Location:

Afro Brazilian Cultural Center of NJ (ABCCNJ)
356 Bloomfield Ave (at the corner of South Willow)
Montclair, NJ 07042

Please note that studio has 2 entrances, one on Bloomfield Ave, and the other on South Willow

Parking info:

This map might be updated before Sunday, so please check back...
There's also street parking in the area...

Drum & Dance:

Drummers:
Bring your drums (middle-eastern drums are preferred)... We will be drumming middle eastern rhythms. You will be able to quickly pick it up, as most dance rhythms are in 4/4, 2/4, 6/8 and 8/4... Just follow the facilitator, listen to the rhythm and play along, and embellish as needed... If you don't have a doumbek, suggested drums would be tambourines, frame drums, etc..
Drummers' Etiquette: If you see an unused drum or percussion instrument, always ask its owner for permission to play... If you wish to hold any extended conversations with the drummer/musician/dancer next to you, please do so away from the drummers/musicians' circle...

Musicians:
Bring your acoustic instruments... A small amp is suggested also...
What to play: If you're not familiar with middle eastern scales, a good starting point would be to learn the Maqam Hijaz (scale/mode), in the harmonic minor mode 5, also known as the Phrygian Dominant (a.k.a. Spanish)...
Guitarists, I usually tune the 6th string to a D to get a drone tone. Go to the following link for more info on the Phrygian Dominant scale (mode). Middle eastern music alternates between the song melody and improvisational playing... Listen to middle eastern music for ideas for melodies...
Musicians' Etiquette: Players should take turns soloing, and if one is soloing, others should be playing fill-ins, etc. If you wish to hold any extended conversations with the drummer/musician/dancer next to you, please do so away from the drummers/musicians' circle...

Dancers:
All are welcome... no bellydance experience necessary. Bring your zills and hip scarves if you have them!