Hi, everyone, I just wanted to update you with information on the upcoming hafla and workshops with Souhail Kaspar. He will be here the weekend of May 3rd and 4th. (Please disregard the earlier date. We had to move it back one weekend). The hafla will be a dance party with Souhail and Rachid Halihal. Also some local musicians, some featured dancers, some wonderful vending by Fashionable Movement and Anaya Tribal, oh yeah, and LOTS of dancing for party attendies. Fun, fun, fun!

More info will come later, and I have updated the website: www.phoenixhafla.com

Also, don't forget to cheer Souhail on on February 10th for the 50th Grammy award show! He has been nominated for this year's Grammy in World Music for his work with Rahim Alhaj in "When the Soul is Settled: The Music of Iraq."

If you have any questions, ideas, or want to volunteer, please drop me a line. I can't wait to see everyone in a few months!

Elissa

P.S. I will once again be performing with Nawari Dance and Music Ensemble at the Arizona State Fair every weekend from Feb 9th to March 31st. If you're out there, please come by and say hello!

P.P.S. The next Midnight Caravan event will be October 17th-19th, 2008.
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  • Don't forget to catch the Grammys this Sunday. Wishing Souhail luck!
    • An update on the hafla: we'll be partying down on the west side at a picturesque home in Goodyear. There will be food, goodies to buy from Anaya Tribal and Fashionable Movement, and lots of rocking live music to dance to. Featuring Moroccan music-maker Rachid Halihal on oud, violin and vocals (his enchanting voice being his best instrument, IMHO) and a kickass primal percussion section led by Souhail Kaspar, we’ll be ready to rock the house! Bring some wine and a tasty snack and your best party gear and get ready to get your dance on. We’ll have some surprise musicians, both local and otherwise, and featured dance performances by the sensational Helena Vlahos, the sublime Carrie Konyha, and the lovely Lara Kymana.

      The hafla is $15 in advance and will be $20 at the door. Also, check out our cool classes. If you want to learn to rock the drum like Souhail or get tips on shakin your booty to the rhythm, or if you liked Rachid’s beautiful singing and want to learn a cool Moroccan ditty to sing or play later, there is a workshop there for you!

      Registration details are on my website: www.phoenixhafla.com

      I’ll be updating it more over the next few days, so if you don't see the info you want, please drop me a line.

      Also, a reminder that Midnight Caravan II will be October 17th-19th, so if you’re working on an event for the fall or know someone who is, please pass the word. That weekend we’ll be hooking it up on the east side at the Mesa Women’s Club.

      Can’t wait to everyone there!