you see him. He's a fantastic qanun player! We miss him!