Zionsville Rings in the New Year at Zorba's

Geek and Middle-Eastern Restaurant was rocking in the New Year with Il Troubadore a 16th Century rock band that also plays Middle-Eastern Music. Il Troubadore puts to together and eclectic sound that is always moving, at least that's what the local belly dancers say. The band currently has four members and consists of Robert Bruce Scott on mandolin and Celtic harp, Jon Silpayamanant on cello, Belly dancer Amuirah of clarinet and dumbek and Janusz on Egyptian Tabla. The melodies moved sweetly into the streets charming the rain of the New Years evening.

Jon and Bruce have been adding to their repertoire and play moving melodies from all over the world. Their uniquest sound fits with the Celtic and folkloric tunes and adds an unusual spice to the more modern rock tunes. It's not unusual from the to go from the Fisher's Ren Faire to Dino's Vino in one day.

The ambiance was one that was unmatched in this magic evening. The band was joined Carenza bint Asya and members of ISAMETD (Indiana State Association of Middle-Eastern Teachers and Dancers. ) Guests traveled from all around the state to share this very unusual evening of melody and movement. Diners relished as the viewed the talented dancers from Troupe Jamileh Malika, Jo (Dancing Granny), Helena Zahara, Parvaneh Ravan and Amirah dance their unique styles of Middle-Eastern dance.

Carenza is always eye catching because the adrenaline rushes from seeing her very intimidating over sized Semitar. The sword always elicits fear and excitement. Like a roller-coaster ride there is always something fun in the fearful. In the tight space of Zorba's restaurant, one wrong move would be a disaster. But, really no one has any fear because Carenza's grace and balance is suburb!.

Amuriah performs a style she calls tribal fusion. As she moves around the floor it is easy to see that she combines her drumming with her dance rhythm. Her hips keep perfect time to the music, never missing a beat. Then, her belly rolls as smoothly as the sound of her clarinet strains.

Troupe Jamileh Malika danced in exciting matching Middle-Eastern caftans as they perform the gypsy tambourine dance that has become one of their their signature pieces. They also performs some classic Middle-Eastern line dances: Syrtos, Dabke and Miserlou. The group director Helena Zahara states she is planning to have a workshop in Indianapolis in February to teach some of these traditional dances. Dancing between the tables it was difficult to believe these dancers were In Zionsville and not somewhere more exotic.

Jo is from Anderson and she made the trip with her husband to enjoy the evening with her dancing friend. Jo has been teaching belly Dance at Ivy Tech State College as as self development course. She has earned the nick name "Dancing Granny," though it is hard to guess her real age. Jo says that the gentle movement of the Middle-Eastern dance helps keep you more flexible and helps you look younger. That it is a great beauty treatment for anyone. Jo is know for dancing with "Isis wings" but she didn't bring them because there is not enough room in the intimate and cozy restaurant.

Parvaneh Raven has been enjoying her dancing this year. She said she has dancing somewhere every week in the mid-west for almost 6 months. She is a member of Troupe Jamileh Malika and also has been performing with Judy Hanna's dance group. She say that name Parvaneh means butterfly and that belly dance has transformed her life. Thus she chose Parvaneh for a name name.

Helena Zahara relished in delight of the evening. "It always makes me feel like I have gone home, when I spend the evening dancing to live music." Helena said her grandparents were Syrian and that her mother is also a dancer. Helena said she has spend most of the New Years Eve's in her live with a Middle-Eastern band somewhere is the country. Helena said she always starts the New Year eating Hummus and Tabouli and was happy to find both on the menu at Zorba's.

After some of the crown thinned, Helena did part of her gypsy act and began reading palms. All the guest stood in line to hear something exciting. Helena said that "on New Year's everyone wants to know what the future will bring" . Sharon Mustaklem was so delighted with her reading that she commented to her husband Issa that they must have Helena come back, soon. Maybe they will plan an entire evening of gypsy entertainment for their guests.

Il Troubadore will be returning to Zorba's on January 19th for Issa's Birthday Party. If you are planning to attend make sure to make reservations in advance because the restaurant is very intimate and fills very quickly. Issa said Zorba's has been voted the Best Baba Ghanooj by the Indianapolis Star, enjoy some of the best Saganaki Cheese, homemade Baklava and Falafal, and Gyros For reservations call 317-733-0633.

Spider Lady says "only in America!" Only in American for a can you have Syrian and American belly dancers dancing to Israeli and Armenian music, while easting Arabic and Greek food. OPA!

Happy New Year!