Jalsah

What is Jalsah?

A Middle Eastern music and bellydance jam! All drummers, dancers and musicians are welcome to participate. Melissa and Carmine will guide you through playing popular Belly Dance songs of the Middle East. Open floor dancing all night, all levels of dancers welcome. This is a community event designed to bring together dancers and musicians inspired by Middle Eastern music. Experienced or inexperienced: all are welcome!

A jalsah or qa'dah is an informal musical gathering. It is a derivative of the arabic word jalasa, which means "to sit". Typically an event reminiscent of the musical sessions of medieval courts, it is still a common medium through which middle-eastern composers, musicians and listeners (sammi'ah) gather to share their love of music.

For more information about hosting a Jalsah in your town contact Melissa Murphey melissa@clarinetchick.com

Jalsah Pittsburgh:Video
Jalsah NYC: Photos, Video

Upcoming Jalsahs

St. Petersburg, FL - Saturday December 8th, 2008

Dorku.com

Dorku.com is the source for Middle Eastern sheet music and reference material.
No matter what instrument you play, this website will help you.

Rhythm Sheet for Drummers - Great for doumbek/darbuka/etc.
Common Maqams (modes/scales) - These will help you with playing along and playing solos.
The List of songs we play - Contains links to sheet music.
All Sheet Music - Available in different keys.
Audio Samples for Learning - Simplified versions of the songs we play.

Links

Jalsah at MySpace
Jalsah at Tribe.net