Sensual, Breathtaking And Beautiful! Bellydancers With A Live Band! July 6, 2012

Bellydancing is a sensual performance for everyone, performers and observers alike. It has been a long standing tradition that men are the musicians and drummers, while women are dancers. Ishtar Vintage Bellydance Band turns that notion on its ear.

Melissa Murphey, of Pittsburgh PA, is the leader of Ishtar founded in 2006. Her energy as a woman musician in a man's traditional role gives her the unique perspective to seamlessly meld her band's songs with each bellydancer's personal performance.

Ishtar's presentation of authentic folk songs of the Mediterranean fused with the musical principles of the West gives the band a listenable aspect and an approachability that is rare in the bellydance field.

Ishtar is a purely organic band comprised of four instruments: clarinet, bass, darbuka (hand drum) and riq (tambourine). No loops, samples, recordings, sound effects or synthesizers are used in their performance.

Ishtar will be performing with bellydancers Ayleeza and Khalima with special musical guest Maharal on Friday July 6, 2012 at 11:00pm at Balliceaux 203 North Lombardy St Richmond VA.

Official Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/207173932734150/