SALAAM / SHALOM! A World Music Dance Party July 27, 2011

@ Mercury Cafe

SALAAM / SHALOM! A World Music Dance Party

with Zuruna and Hal Aqua & The Lost Tribe

Mercury Cafe will host Salaam/Shalom, a collaborative party with Middle Eastern ensemble Zuruna and Hal Aqua and The Lost Tribe on Wednesday, July 27. Tickets $10 / available atwww.zurimusic.com or cash at the door. The Mercury Cafe, 2199 California Street, Denver 80205

Zuruna is a traditional Middle Eastern music ensemble based in Denver, Colorado. The newly-formed group is made up of former members of Saltanah and new musicians, eight in all, with the goal of sharing the beautiful sounds and rhythms of Arabic music with others. Zuruna's repertoire includes various 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 include 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), Ben Cohen (bass, tuba), Shanti Hazan (djembe, cajon, doumbek), Sherman Jacobs (violin), and Miriam Rosenblum (clarinet, recorders, button accordion). More information at www.losttribeband.com

Marsha Bowen of Zuruna will offer free belly dance lessons at 7:30 p.m.

Mercury Cafe - SALAAM / SHALOM! A World Music Dance Party with Zuruna and Hal Aqua & The Lost Tribe on Wednesday, July 27 - 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. Belly dancing lesson at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $10 / available at www.zurimusic.com or cash at the door. The Mercury Cafe, 2199 California Street, Denver 80205.