Wednesday, July 27, 8:00 – 10:00 pm
The Mercury Cafe, 2199 California Street, Denver 80205
Tickets $10
FREE bellydance lessons with Marsha Bowen at 7:30 pm
Zuruna is a traditional Middle Eastern music ensemble based in Denver, Colorado. The eight musicians (former members of Saltanah and others) are committed to sharing the beautiful sounds and rhythms of Arabic music with all people. Zuruna’s repertoire includes classical and folk forms, including Muwashshah, Samai, and Debke. The ensemble interprets pieces written by composers such as Mohammad Abd Al-Wahhab, the Rhbani brothers, and Baligh Hamdi. The musicians: Brett Bowen (riq), Marsha Bowen (daf), M’hamed El Menjra (oud), Pete Jacobs (bass), Catrene Payan (vocals), Zay Rios (doumbek), Lisa Rooney (nay), and Lannie Shelton (violin).
Hal Aqua and The Lost Tribe play nouveau klezmer music — an exuberant musical experience, rooted firmly in traditional Jewish modes and melodies and driven by contemporary rhythms and danceable grooves. The band has a deep respect for their source material, from the evocative tunes of Eastern European Jews and Gypsies to the sinuous rhythms of the Middle East and Mediterranean. In the long-standing Jewish tradition of absorbing musical inspiration from surrounding cultures, The Lost Tribe steeps their songs in a broth spiced with rock, reggae, salsa, funk and blues influences, serving up an irresistible party vibe. The band includes Hal Aqua (vocals, guitars, oud), Annie Aqua (violin), Ben Cohen (bass, tuba), Shanti Hazan (djembe, cajon, doumbek), and Miriam Rosenblum (clarinet, recorders, button accordion).
This unique evening will explore the wide range as well as the shared cultural roots of Arabic and Jewish music. Each band will be joined near the end of their set by the other group for an exciting collaboration of musical synergy, improvisation, and mutual respect. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event, and bring your dancing shoes!