Mideast DrumDanceJam brings together dancers, drummers and musicians to have a musical time and express their creativity... This event is the cooperation of Mideast DrumDanceJam & NJ Belly Dancing

*** Inclement weather might cancel this event. Check website for updates on day of event ***
*** There is bridge construction in progress... Please allow extra time for travel.

Driving Directions:
1) For driving directions to Sandy Hook, map it on Google or Yahoo:
Sandy Hook National Park, NJ (or click here for pdf)
2) Once you arrive at Sandy Hook, continue straight till you see the sign for
South Beach - Area E parking (past the Sea Gulls Nest restaurant), then
3) Drive into the Area E parking lot and park the car on the LEFT side of the parking lot. Walk towards the beach, then
4) On the beach, make a left and head towards the North (ocean will be on your right). Keep walking, about 100-200 feet until you see or hear the group.

Public Transportation:
While not as convenient, it is possible to reach Sandy Hook by public transportation (I have no experience with this).

Sandy Hook beach fees:
A daily beach parking fee of $10, per car, is charged before 4 pm. After 4pm, no fee is charged.

Sandy Hook website and map

Drummers:
All drums are welcome, although middle eastern drums and frame 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...

Musicians:
Bring your acoustic instruments... We will also play some softer, quieter rhythms that will permit acoustic instruments to solo (guitar, flute, etc.)...

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, 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... Players should take turns soloing, and if one is soloing, others should be playing fill-ins, etc.

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