So, on our way back from Raquy's retreat, we decided that we would go to one of our favorite places: Cafe Figaro on the corner of MacDougall and Bleeker in Greenwich Village. Every Sunday Night there is a Bellydance night in the back room. This is hosted by Scott Wilson and his lovely bellydancer wife, Leni. Scott is the son of legendary dancer Serena (who recently passed on) and Scott is one of the most respected virtuossos on oud, saz and bazouki. Joining him on the stage are often Raquy Danziger on doumbek, Rami on riq and doumbek and Carmine on bass doumbek and sometimes lead doumbek. Also there are often a kanoon player, a clarinet and any other assortment of musicians. They are great no matter what the line-up. There are three dancers scheduled for each of these Sunday nights.
One of the dancers that was performing on the 8th was Samira from the DC area. She is am exceptional dancer and a real pro. She knows just how to work her audience and is very expressive in her movements. I have only seen her perform one other time at Pennsic and I was glad to be able to get back to NY in time to catch this show. She is a Tribe friend and everytime that she had a gig here in NY, I was out of town, but this time it all worked.Casey was quite taken with her dancing.
Raquy was playing doumbek and Rami was on riq (they also came straight from the retreat). Carmine played bass doumbek and played lead doumbek for a drum solo for Samira. This was a fantastic show. We sat with Sarah Skinner and Blanca (two of the sweetest people and great dancers) and traded quips with our new friend Ginger (who also came from the retreat).
Sundays at Figaro are more like a "house party" than anything else. Scott and Eleni are very generous and warm hosts and there is that family gathering feeling. They are very much mourning the passing of Scott's mom and he feels that continuing to play these Sunday night shows brings him close to his mom..... it must work, because there is such warm feeling there.
There is no cover charge, but a $20 minimum per person at a table. That's not bad and the food is always good........ and the coffee is good. You will see a world class performance of Mid-East music and dance and be well fed and it all costs about $20 per person (seldom more unless you drink a lot of booze........... Casey and I don't drink. so it is often very inexpensive). Try to get there, you'll thank me for it. :-)