Tribal Revolution has just wrapped up and we had melody classes (taught by the lovely Melissa Murphey of Ishtar) for the first time. They were a hit! We also had a TON of live music with Carmine Guida, August Herr from Mezmer Society, and Gaiananda. It was a total blast and it got me thinking.....

How many of you or folks you know who play an instrument would be interested in a couple of music-focused events in the Chicago area? All would be welcome to bring whatever instrument you play, Middle-Eastern or not and learn songs and ensemble skills. There'd be classes in drumming at different levels and melody making from playing basic tunes to playing a taqsim. In the evening we'd have a "jaslah," which is Melissa's term for a more music focused hafla.... a real jam session with open dancing but no dance performing.

I'm thinking I might do this a few times a year to create a musical series and build a Midwestern music community to go along with our booming dance community. All of the above named entities are interested in making this happen, but I can't bring them all here if nobody's coming to the workshops and jaslah!

How 'bout it Chi-town and beyond? Interested?