As Printed in the Quarter 4/05 (Oct/Nov/Dec) issue of The Belly Dancer Magazine
Greetings One and All,
Summer proved to be as busy as the rest of the year. In July it was off to Med Fest - The Babylonian Ensemble's annual outdoor event - - two days of dance, shopping, conversation, shopping, frivolity, and - well, you get the idea. I walked away this year, arms loaded, with a spectacular creation - - a Faye Austin original - - thanks to Phaedra Nicholle. Jaleh was sponsoring our dear friend Kamaal in three days of fabulous workshops. He of course "wowed the audience" with not one but two performances. Kamaal is so talented - - his floor work with that tray literally moves you to the edge of your seat. When he gives you that one and only "Kamaal Grin" - - well, there is a saying about "charming the pants off" that just seems to fit him. Kamaal captured my heart the moment I saw him and his spot in said heart will remain "eternally" there.
Next stop - - Shukriya's Summer Caravan. I chose this time to "fly" rather than drive. Now don't get confused, I know some people do believe I actually "fly" when I drive. But what I mean is that I hopped on a plane so San Fran Bay - an hour and a half beats the heck out of ten on the road any day. Yosifah was kind enough to pick me up at the airport and get me to the hotel - where we had a quick private lesson in the hotel room. I was stay with Circe and Sian of the Babylonian Ensemble and Gaylene - - so everyone joined in the lesson of "Phoenix Wings - arms and hands". Try that in between beds, tables, lamps, and TV. Then to our surprise, we had arrived in time to partake of the outdoor Farmer's Market on Friday - - so we started off our weekend "shopping". I even managed to find a shoe store - - fancy that.
Load in this year seemed so much easier than last - - I was already buying off the vendor's racks while we were unloading <snicker> - - so that took my mind off hefting and tugging. I was set up in no time and ready to "party down" for the weekend. I really do love this facility - it is ornate, the stage is large and opulent, just the right amount of vendors, and plenty of room for audience/crowd. It seemed a bit better attended this year than last, but there is certainly room for more of you.
The end of July brought Pangia's 2005 Pacific Northwest Tour - which actually means "Four Shows and Two workshops in three days. <grin> Yep, when Denise Mannion, Pat Olson and Carmine Guida suggested "filling up" the three days, well, I filled them. We started in Tukwila, WA on Thursday at the Great American Casino. Kiara and Namira of Jeweled Scarab Dance Company sponsored this show and they did it up in a big way. They even provided programs. They treated us to dinner and the dancers of the Seattle area came out and seriously did this show up big time. This proved to be the biggest show of the four we did that weekend - so we definitely started off with a BIG BANG with dancers, Nadira, Melody, Zorina, Megan, Kiara, Amira Khaliel, Namira Azar and Zaina.
Friday morning we headed back to Vancouver and then on to Portland to Gus and Eva's "Vine Leaves" for the Friday night show. Vine Leaves is a beautiful restaurant, a bit on the small side, but the atmosphere is so wonderful - you loose nothing of the evening - - just makes it more cozy. And you will not find better service in any restaurant. The owners Gus and Eva often walk through as they bring food, drink, and hooka pipes - - dancing and singing their way into the room. Tiffany, Eva, Cassieopea, Elashem, Urbana, Keska, and Karla were our fabulous dancers of the evening, and each provided stellar performances. As Karla glided out the door at the end of the show it was clear Carmine had worked his magic, because as she slid past our table she uttered these famous words <giggle>, "Carmine, an experience NOT to be forgotten". Oh Yeah, she is so right about that.
Saturday started off with workshops at Zaina's House of Dance with Carmine teaching drum for the drummers and Denise teaching zill/rhythm for the dancers, then combining them all together so dancers and drummers learn how to "speak" rhythm together. Pat and I were off early to set up for the daytime "Garden Party" at George's Touch of Athens in Downtown Vancouver. Workshop attendees, musicians and dancers converged about noon and show number 3 was in full swing. Saqra joined us - - driving down from Kent that morning - to participate in both Saturday shows. House dancers Shylce and Pilar joined with Amira, and Urbana to provide an afternoon of fun in the sun. George provided "barbeque a la Greece" to complete this fab event.
As soon as this performance was over, we packed up and headed to our final performance at The Vine Leaves. . Gus and Eva greeted us at the door, looking forward to another WOW evening. We started off with a big bang (Pat and Denise brought the "gong"). Ahahahaaaaa By this evening we were exhausted, but as many of you know, exhaustion often to leads to the best of shows as you toss in all of your remaining energy. Guest dancers Carol Love, Gaylene, Jewels, Oberon, Reclaiming Delight, Saqra and I had a glorious time and again the band never missed a beat.
The music for this entire tour was incredible. Pangia is one of the most consistently fabulous bands I have had the pleasure of performing with. I must admit to "taunting" Denise while she is playing (I'm so bad) - - turning quickly to offer up a lock or, well, those of you who know me can imagine my antics. She will giggle, but she never looses pace and the banter is just too much fun to skip. The ever charming Carmine proved to be a show of his own (snicker - - uh, I mean "snicka" we all received a lesson or two in "New York Speak"). He totally engages with the dancer for not only the drum solo which is always spectacular, but throughout the entire performance. And that voice of Pat's, silky and smooth, leaves most of the audience mesmerized. Pat's easy going - playful nature brings to the band and therefore the dancer and audience a sense of fun and merriment.
And for me, the opportunity of spending time with good friends - - sitting in the backyard, with Denise, Pat and Carmine playing various instruments and singing - - with a bit of a breeze on the air well, these are memories I will always cherish. And by the way - - Denise, Pierre is waiting for you to come back so he can cuddle with you some more (see photo this page of Pierre who loves her so).
Special thanks to Bob, Melody, and Saqra for coming so far and Urbana for being at nearly every event, Kiara and Nemira for all your hard work and to my dear friends, Pat, Denise and Carmine - PANGIA! I ADORE YOU ALL!
