We have a brand new website designed by Dark Parrot, with bells, whistles, mizmars and ouds floating in the breeze. The site has expanded our welcome mat to include a definitive history of the band, upcoming shows, videos, music, links and most of all a store, BoB’s Bazaar (http://store.baladi.com/). In the Bazaar we feature the three ‘heritage’ CD’s released for the first time and a growing selection of swag that includes the suddenly popular Skelly Belly line of shirts, stickers and posters. This design caught fire in February, moving our facebook ‘likes’ from 600 to over 4,000. Thank Dark Parrot for that one!

Our upcoming gigs include an important benefit on Tuesday, March 20th, for the Whole Planet Foundation whose work focuses on micro-loans to third world women entrepreneurs. Check the link here: (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/values/whole-planet-foundation.php.) The benefit will take place at Mississippi Studios (http://www.mississippistudios.com/) in Portland, featuring the acclaimed dance of Rachel Brice (http://www.rachelbrice.com/rb/Welcome.html) and a set by legendary guitarist, Terry Robb (http://www.terryrobb.com/).

On Thursday, March 29th we will perform in Park City, Utah at the beautiful Egyptian Theatre with featured dancer, Zahirah Sheya. This show is a fundraiser for the ‘In Schools’ Educational Programs, and 100% of the proceeds will go to support music programs in Summit County Schools. For ticket info check here:( http://holdmyticket.com/event/38692)

On Friday, March 30th we return to Boise to play at the El Korah Shrine at 9:30 PM.  The show is an After-Party for Mearah’s Oasis Dreams 2012 Festival. The Showcase features Brothers of the Baladi and dancer workshops (featuring Jenna from LA CA) all weekend. The Brothers will perform with featured dancers Samira, Chandani, Sidonia and Cecilia. Info: http://www.mearah.com/mearahs_belly_dance_henna_idaho_008.htm

We remind you that Arabesque, with Michael Beach and Clark Salisbury, perform Wednesday nights in Portland, at the Blue Monk (http://www.thebluemonk.com/). The Oberon Community Middle Eastern Music & Dance Show features an 8-piece ensemble that includes accordion, violin, several percussionists and acoustic bass and is one of the longest and most successful Middle Eastern Music & Dance shows in the country. It has been running since 1994!  This months dancers include: Jewels, Keska, Carmen, Nemra Khan, Zemira, Far’ha, Emilie, Chandni, Justina, Zaina, Tiffany, Jadieeka, Lana, and Grace.

Finally, the band offers Middle Eastern Drums, Rhythms & Music Classes & Clinics with Michael Beach, Clark Salisbury, Ishmael and the band. Please contact us at booking@baladi.com.