Middle-Earth Ensemble

2006 Golden Belly Award Winners! - Zaghareet Magazine

Looking at Earth from Space, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe all come together in the Mediterranean, literally meaning the "Middle-Earth".....

The Middle-Earth Ensemble is a San Diego based group that performs music for belly dance and other festive occasions at many local venues. Their gypsy-infused sound has fueled the hips of many a belly dancer in the Southern California area, and has led to their popularity in San Diego . The musicians derive their influences from many different styles, including Arabic, Persian, Turkish, folk, jazz, classical, rock and improvisational music. The music of Middle-Earth Ensemble represents a unique fusion and blending to create their original sound.

BAND MEMBERS: (L-R)

Anthony Sarain- Sax, flute

Robert Rotzler-Mandolin, violin

Frank Lazzaro- Dumbek, percussion

Michael Mesleh - Oud

Andy Villas-Boas- Bass, vocals

HAWAII TOUR PHOTOS!!

Middle-Earth Ensemble is available to play your party, wedding or special event. In addition to musicians, we can provide Middle-Eastern bellydancers, fire dancers, fortune tellers, catering, DJ, and anything you need for your exotic themed event.

Please contact us at 760-703-1487 or email flazzaro@ msn.com for details.

2008 SCHEDULE :

Middle-Earth Ensemble performs monthly at the following San Diego venues:

2nd Sunday, Calypso Cafe , 576 N. Hwy 101, Encinitas (760) 632-8252, 7pm with belly dancer Shalimar

3rd Thursday, Claire de Lune, 2906 University Ave. (619) 688-9845, 8pm Bellydance Showcase

4th Sunday, The Turquoise , 873 Turquoise St. Pacific Beach (858) 488-4200, 800pm with guest belly dancers .

Fri. May 16, Al Bustan 801 C Street, San Diego (619) 234-8141 with Marianna and guest bellydancers.

Sat. May 17, RaqsLA, Glendale, CA 630-730pm

Sun. June 29, Greek Palace 8858 Clairemont Mesa Blvd (858)573-0155, 730pm with Sonia & Issam!

MUSIC

Middle-Earth Ensemble's CDs are available at our shows and also can be ordered for $15 including shipping and handling via Paypal and on CD Baby

or by check or money order to Frank Lazzaro 739 Arden Dr. Encinitas, CA 92024

New CD- Lavender! Middle-Earth Ensemble's second recording draws influences from the Mediterranean, Middle East, Asia, North Africa and Brazil. Original world fusion music featuring stirring multi-lingual vocals, as well as a few dance classics and percussive solos. Listen and Buy

Our first, self titled CD contains instrumental interpretations of middle-eastern dance classics as well as our original compositions. With over 68 minutes of music, its great for dancing or listening pleasure.

Now available for secure purchase online at CD Baby.com LISTEN to samples