Attention all Durham dancers, drummers, and musicians!

I'm excited to announce that Grammy-nominated Arabic percussionist and dance coach Souhail Kaspar, renowned violinist, oudist, and singer Rachid Halihal, and the wonderful belly dancer Ziva are coming to Durham for a dance and music workshop and gala performance the weekend of April 19-20! This is a rare chance to study with a master drummer and sought-after dance coach, as well as see dynamic performers with special music and dance guests perform in a theater setting. Read on for details or just register at:

www.halobellydance.com/souhail.html
www.halobellydance.com/souhail_show.html

You can also contact the organizer, John Price, directly at freecellwizard@gmail.com for more information or to receive an address for mail registration. Drum or dance teachers signing up 5 of their students will be able to take the same classes for free.

I cannot stress enough what an opportunity this is! If you haven't seen Souhail play the drums, check out this clip of him on YouTube and be amazed. Here's another one of him interacting with a dancer and having a blast.

Souhail Kaspar is a master percussionist who has accompanied many famous Arab musicians and has performed with Sting and Kronos Quartet. He has many recording credits including the Sinbad and Prince of Egypt soundtracks and the recent Grammy-nominated album "When the Soul Is Settled: Music Of Iraq" on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.

Rachid Halihal is a Moroccan virtuoso classically trained on the violin and oud and is a respected Arabic singer. He has played with legendary musicians and singers including Mohamed Abdo, and often teaches with the popular dance teacher Eva Cernik.

Saturday, April 19th we have two separate workshop tracks - one for dancers and one for musicians! The main track at Triangle Dance Studio will cater to dancers with two 2-hour Rhythm and Movement classes taught by Souhail with the help of his protege, the lovely Ziva, followed by a two-hour beginning doumbek class. Dancers who have studied with Souhail say he has revolutionized the way they dance to Arabic music.

For musicians, Rachid will be at the Music Explorium teaching two two-hour classes on maqam (scales) and Arabic songs to those with melodic instruments. They are welcome to then hop over to the main studio to take the beginning drum class. And don't forget the big show Saturday night! Read on ...

Saturday night at the Durham Arts Council's beautiful PSI Theater we have a special treat! Souhail, Rachid, and Naji Hilal will perform live Arabic music as Ziva and talented local dancers interpret their incredible sound. Naji is an excellent oud player, singer, and multi-instrumentalist who has played in various Arabic and jazz bands and played with the likes of Omar Farouk Tekbilek. And we'll cap it all off with some open dancing, so bring your hip scarves!

Sunday, April 20th caters to the continuing drummer with a series of classes that will inspire their playing to new heights. Advanced classes with Souhail are a memorable experience that will challenge and excite you and keep you practicing long after they are over.

Again, you can register online: www.halobellydance.com/souhail.html

Show: www.halobellydance.com/souhail_show.html