My life in D Hijaz

The Vintage Bellydance Music Book Volumes One and Two! Available at Pennsic!

melissaclarinetchick — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 05:17:14 GMT

Now available! If you have my old sheet music book, then you don't really need Volume 1. I have the same songs in the book, even the same page numbers. However, Zeina got enlarged to two pages, Istemem Babacim got a few note improvements, my bio is more captivating, I wrote out a 5 page drum rhythm sheet with DTK and Real Drum notation (no cheating here), and also included a 3 page appendix with little blurbs about each tune. I think I am the funniest person in the Bellydance music scene. Oh, and the cover of the books include me in a pose reminiscent of the Vintage Bellydance LP era when torsos of dancers were on the covers of LPs, yet the musicians weren't. So since I make my own costumes, and have a few dance moves, AND can play the clarinet AND scored the tunes in the books, I felt it was only right and proper to put myself on the cover of my own book. I take cash or checks at Pennsic. The books are $45 each. (Sorry, no discount for buying two, Kinko's wouldn't give me a discount either.) Or purchase online using paypal http://www.BellydanceSheetmusic.com Here is the list of tunes available in Volume 2! Ay Linda Amiga Bahriye Chiftitelli Bir Demet Chaje Shukarije Chargah Sirto Daglar Daglar Enta Omri Gameel Gamal Hebbina Hicaz Oyun Havasi Hine Ma Tov Ishte Hendek Istanbul’dan Goruntuler Karakas Mahallesi Konyali Mavi Mavi Nihavent Saz Semai Variation Noladati L’shalom Nubar Shenaz Longa Shish Kebab Ushti Babo Yeshilem Zarifa Oyun Havasi

Pennsic is up and coming! Vintage Bellydance Music Book!

melissaclarinetchick — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:22:22 GMT

Bring cash and/or checkbook....I will have my Vintage Bellydance Music Books both Volume 1 and 2 available for purchase! Each book contains 24 fun to play Mediterranean folk songs in easy to follow notation. Volume 1 contains the same songs as my original book, but with the addition of Real Musical Rhythm Notation Sheets, an Appendix with some interesting facts about each song and an updated bio about me. Volume 2 will contain: Konyali, Shenaz Longa, Hicaz Oyun Havasi, Ushti Babo, Chaje Shukarije, Hine Ma Tov, Gameel Gamel, Hebbina and MANY MORE! Visit www.bellydancesheetmusic.com to see a sampling of my rhythm sheet.

Ishtar BellyRocks the Beltway in MD! Vintage bellydance at its FINEST!

melissaclarinetchick — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:19:01 GMT

Ishtar goes below the Mason Dixon line to BellyRock the DC suburbs! 2 hours of Ishtar BellyRock goodness! We don't get down this way too often, so here is your chance to enjoy some great Vintage Bellydance tunes, watch some entertaining dancers and get up and groove yourself. With featured dancers: Jenha, Aelfwynn, Malin, Lara Adrienne, Samira Ghazi and our fabulous hostess: ZARIFA! Also featured is Ken Wright on cumbus! Cover $10, beer and wine can be purchased onsite, KARIM is back to cook great Mediterranean dishes! Hope to see you there! If you miss us on Friday, we will be performing acoustically with Ken Wright on cumbus at the All Seasons Hafla in Towson, MD on Sunday July 5. Visit http://www.Ishtar-music.com for more details. Sunday July 5, I will be teaching Middle Eastern Music Ensemble at Nina's house in Towson at 12:30 I will be teaching Mavi Mavi (Turkish) and the VIntage Bellydance Classics - Konyali (Turkish) and Shish Kebab (made famous by Eddie Kochak in the 8th Avenue New York bellydance clubs)! Contact Nina at ninadances@gmail.com for reservation and pricing info.

Sheet music books ONLY SEVEN LEFT!

melissaclarinetchick — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:54:09 GMT

Hey everyone Only 7 Concert C sheet music books left before my redesign. I am selling them off at the bargain basement price of $35 including shipping. Get yours now -- 24 classic bellydance tunes you hear from my band Ishtar and around the fires at Pennsic!! http://www.BellydanceSheetmusic.com

Middle Eastern Ensemble Classes, New Songs, Hard Songs, Taksim Class -- Lady Melissa and Friends are teaching at Pennsic 2009

melissaclarinetchick — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:23:01 GMT

Hey everyone! If you play it….bring it! Time to go get your band or orchestra instruments out of the attic or storage and BRING THEM TO PENNSIC! Yes…Lady Melissa of Orluk Oasis aka the crazy Clarinet Goddess ( I have been promoted from chick) is encouraging even more people to participate in the fun Middle Eastern music scene at Pennsic. Keep in mind this is the only time many of us see each other, so let’s be welcoming to everyone’s instrument regardless of period correctness. Many of us leave Pennsic and return to areas where there is no Middle Eastern music scene. For the majority of musicians, this is our only chance to jam together. I have a new website for my sheet music. http://www.BellydanceSheetmusic.com I still have 11 discontinued Concert C pitch music books that contain 24 songs available for purchase at the bargain basement price of $35 shipping included. This is for the discontinued BOUND BOOK ONLY. (Not the pdf files.) Please visit my website http://www.BellydanceSheetmusic.com to purchase the discontinued book and my PDFs of new songs printable on your computer! I am teaching at Sheque’s Touch the Earth Tent in the Marketplace on Aug 1, 2, 3, 5. Saturday August 1st 1-3PM – New Hafla Songs for Middle Eastern Ensemble! All instrumentalists (non-period included) and all percussionists welcome! The new songs will be Chaje Shukarije, Muhabbet, Ushti Babo, Mavi Mavi, Shish Kebab, and Konyali. I will teach the vocals to Ushti Babo and Chaje Shukarije if I have interested singers. Free lyric sheets will be rippable from http://www.BellydanceSheetmusic.com soon. Sheet music is purchasable in advance at http://www.Bellydancesheetmusic.com or will be purchasable at Pennsic. Sunday August 2nd 1-3PM – Art of Taksim with Basic Makam Theory. All instrumentalists are welcome (non-period included). Many of us have no experience with improvisation! Let’s get some! Remember that I was a band dork for years and years and was not allowed in Jazz Band because I played clarinet. If I can taksim, SO CAN YOU! Taksim isn’t the mystery that it appears to be. There are some easy to follow thought processes that will help musicians become better improvisationalists. I will cover the important notes in a makam, the difference between a taksim in a fast tempo song, a slow tempo song and a taksim that is a solo introduction to a song. I will also give tips for being a band leader in the amateur Middle Eastern music scene versus how the “real guys” do it. If there is time we can cover modulation within a taksim (changing the key). Stylistic feedback will be given. Patient drummers are needed to accompany this class. ***This class is a musician pre-requisite for Art of Taksim for Middle Eastern Dancers and Musicians on Sunday August 2nd at Middle Eastern Tent that I am co-teaching with Zarifa of Watan.**** Monday August 3rd 1-3PM – Aziza and Tough tunes for Middle Eastern Ensemble. All instrumentalists and percussionists welcome. We will cover Aziza, Hicaz Oyun Havasi, Nihavent Saz Semai Variation, and Shehnaz Longa (available for purchase at http://www.BellydanceSheetmusic.com) Most of these are difficult songs for melody musicians, so sight reading sheet music will be a definite advantage. Get your sheet music in advance online. Percussionists are encouraged to learn along with us! Nihavent Saz Semai Variation is a song that uses the Semai rhythm and changes to a Laz 7/8. Aziza is rhythmically complicated for percussion, but many drummers are already familiar with the piece. Hicaz Oyun Havasi and Shehnaz Longa are classic fun fast Turkish folk songs that use maqsum, malfuf and baladi rhythms. Not necessarily in that order. :-) Wednesday August 5th 1-3 PM - Galloping Is For Horses, Get the Zill Skillz to be a Musician. Yes there is more to zilling than LRLRLRLRLR. Allow me to give you some helpful hints on what to play on your zills with the song, so it doesn’t sound like a fire alarm going off! I will not teach any dance moves, only zill patterns that work with songs. I will cover Fire Dance, Hadouni, Garoon and Uskudara. However, the skillz you get in this class can be applied to any song you dance to! Melody musicians and percussionists – please help me out by playing music in the class, thanks! I don’t want to use a CD player…. Heloise and Alexandre of Akeru Thunder are co-teaching Middle Eastern Ensemble for all instruments and percussion at Sheque’s Touch the Earth Tent, covering songs that I have taught in the past. This class is for folks who missed some of my sessions in past years and want to work on songs I am not covering in my classes this year. Heloise and Alexandre will be using my sheet music (available at www.BellydanceSheetmusic.com) and will have extra copies available to purchase or to borrow. They are well established SCA musicians, have taken many workshops with me, attended multiple Jalsahs and are “Certified By Ishtar”. I thank Heloise and Alexandre for helping me out this year! 11a-12:30p on August 1st 11a-12:30p on August 5th 1:30a-3p on August 6th Sunday August 2nd 3-5PM at the Middle Eastern Dance Tent, I am co teaching with Zarifa of Watan The Art of Taksim for Middle Eastern Dancers and Musicians. This is everyone’s chance to work together. What happens when two people are improvising at the SAME TIME? Zarifa and I will talk about what we think about, listen for and watch for when putting a Live Dancer together with a Live Musician! I know few Pennsic participants have an opportunity to put their dance skills together with live music and for live musicians to work with improvising dancers. This is our chance to work together. Stylistic feedback will be offered. Zarifa will also be teaching a Turkish Dance class at the Middle Eastern Dance Tent on Monday August 3rd from 1-2:30PM. If you have any questions about ***anything***, please email me at MELISSA@ISHTAR-MUSIC.COM See you at Pennsic and BRING YOUR INSTRUMENT! http://www.ishtar-music.com

Classes at Pennsic 2009

melissaclarinetchick — Thu, 14 May 2009 21:14:32 GMT

Hey everyone! This is my 10th Pennsic. I started attending Pennsic for the parties and the mead. Not much has changed.... :-) Anyway, I spent the last 3 Pennsics teaching a daily class on Middle Eastern Music Ensemble. That was about 8-9 class sessions every Pennsic. Why? Because I wanted EVERYONE to be able to play fun Middle Eastern songs together. Last year, a very wise person told me that I should not teach so much. So this year I am taking his advice. I am turning over some of my Ensemble class sessions to Heloise and Alexandre of Akeru Thunder Tribe. They live mundanely in Virginia near DC and have been performing renditions of my songs for about 3 years now. Heloise plays recorder and Alexandre plays darbuka as well as alto sax. Both have many years of experience playing their instruments. They have taken almost all of my classes at Pennsic and workshops in other cities, and have come to several Jalsahs. I consider Heloise and Alexandre to be my good friends and talented musicians worthy of being "Certified by Ishtar". Heloise and Alexandre will be teaching from my arrangements and sheet music. They will also have the material for sale at Pennsic. They haven't decided yet what songs they will cover. I still have several sheet music books left. Please email me at melissa@ishtar-music.com if you are interested in purchasing one. To purchase single pdfs of songs visit www.BellydanceSheetmusic.com . I will be teaching brand new material at Pennsic this year: Saturday August 1, 1-3pm: New Hafla Songs for Middle Eastern Ensemble!! Chaje Shukarije, Ushti Babo, Mavi Mavi, Shish Kabob and Muhabbet. Not period? Not a problem...bring whatever instrument you can play. Percussionists welcome! Sunday August 2, 1-3pm: Art of Taksim with Basic Makam Theory - How to make your improvisational solos go somewhere and come back. Which notes are important in which makam. How to cue/communicate with other musicians. Also how to practice your improvisational skills. Tips on how to taksim for a solo dancer and how to handle a taksim in a choreographed dance. Recieve feedback concerning your taksim skills. Percussionists needed for accompaniment. Monday August 3, 1-3pm: Aziza and Tough Tunes Middle Eastern Ensemble -- Aziza, Nihavent Saz Semai Variation, Sehnaz Longa, Hicaz Oyun Havasi. Strong sight reading skills needed. Very patient percussionists needed! These songs are very difficult. Soon to be available at www.BellydanceSheetmusic.com Wednesday August 5, 1-3pm: Galloping Is For Horses, Get the Zill Skillz to be a Musician -- Dancers and percussionists, strap on your zills! I will teach you how to zill along with songs in a manner that fits the tune and makes you a part of the band! Songs to be covered: Hadouni Hadouni, Fire Dance, Uskudara and Garoon Garoon. I'm coteaching with Zarifa -- Art of Taksim for Middle Eastern Dancers and Musicians Either 8/5- Noon to 3pm OR 8/2 - 3pm to 6pm This class is designed for dancers and musicians who wish to understand taksim from each other’s point of view. Taksiming as a musician for yourself is one thing, taksiming for a dancer is another thing entirely. What to watch for – What to listen for! Tandem improvisation can be fun. There will be opportunity for pairing up and working together. Feedback will be given.

Jalsah Charlotte! brought to you by Ishtar and BellydanceSheetmusic .com

melissaclarinetchick — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:32:44 GMT

Hey everyone! Ishtar packs up and heads south for Memorial day weekend! Join Ishtar and special guests Ken and Joe from Charlotte at the Salvador Deli on Saturday May 23 at 8pm! Yes, you read that right, the Salvador Deli, known for their great sandwiches and cool bands in the NoDa section of Charlotte is located at 3215 North Davison St 28205. Free show...come chat with me and the band! Sunday May 24 is Jalsah Charlotte, the ULTIMATE in bellydance parties! Everyone bring your instruments, drums and hipscarves. Party the night away with Ishtar. You get to sit in with the band! Everyone dances all night! Cover $5. http://www.thejalsah.com/pages/Charlotte Sunday May 24th 2009 -- 7PM (Aminah's house) 411 Brookhollow Dr, York SC, 29745 Workshops!!! Go beyond Hadouni! Let's learn some new kick ass tunes to rock the Jalsah! Individual workshops are $20, two workshops are $30, take all three for $50! 2PM - 3PM $20 Basic Darbuka Technique and Rhythms -- Mark of Ishtar will teach basic darbuka-striking technique and six rhythms common to Middle Eastern music. He will cover how to hold the darbuka, proper posture and technique, as well as how to make the three main darbuka sounds--the "DUM", the "TEK" and the "KA". In addition, participants will learn how to change seamlessly between rhythms which is imperative for playing effectively with melody musicians. This class is perfect for dancers and drummers at all levels. 3PM - 4:30PM $20 Art of Taksim and Basic Makam Theory -- Melissa of Ishtar will cover: How to make your improvisational solos go somewhere and come back. Which notes are important in which makam. How to cue/communicate with other musicians. Also how to practice your improvisational skills. Tips on how to taksim for a solo dancer and how to handle a taksim in a choreographed dance. Recieve feedback concerning your taksim skills. Dancers welcome! 5PM - 6PM $20 Middle Eastern Music Ensemble For ALL Instruments -- If you play it, BRING IT! Drummers and melody musicians, learn songs together. Put your rhythms to the test! The members of Ishtar will break down several Middle Eastern folk songs that will be played at the Jalsah later that evening. This workshop is perfect for musicians and percussionists ready to try something different! Learn the basic structure of several popular Middle Eastern bellydance songs in an ensemble format. Percussionists can learn how specific rhythms fit particular songs and how to change seamlessly between rhythms. Melody musicians can learn popular Middle Eastern melodies and will be given instruction on basic makam theory. Specific songs will be determined by skill level within the class. Mavi Mavi, Chaje Shukarije, Ushti Babo, Konyali, and Shish Kebab ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Visit my new site: www.BellydanceSheetmusic.com ! There you can find listings of all my sheet music available for purchase! I will directly email you the pdfs for you to save on your own computer. I realize that www.BellydanceSheetmusic.com is verbose, but it is accurate! "No dorks, just shmu." (shmu is a short term for sheet music, someday I'll regale you with the story of shmu...) Thank you all for your support over the years! See you soon!

BellyDance BellyRock-apalooza! May 1 with Ishtar, il Troubadore and fantastic dancers!

melissaclarinetchick — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:56:10 GMT

Pittsburgh *is* in the Middle East of the USA..... Join Ishtar and our special guests from Indianapolis, il Troubadore, for an ALL AGES night of fabulous bellydancing to LIVE Middle Eastern music! Special guest Ishtar vocalist, Jenda! This will be one EPIC show! Our amazing BellyRockers: Janim, Susan, Nawal, Berna, Kari, Kristi, Joanna, Carenza and Hakan! All the way from OHIO, the spectacular BellyRock troupes: Shuvani Jezebels, Hareem Shareem, Gypsy Soul, and Wicked Gypsy. Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen....4 (count 'em FOUR) Bellydance Troupes will be performing specific choreographies to Ishtar's LIVE versions of Uskudara, Enta Omri, Hadouni Hadouni, and Nihavent Longa. Never before seen in Pittsburgh!!!! Amazing, fabulous, stupendous! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_QxfazhJx0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGr1PXj534c http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYA_B-rZ_Go http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePw3kEAOzIg Friday May 1 Your Inner Vagabond 4130 Butler St Pittsburgh 15201 All Ages BYOB with corkage $10 cover, children under 12 $5

Saturday April 18 -- Ishtar in Harrisburg, PA

melissaclarinetchick — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:00:59 GMT

Yes...we will be back in the captial of Pennsylvania! I'm just a bill, yes I'm only a bill, and I'm sitting here on capitol hill....We will be playing across the street from the Capitol Building! The Suba is a fantastic tapas bar with great food. Yummy! Suba 272 North St, Harrisburg 17101 Free show, but food/drink purchase is expected. And Ayleeza will be coming down to dance for us!

Ishtar fan page on Facebook

melissaclarinetchick — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:45:12 GMT

To see updates in your Facebook news feed from Ishtar, first become a fan of our page. Click here: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1311455769&v=feed&story_fbid=68814266615#/pages/Ishtar/32282616680?ref=ts Under the picture of Ishtar is a link that says Become a Fan. Then click on "home" in the upper left hand corner. Somewhere under "newsfeed" is a button the says Public Profiles. Click on it. Scroll to bottom of entries and click on Edit Options. Find Ishtar and click on "Add to newsfeed." There you go!

Lady Melissa of Orluk Oasis teaching at Blackstone Raids April 24-26

melissaclarinetchick — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:42:19 GMT

Blackstone Raids cabins are sold out, but tent camping is still available. http://www.blackstoneraid.org/ Art of Taksim and Basic Makam Theory -- Melissa of Ishtar will cover: How to make your improvisational solos go somewhere and come back. Which notes are important in which makam. How to cue/communicate with other musicians. Also how to practice your improvisational skills. Recieve feedback concerning your taksim skills. Middle Eastern Music Ensemble For ALL Instruments -- If you play it, BRING IT! Drummers and melody musicians, learn songs together. Put your rhythms to the test! The members of Ishtar will break down several Middle Eastern folk songs that will be played at haflas. This workshop is perfect for musicians and percussionists ready to try something different! Learn the basic structure of several popular Middle Eastern bellydance songs in an ensemble format. Percussionists can learn how specific rhythms fit particular songs and how to change seamlessly between rhythms. Melody musicians can learn popular Middle Eastern melodies and will be given instruction on basic makam theory. Specific songs will be determined by skill level within the class. Galloping is for Horses -- Get the Essential Zill Skillz to be a Musician: Dancers..strap on your zills! Melissa of Ishtar will help you play along with Middle Eastern drum rhythms and popular bellydance songs to make your zilling sound like you belong with the band. I will have sheet music for sale and the last of the Instructional CDs. In addition the ISHTAR - BELLYROCK CD will be available for sale at Blackstone. Any questions...please email me. I am rarely on Tribe anymore. Melissa@ishtar-music.com

Ishtar at Qaina SCA event and Melissa teaching April 4 2009

melissaclarinetchick — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:04:16 GMT

Hey folks... I'm teaching at Qaina in Akron, Ohio and my totally rockin fabulous band (did I say that in my outside voice? whoops), Ishtar will be playing for dancer performances as well as open floor dance. 2:00 PM Beginner Darbuka - Mark of Ishtar For beginner percussionists or drummers who have let the dust settle on their drums! Sit with Mark and refresh your memory about drum hits, and basic Middle Eastern Rhythms. 3:00PM The Art of Taksim with Basic Makam Theory - Melissa of Ishtar How to make your improvisational solos go somewhere and come back. Which notes are important in which makam. How to cue/communicate with other musicians. Also, how to practice your improvisational skills at home. 4:00 PM Middle Eastern Music Ensemble - Melissa of Ishtar Percussionists and Melody musicians, learn songs together! Support Qaina! Support Bellydance and live music in the Middle East of the USA! Contact Jezebel for more info: JezebelShuvani@yahoo.com

Facebook SCA 'Middle Eastern music group

melissaclarinetchick — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 22:50:24 GMT

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18208789267

This Friday at the Istanbul Grille...Ishtar and Janim!

melissaclarinetchick — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:36:16 GMT

Yeah yeah.... the clarinetchick who never shuts up. The Istanbul Grille is reservation only for the first set with Janim that starts at 8PM. 412-325-3347. Our second set starts at 9:30 with Janim. By 9:30, there are several empty tables, if you can't get a reservation, please stop by for some hummus and the best baklava in DaBurgh later in the evening. TXT me at 9:15 and I'll let you know if there are any empty tables. 412-215-2302. 5501 Center Ave, Shadyside. Next Friday March 27, Ishtar takes the big stage at the Rex Theater (East Carson St Southside) opening for the Mandrake Project, Pittsburgh's Premiere Progressive Rock Band. Also performing with us are the fabulous dancers: Berna, Kari, Joanna, and Janim. Check out www.mandrakeproject.com Actually I am spending far more time on Facebook-- visit me there. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1311455769&ref=name Become a fan of my band on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Ishtar/32282616680

The "Middle East" of The United States....really does exist.

melissaclarinetchick — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:26:59 GMT

Right here in DaBurgh n'at. http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09057/951543-42.stm Like I am fond of saying....not bad for a clarinetchick from Pittsburgh. Thanks Ishtar bandmates!

Saturday Feb 28 -- Jalsah Pittsburgh 10 -- The ulimate bellydance jam session

melissaclarinetchick — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:19:03 GMT

Okay....it is my birthday this weekend!!! Time for a Jalsah! The Ultimate Bellydance live music jam session with open floor dance! http://www.thejalsah.com/pages/Pittsburgh Everyone bring a friend, bring a hipscarf, bring a drum , bring your sax, flute, clarinet, Hammond Organ, guitar and let my band Ishtar lead you through the classics of Bellydance music!! All the songs are available in sheet music format to borrow or to purchase. www.dorku.com Don't forget your music stand. Come on...you know you want to play this music with me! The Jalsah starts at 8PM following the Three Rivers Drum Circle. If you a re musician with special needs, please email: melissa@Ishtar-music.com The Jalsah is a hell of a lot of fun...you don't want to miss it. This might be our last one for a LONG TIME here in DaBurgh. So come participate in Jalsah Pittsburgh X! And wish me a happy birthday. Just don't ask how old I am. Jalsah Pittsburgh X @ Your Inner Vagabond 8PM All Ages! BYOB. $7 cover. (pays for the space) 4130 Butler St Pittsburgh 15201

Ishtar in Harrisburg, PA Friday Feb 13 - Don't forget Garaj Mahal Hafla this Saturday Feb 14!

melissaclarinetchick — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:37:20 GMT

Hey everyone! Come out and play bellydance music with your loved ones on Valentine's Day! Zarifa, Blix and Erskine decorate their garage and open their home for the Garaj Mahal Hafla! Starting at 2PM, Melissa will be teaching two workshops: "Art of Taksim and Basic Makam Theory". How to make your improvisational solos go somewhere and come back. Which notes are important in which makam. How to cue/communicate with other musicians. Also the importance of practicing your improvisational skills. "Middle Eastern Music Ensemble" Songs to be covered are: Aziza, Chaje Shukarije, Ay Linda Amiga, Ushti Baba, and Muhabbet. Workshops are $10 each. To cover sheet music and handout expenses. RSVP for Garaj Mahal Hafla is REQUIRED! Open jamming starts at 4PM. Email --- zarifadances@gmail.com

Friday night at the Istanbul Grille

melissaclarinetchick — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 07:09:07 GMT

....was quite the night! Ishtar performed as a quartet for dinner. As usual, it was much fun! We debuted Muhabbet (yes my sheet music fans...it is in the bound sheet music book), especially for our fan Jack. We missed our dancer Janim..she was in Philly learning some new smooth moves. She will be back on Friday Feb 27 at the Istanbul Grille with us! The highlight of the evening was when a young Turkish woman appeared with a violin at dinner. On our break she introduced herself to me as Idil. She is studying classical violin at Carnegie Mellon with a violin master until summer. Idil and her friends could not believe we weren't Turkish. They were so impressed with our playing! It felt great to hear that we actually sound Turkish. I personally think I sound "square", but the compliment on Ishtar's sound was very nice. Idil asked if she could play a song or two with us. She said she was familiar with some of the folk songs, because her mother sang around the house. But Idil NEVER PLAYED TURKISH MUSIC BEFORE! Yes...she is from Ankara, but only ever studied classical Western violin! Idil is an amazing musician and easily picked up the songs we tossed at her. She played Nihavent Longa at breakneck speed. But she admitted later that she never taksimed before. It was so bizarre! I found the whole conversation with her baffling. How could a Turkish person be a musician and never play their own culture's music? Then I think I have only ever played "Oh Susanna" once in my life. Stephen Foster is from Pittsburgh, ya know. So there you have it. Four yinzers rockin out Turkish fasil music in DaBurgh, with a Turkish woman who plays a fabulous violin but never played Turkish music before. Makes ya think...huh? Check out Ishtar as a quartet with Janim on Friday Feb 27 at Istanbul Grille. 8PM. Dinner reservations required. 412-325-3347. 5001 Center Ave...Shadyside. Jalsah Pittsburgh February 28 at Your Inner Vagabond. This is your chance to learn and jam on some Turkish tunes in a relaxed party setting. Bring any instrument you can play. I have the songs scored for you! Drummers welcome, dancers welcome. Let's all party together!

Harrisburg Bellydancers!

melissaclarinetchick — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 18:06:29 GMT

I am looking for one or two interested bellydancers in Harrisburg area who want to dance to my band, Ishtar, on Friday February 13 at 10PM. We are performing at the Suba Bar 272 North St 17101 Please email me at melissa_pgh@juno.com for more details.

Umut Yasmut coming to Pittsburgh....

melissaclarinetchick — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:31:56 GMT

Or Istanburgh.... :-) Umut is a fantastic kanun player! He will be accompanied by Levent, a Turkish singer. Authentic Turkish fasil music right here in Istanburgh! You have to come hear it! January 31 -- THIS Saturday. Istanbul Grille 5501 Center Ave Shadyside Reservations REQUIRED! 412-325-3347 8PM BYOB

Friday Friday Friday! Jan 30 @ Your Inner Vagabond!

melissaclarinetchick — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:30:26 GMT

BellyDance BellyRock Friday 8PM showtime Two lovely dancers...Mehira and Xenia! Plenty of open floor dance space! Come out and get your groove on!

Stolen from someone's website --

melissaclarinetchick — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 06:57:51 GMT

it was some inspirational crap, until I got a hold of it and made it truthful. "Life Is Short" "They say it takes a minute to find a special person an hour to appreciate them a day to love them but then an entire life to forget them." Yeah...but it only takes a second to kill them! I amuse myself. I know you are not laughing out there in Internet-land, but then most people lie to me about how they like my sense of humor. Lately, I laugh alone.

Al hafla

melissaclarinetchick — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:58:48 GMT

Whew.... I played so much on Saturday that my FACE hurt on Sunday. I love that feeling. :-) I had a fabulous time playing music with my friends and bandmates! We debuted a few new tunes which got good responses from the listeners and dancers. I will be posting the sheet music soon. Gianotta....the food was scrumptious. Especially the manti. But everything tasted yummy. Much thanks to you and your kitchen crew! Sean sang Bir Demet, Suzanne played her violin, Aminah played her violin until her arms hurt. Lorelei played a bunch of songs on the flute, Sean also played 14 different instruments. Durr drummed and told stories. (Not at the same time.) Chip, Casey, Mark, Beth, Jeff, Emrys, and Julian provided rhythm for much of the night. Everything sounded epic. Thanks all of you who played together at the hafla, it was a great time! A very nice dancer complimented the "band". I explained that we are all just great friends who are passionate about the same Middle Eastern music. I hope everyone feels good about themselves! It was one of the tightest hafla bands ever! Afterwards at the Black Sea Turkish Restaurant I got to sing Uskudara with the keyboard player. Turkish Live Band Karaoke. I'm a big fan...didn't you know? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you live near Gaithersburg MD, (north of DC) Zarifa is hosting the Garaj Mahal Hafla. Zarifa converts her garage into a beautifully decorated palace fit for a sultan! Feb 14 is the date. I will be there playing music and teaching two workshops: Art of Taksim and Middle Eastern Ensemble. Workshops will start around 1PM. Workshops are $10 each. You MUST RSVP to Zarifa: zarifadances@gmail.com hope to see you there.

Watching Fired! on Netflix.

melissaclarinetchick — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:33:03 GMT

I wasn't fired from my job...I'm still chugging away in the basement of PNC office building. But....I can relate to this movie. http://www.firedthemovie.com/

Another one for Mellie Mel

melissaclarinetchick — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:26:23 GMT

www.myspace.com/ukeskywalkerandtubafett Only wish they covered the Cantina Band song.....