ARAK at MAIA with SIRA

Tuesday February 15, 2005
Dinner Show 9 :00 - 11:00 PM

Maia Meyhane
98 Avenue B (btwn 6th & 7th)
New York, NY 10009
212.358.1166

By the middle of the 20th century, immigrants from the Middle East - Armenians, Arabs, Greeks - fused old world melodies, oriental rhythms, and quarter-tone scales with American jazz, blues, and swing to create a fresh, new sound.

The ARAK ensemble proudly carries on this tradition with driving dumbeg and guitar rhythms (Nishan Akgulian, Sevan Simonian), thick oud leads (Haig Buchakjian), kanoun harmonies, & soaring vocals (Michael Gostanian).

Sira, one of New York's top professional belly dancers, has been captivating audiences for 12 years with her powerful and artistic performances.  Of Armenian descent, she brings the grace and elegance of classical Armenian women's dances to traditional belly dance.