Thread: How to organize a monthly hafla?

What are the steps to organize a monthly/bi-monthly event, with some performances, live music if it can be worked out, and an open dance floor, at a restaurant/coffee house?

If there is a door charge, how is that usually split between venue and performers?

Why don't you try getting in touch with Melissa Murphy and her band Ishtar. She is in the Pittsburg area and does this stuff all the time. Good Luck!
( I'm sure she'll come up if you google her name)

Oh yeah, I know Melissa and Ishtar very well. Beth, the band's riqq player, is my best friend.

But, I am looking to establish a bit of a different, more dance-foucssed event, and not to replicate the Jalsahs (or compete with them). I am especially looking for how to get a venue, and how to work with the owner. It seems that one can do a lot of things wrong starting out, and then do lasting damage for others - and I'd like to avoid that.

Steffi, do you know Nina in the Bmore area (I would assume you do). . . you might want to chat with her as she has run a hafla here for years.

I've been holding monthly haflas here in Seoul, Korea for 18 months now, and always on a Saturday night.

I don't use a single venue, but several. I do this for variety, and to avoid favouritism (the Arab community is quite small here). One venue has (I think) the best food, but it's small and the owner won't let us dance until the restaurant/kitchen is closed which poses a problem for people who need to commute home by public transport and/or live outside of Seoul. So sometimes I hold the dinner there then move to a nearby venue for dancing/drinks (the restaurant is also halal and doesn't allow alcohol - some people need a drink or two for courage before they'll get on the dance floor). At other, larger, restaurants we do the whole event there.

There is no cover charge/door fee for my events, and hence nothing to split. The venue gives me the use of their facilities and in return I provide them with the customers. Although I don't officially book out the restaurant as a private party, my event usually fills the place so sometimes other customers get turned away.

I have found that a set charge for the food (usually served as buffet) works best, with people paying on arrival. Otherwise, it's too difficult sorting out the bill/table numbers because people are moving around a lot as they socialise during the night. For the same reason it's also best for people to pay for drinks as they order them.

As for musicians, there aren't any groups here who play Middle Eastern music, but sometimes musicians come and jam. At my last hafla, two days ago, we had a keyboard player and drummer, and they played the whole night, which was really nice of them.

Basically, my haflas are for sharing - the general public, and musicians and dancers of any level can come together to eat, drink, enjoy music and dance, relax, and just have fun. No one gets paid, and no money is made (except by the restaurant from F&B).

Good luck! Hoping your first hafla is a huge success! :D

The restaurant will want to make money. You will want to avoid giving the impression that the hafla represents professional dancing.

To enable the first, you will need to attract additional customers to the restaurant (not just cause existing ones to switch the days they come in ) and/or charge a cover. I suggest you start with letting the restaurant expect more customers and you keep the entrance fee, which you will need to share with whoever is the featured professional performer / band for the evening. If there are no pros involved, charge less at the door. To make sure the restaurant makes a little money, establish a minimum. If 40 people show up and order tea, the restaurant will not be welcoming you back.

To prevent the general public at the restaurant from thinking it is a professional show, have it on an off-nite or a weekend afternoon ( NOT Fri and Sat nite) and advertise it so that the public understands it is a dance party.

IMO.