Frank Lazzaro has very intimidating hair. This is true. And I have none, but that was the first thing I noticed about him when we gigged together.
On a Monday night you may be looking for something to do in the post San Diego sun soaked weekend. Wander over to Balboa Park and you will find the Worldbeat Cultural Center. Located at 2100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, it is on the southern border of the park. I made my way over there this particular night, passing no less than two wrecks on 163 South on my way. The events scheduled that evening were dumbek and belly dance lessons.
For the last decade Frank Lazzaro has been leading drum lessons on Monday nights here. This particular night there were about 8 students gathered. Sitting in a crescent shape on the wooden floor and all facing towards the instructor, the diligent students held their dumbeks on their right thighs and followed along.
Frank Lazzaro, San Diego local dumbek hand drum expert.
Ok, that is the third time that my MacBook has tried to autocorrect ‘dumbek‘. Fourth. What exactly, is a dumbek? It is a hand drum. It has been called many different names and there are multitudes of rhythmic patterns, styles and tattoos associated with it. If you’d like to know more, take a class with Frank.
He led the class through the basics on approximately four or five middle eastern rhythms. Exotic names like Fellahin, Karatchi, Serto, and Wahida. (If any of you are interested in seeing a more scholarly ethnomusicological look at some of these rhythms please leave a comment below and I’ll try to add a blog on that in the future. Chris)
Sabrina Fox arrived to the Worldbeat center and it seemed fairly obvious who the instructor was. She kinda reminded me of Trinity from The Matrix. Is that cool to say? Gonna say it anyway. Dressed head to toe in sleek black and not a hint of bad posture about her figure. But visuals aside, there seemed to be an energy that attracted all of her students towards her. Like a tractor beam of benevolent tribal dance vibes.
Sabrina Fox, Tribal Belly Dance Instructor and Performer.
Immediatley after the dumbek drum circle had commenced, the students pushed the chairs all to one side. With the floor cleared, Sabrina took the center stage and began to lead a series of stretches and yoga type poses. Frank and a handful of his students started an extremely relaxed beat to accompany them. Improvised pizzicato melodies on a viola was added. Instantly a sound and vibe was created within the room. The atmosphere was buzzing.
But then again, maybe it was the ginger kombucha I consumed while there. Only $3 bucks for a chilled cup, I would recommend it. Support the arts. Buy the drink. Do it.
Be sure to check out Sabrina at Tribal Trove. This year held on March 7-8th.
http://www.sabrinatribalbellydance.com
Dumbek and Belly Dance Lessons
Worldbeat Cultural Center