We are seven musicians from a variety of musical backgrounds with a love of music from the Middle East, Turkey, North Africa and Persia (Iran).

We play for "Raqs Sharqi" (Belly dance) performances in the Portland area. It is our hope to share our love of this music and the dance that is associated with it. In doing so we hope to offer an entertaining gateway to the beauty of Arabic, Turkish, Persian and other cultures of the region.

Perhaps through familiarity with the dance and music will come greater understanding and better chances for peace among all peoples of the world.

What we do

Our band includes both traditional middle eastern instruments such as the oud, baglama saz and percussion instruments as well as western instruments, both modern (keyboards) and traditional (Irish harp, hammered dulcimer). We are excited to have recently added a violinist to our ranks (welcome Marlene!)

We play music that is folkloric in origin as well as popular compositions from the last few decades. Some of these tunes are "standard" belly dance numbers while others have a more "baladi" sound to them.

Our History

We began in August of 2005 when a local event needed a band to fill-in at the last miniute. The members of the original group were from the Portland Community Middle Eastern Orchestra (Jerry Fugate, Sean Molloy and Doug Shafer, all drummers). We were joined by Brenda Erikson, the violinst from the group we were filling for (Arabesque) and Jeff Rees (from the local tribal band, Mizna) and went on stage without even having thought of a name yet.

For the second performance we had welcomed Dennis Godfrey (a gudulka player from a Balkan band, Kafana Klub) and Jennifer Foley on oud, harp and dulcimer from the PCMEO. Unfortunately Brenda was unable continue with us.

Doug came up with the name "Al-Arwah", which is an Arabic term referring to souls in transition from earthly existence to paradise. It is also an alchemical term to refer to transition elements with a rather ethereal quality implied. It seemed to suit us quite well, especially since we really didn't have a name until our third gig!

On New Years Eve Chris Jacobson from the PCMEO joined our percussion section as a regular. In spring of 2006 Dennis left to focus on other projects. In May Geoff George joined the group, first on guitar and later bringing his keyboards.

Doug has begun playing oud on more and more tunes and also brings his guitar skills in from time to time. Jerry has also taken up the baglama saz and is working feverishly to expand his repertoire and improve his playing.

With the recent addition of Marlene Trigg and her violin we have a very full, acoustic and increasingly well-rounded sound.