I feel very fortunate to live in New York City. It's not the thrill of the rent being too damn high but because of all of the talent and constant sources of inspiration I am surrounded by. Every week I play with musicians who have literally been playing for longer than I've been alive.

Before my time...New York had many clubs with Live Music and Bellydancers 6 nights a week. Even when I first started finding out about Middle Eastern music there were more live bands playing. My dream is to get more people playing, performing and enjoying this music. I hope the information I provide here will inspire you to play at your next local hafla, or coffee shop or hookah bar or whatever.

Important Stuff
• I'm from Long Island originally and my biggest musical influence is Rush, and I know more lyrics to Billy Joel songs than I'd like to admit.
• I play with an "American Accent" be sure to always seek out recordings, teachings, information, etc. from people who are actually from these places.
• There is not always an exact way to play something. These are folk songs and they are for folks.... folks like you and me. We do not always have original recordings. I can play the same song with 3 different bands and use Ayub with one, Malfuf with another and Maqsum with a third band...all in one week.
• These songs are alive and breathing and can change over time. If we don't keep playing... and especially "playing with" a song, it will die.

Question, Comment, Suggestion...want to help?
• If you have a comment, correction or suggestion feel free to contact me at: carmine@carmine.com
• If you feel an overwhelming urge to donate some kind of money shop for Carmine stuff for you or a loved one. :)