Just wanted to let Turkish music fans know about 2 upcoming shows I'm playing in. I'm contributing `ud and vocals to the group Kervan, a 5-piece group specializing in Istanbul music of many varieties, from Istanbul folk songs, to sarki, to light classical instrumental pieces.

Fronting Kervan is Haluk Kecelioglu on vocals and violin, myself (ud), with Ahmet Cagri on kanun (and occasional vocals), Sean Tergis on various percussive things, and Sam "Blood Eagle" on percussion (Sam normally is seen to the public through his excellent metal band Saros but also has a passion for Turkish and Arabic percussion).

We played a Turkish party on Treasure Island in April and rocked the house - I'm not talking metaphorically, the floor nearly collapsed in Ahmet's apartment building! Now THAT's a party! We're bringing our dance-inspiring enthusiasm to San Francisco and Berkeley with 2 upcoming shows and would love to see you there - it'll be your last chance to see Kervan before the fall, as most of Kervan is Turkey-bound for the summer.

11 May 2008, 06:00 PM
Pena Pachamama
1630 Powell Street
san francisco, California 94133
$10

22 May 2008, 07:30 PM
Hillside Club: 2286 Cedar
berkeley, California 94709
A split-bill with Babes in Woods. $10-20 sliding scale

See you there! Hadi görüsürüz!