random thoughts – Day 2,063 (Sunday) – snacks and a show

The cloudy weather inspired a leisurely morning, but there isn’t much in my world that doesn’t inspire leisure. Really, any situation will do. Sunny and/or hot? Lounge around the house! Cloudy and/or chilly? Lounge around the house! In younger years, staying home was viewed as a punishment for social failure. Now, it’s a primary life goal.

That said, the afternoon was reserved for an out-of-the-house adventure with a trip to Worcester for the Middle Eastern Music and Dance in New England show. The ticket included mezze and cookies from Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Marketplace and Bahnan’s Bakery. A table in the lobby was loaded with tabouleh, baba ganoush, stuffed grape leaves, spinach tart thingies, and a variety of cookies. So delicious. There is going to need to be a field trip to Worcester for provisions from these two places.

Andromeda and her sword.

The band (Ed Melikian Ensemble) included clarinet, oud, guitar, and drum. The floor was open for dancing before and after the soloists performed and several audience members hit the floor for different line dances and some freestyle songs.

The two dance shows were amazing. The first act dancer, Andromeda, performed with veil, zills (finger cymbals), and a sword. The sword was balanced on a hip, upper arm, and head. While playing zills. And dancing. And doing back bends. And balancing on one foot. Very cool.

Soroya Jamal.

The second act dancer, Soraya Jamal, entered the dance space as a ball of energy swathed in a vibrant green veil and costume. The energy lasted throughout the entire performance. Zills rang, hair flew, there was graceful floor work, interplay with the drummer, and perfectly executed belly flutters throughout. Another wow.

On the way out, the catering team was armed with plastic baggies and encouraging patrons to take some of the remaining treats home. That meant I got to enjoy a snack at home of grape leaves, a spinach pastry thing, and cookies. Delicious all over again.