Mike's Oud Forums

Coming to Mexico City end of September

mavrothis - 8-12-2010 at 09:01 PM

Hi to the board,

Is there anyone in Mexico City, or who is familiar with the city, on the boards?

I will be performing there as part of an art exhibit at the El Chopo museum on September 29th, and will be there from the 27th-30th.

Would love some help in finding opportunities for organizing another performance, and oud/makam workshop/seminars while I am there.

Also, would love to meet some musicians there too if possible.

Thanks,

mavrothi

John Erlich - 8-17-2010 at 06:25 PM

Hi Mav,

How about contacting the local Sufis? For example: http://sufimexico.com/

I think a FOAF (friend of a friend) is a Sheikha (female leader) with the Jerrahi Sufi order in Mexico City. I could try to get (additional?) contact info if you are interested.

You might also try the DF's Maronite community. I wasn't able to get into their web page, http://www.sancharbel.com/ , but I am working on a funky, old computer right now. Worth a try...

All the best,
John

mavrothis - 8-17-2010 at 06:52 PM

Thanks John,

If your foaf might be interested in saying hello while I'm in Mexico City, that would be cool. Maybe she knows of other musicians/venues in town?

Never been there before and don't know how mobile I'll be, but you never know.

Absolutely no pressure, and thanks for checking in.

Take care,

mavrothi


John Erlich - 8-18-2010 at 06:40 PM

Hi Mav,

I sent an email to my friend. I'll let you know whatever info I can get.

I had another thought: Do you play any Sephardic Jewish music? It seems that information on synagogues in Mexico City (at least contact phone #'s) is pretty easy to get on-line. If memory serves, about 1/3 of Mexico's 60,000 Jews have roots in Syria and other Arab countries. There is even one synagogue called "Kolel Or Damesek," which translates to something like, "the Community, 'Light of Damascus'." I doubt they get to hear their beloved oud music live very often! You can find them and others on this web page: http://www.mavensearch.com/ (seach synagogues, then Mexico)

Good luck!

All the best,
John

mavrothis - 8-18-2010 at 07:17 PM

Thanks a lot John, that's very helpful.

I'll let you know if I get in touch with any of these communities.

Take care,

Mavrothi