Tags: fundraiser

So, I've been out of the local belly dance circuit for awhile, but I have an idea and I figured I'd see if anyone here had any interest.

Would anyone be interested in participating in a quasi-hafli at a New London LGBT venue sometime this October (probably Saturday the 19th) with the goal to raise money for the Trevor Project? I'm contemplating pitching the idea to the owner and figured it'd be a good idea to have some clue if there was dancer interest.

They routinely have stage acts (primarily drag queens with the occasional drag king) on Friday and Saturday nights, going on stage at 12:30am. On occasion they hold fundraisers and acts may go in spurts starting at 10:30pm with the next act at 11:30pm and so on. I'm not sure what the owner would go for in terms of gate going to the cause (he's done other fundraisers, just don't remember if it was 50% of the cover or what, maybe even 100%), but people usually do tip well, and I was envisioning a basket at the corner of the stage with a note stating tips go to the Trevor Project.

So, any interest?

Current Mood: 👁 curious
curious

Tags: fundraiser

Back in 2005, after Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma, there was a "Hurricane Hafli" up in Boston that raised over $1500 (if memory serves) for Red Cross relief efforts.

Does anyone know if something similar is being planned post-Frankenstorm Sandy? I have neither the time nor the energy to organize such a thing, but if someone else does, I'd be more than happy to help however I can.

Do you always wish you could go see more live music and see more dancers performing in a nightclub setting, but late nights keep you from attending?  Well, there's two events coming up in the next two weeks in MA that will give you that opportunity on a Sunday evening and have you home in time to get enough sleep for Monday's workday!  In both cases, advance tickets are strongly advised.

Sunday, August 12, 5-8pm:  The Shimmy Shack in East Berkeley, MA, with the music of the Mitchell Kaltsunas Ensemble (Arabic style) and featured dancer Chantal, a fabulous professional dancer and entertainer.  Several other performers from student to pro will be featured (including me :), there will be open floor dancing and excellent shopping opportunities at Alimah's Closet, importers of belly dance goods from around the world.  Refreshments will be available.  For more info, see the Ancient Arts Studio website.

Sunday, August 19, 6-9pm:  Live@ the Red Fez featuring Jemileh Nour, 1222 Washington Street, Boston MA, with the music of Hagop Garabedian, Dwayne Green, Costas Maniatakos, Ron Sahatjian and Bill Ferguson (music styles from around the Middle East).  Jemileh Nour is an exquisite and dynamic performer, and several of her students and colleagues will be performing along with her (including me :).  There will be open floor dancing, and other musicians are invited to sit in with the band after the performances.  The Red Fez is a full service restaurant featuring Middle Eastern delicacies and a full bar.  For more information, see the Facebook Live@ the Red Fez event page.

Both of these events are run by dancers who do this for the love of music and dance, and the desire to share that love with others and build community among dancers, as well as provide opportunities to hear and perform to live music for dancers who might not otherwise be able to do so.  Both events are worth supporting for those reasons alone--but the biggest reason, of course, is the wonderful quality of the shows you will see at both events, highlighting the skill and diversity of styles that can be seen within Middle Eastern dance.  These are great learning opportunities for students just learning about different styles of traditional music, or for dancers who have come to belly dance from a less traditional route who would like to know more about their dance's roots.  Good times are guaranteed!
.

Waking Persephone is less than 3 weeks away - and there’s a lot of excitement around here. We have over 30 workshop offerings, and some of them are about to sell out!

Some folks have asked me more about what the event is about – is it just for “dark” or “gothic” dancers, for tribal? The answer is NO. While both of our evening shows focus on presenting the dramatic, the dark, and the unusual, our workshops have been carefully tailored to help craft the well-rounded dancer – whether you’re into traditional, oriental, tribal, or fusion, there’s a workshop that will advance your dance.

We have an array of incredible vendors that cover the spectrum of bellydance – including the ever-popular Geisha Moth and Tribal Bazaar (both coming all the way from California), Crimson Gypsy – who has amazing practice-wear and attire, Delicious Boutique from Philadelphia for urban and edgey looks, the drool-worthy treasure troves of Father Dunn (both old and new Tribal/folkloric/Indian/Middle Eastern jewelry), plus many more vendors offering silk, henna, photography, artwork, jewelry, and the latest in bellydance fashion. The vendor bazaar is open all weekend from Friday afternoon through to Sunday afternoon - so come enjoy the workshops, see the show, get some great shopping in!

Community Gathering! We will kick things off on Thursday evening with "Motif" - a special community event combining dance, ritual, music, and great vibes. All are welcome!

LIVE MUSIC! Both of our Friday and Saturday evening shows feature live music (in addition to all of our amazing instructors - including Tempest, Anaar (CA), Asharah (CA), Celeste (IN), Ami Amore (MO), Unsinkable Molly (CA), Kendra Hayes(WA), plus local favorites, applied performers, and special guests) by world-class talent: Nathaniel Johnstone & The Ghosts Project, and Sunday will feature a special concert by Frenchy & The Punk.

Here’s a quick breakdown of workshop offerings: (behind the cut)

( Read more...Collapse )

"Waking Persephone" is an event specializing in exploring the dark and the unusual within the realm of bellydance. This event will take place for the first time April 13th-15th, 2012 in Providence, Rhode Island - the dark heart of New England. Nothing like it has ever taken place on this scale in New England for the darker side of the dance, and we are thrilled to bring it to you!

It will be a different kind of dark dance event experience, with a core focus on education and exploration, creating community while breaking borders. While there will indeed be performing opportunities, the main goal is an intensive series of classes, lectures, and activities featuring both new and established faces in the genres of dark, gothic, steampunk, experimental, theatrical, and ritual dances. Over the course of 3 days, there will be two shows, live music performances, workshops, master classes, panel discussions, vending, and more!

Our fabulous teaching staff includes Tempest, Anaar, Asharah, Ami Amore, Celeste, Kendra Hayes, with more being announced as we confirm. Also, we are accepting applications for those interested in teaching at Waking Persephone through November 13th. Info at http://www.wakingpersephone.com/teach.html

We are lining up some amazing live music from all over the US for WP including Nathaniel Johnstone (of the Nathaniel Johnstone Band and Abney Park), French & the Punk, Servitor Sanctum 7, and even more special guests to be announced!

Vending is also officially open for WP - with just 13 spots total - 8 regular vending spots, 3 artist spots, and 2 services spots - and they're already going quick! http://www.wakingpersephone.com/vendors.html

Complete details available at http://www.wakingpersephone.com

Current Location: Portland, OR
Current Mood: artistic
Current Music: World Fusion

 Hey Everyone,

A new Azphodel Track is up on the website at www.azphodel.com! Please have a listen and visit the Members page to download, if you like (for free, even). Much more to come! Thanks,

~Zane

Musick video with premier beat electronique old world fusion Azphodel, intertwined with Portland's premier dance troupe - Apsara, recently seen with Le Serpent Rouge.

Please comment if you love it.