Pics from the Ren Fair

I missed the fair last year, but it seemed to me that there are a lot -- a lot -- more belly dance-type costumes roaming around this year. And there were new troupes (but many familiar faces) dancing at the Trader's Market stage.

The musicians of Baba Ku (including Gorkem Somer, far right, and Ed Lee beside him)

Baba Ku dancers and musicians

Baba Ku dancers and musicians

Baba Ku dancers and musicians

Bey Abi dancers and musicians (Yes, that's Sooz dancing far left)

Bey Abi dancers and musicians

Bey Abi dancers and musicians

Hanging out with Long Beach-based dancer Katerina

My baby belly dancer's first faire! (Yes, we're pretty proud parents...)

Market at the Casbah 2010

Another year, another wonderful Market at the Casbah at the Fullerton Senior Multi-Service Center. It's so nice to be able to enjoy a day full of belly dancing and shopping with friends without having to drive all the way into Los Angeles or Long Beach. Wanda Lee Sundberg and Deborah Peterson put on a terrific event every year and I can't thank them enough for doing it. I came home with a couple new CDs from the terrific people at Hollywood Music Center and some amazing new jewelry from Diamond Pyramid, and some pics of some of the lovely dancers who graced the stage all day long.

The event floor

Taji and the Johara Dancers

Taji

Atlantis

Johara Two

Cynthia

Raqs Belam

(I apologize if the spelling is wrong. They were a late add to the lineup and weren't listed in the program.)

Katarina and the Kabuki Dolls danced with live music from Marc Cornelius on the oud and vocals, Ed Lee on the doumbek and another wonderful musician on the didgeridoo.

Christina Rizkallah

Troupe Raihanna

Marlena

John Bilezikjian and his band

Interview with Drumming Great Remo Belli

All our wonderful Middle Eastern drummers owe a debt of gratitude to drum pioneer Remo Belli, and it's so nice to see him featured in this Los Angeles Times interview, which focuses on his business savvy.

Click here to read:

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-himi-belli4-2010apr04,0,525419.story