Archive | February, 2016

Lebanese dance workshop for kids (Philadelphia)

AATW-Michele-Tayoun-at-I-House-2016-01-09-photo-spread2On January 9th Philadelphia families did the Lebanese dabke at International House with the wonderful Michele Tayoun. Michele taught us rhythms, fancy footwork and, most importantly, how to have the utmost fun while we dance.

Upcoming workshops:

— February 13: Flamenco dance and music
— March 5: Greek dancing
— April 9: Irish dancing
— May 21: Italian dancing and songs
— June 11: British Morris dancing

Turkish Folk Music Workshop for Kids (Philadelphia)

AATW-Baris-Kaya-at-I-House-2016-01-09-photo-spreadPhiladelphia families ended 2015 with a bang — or, more accurately, with a Dum and a Tek — as fantabulous Turkish musician Baris Kaya and polyinstrumentalist William Tayoun joined us at International House for a Turkish folk music workshop. We sang, we danced, we sang some more. Then we danced. Then we went home and took a really refreshing nap.

— January 9: Lebanese dance
— February 13: Flamenco dance and music
— March 5: Greek dancing
— April 9: Irish dancing
— May 21: Italian dancing and songs
— June 11: British Morris dancing

Limited time: Booking House Parties, Group Classes and Solo Shows for a Nationwide Summer Tour

AATW-Summer-Tour-2016-rough-routeLet’s get this show on the road! This very summer, 2016, I’m piling the guitar, some amps and a few children (my own) into the station wagon and heading west from Philadelphia to sing and explore. I already have some shows lined up but for a limited time still have room in the schedule for a few group classes — just for you and a dozen of your closest friends — house parties (for both kids and grown-ups), interactive cultural workshops other sneaky solo gigs in July and August. I’m planning to hit Chicago, Denver, SLC/Idaho, Seattle/Portland, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Topeka/Lawrence Kansas, St. Louis, Louisville/Lexington, Cincinnati, Morgantown WV and many places between. Here are the dates. Want to sing together with your kids in your living room? BOOK IT.

For a little inspiration, here’s footage I dug up from last summer’s All Around This World Global Orchestra International Make Your Own Instrument Day concert at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia. I won’t be bringing the band this summer, but we’ll do plan to romp around the Northeast next fall.