Ishtar

Formed in 2006, Ishtar is Pittsburgh's Premiere BelyyRock Band.  Thier unique fusion of authentic Turkish, Greek, Arabic and Eqyptian bellydance classics with a rock and roll edge is coined - BellyRock.  

Ishtar is comprised  of clarinetist Melissa Murphy, bassist Jeff Chmielarski, percussionist Ian Green, guitarist Tom Estlack and saxophonist Amy Green.  Special guest on darbuka Julian Broughton and on riq Lisa Quattrochi.

In addition to regular shows in Pittsburg, Ishtar has performed in Istanbul, Turkey - Anchorage, AK - New Orleans, LA - New York City - Washington DC, Athens, GA - Ocean City, MD - Cincinnati, OH - Cleveland, OH - Harrisburg, PA - Philadelphia, PA - Richmond, VA - Orlando, Fl - Nashville, TN - Woodstock, NY - and Charlotte, NC.

Since 2011, Ishtar hss been the house band for Art of the Belly festival in Ocean City, MD.  In addition Ishtar performs annually for the Washington DC Turkish Festival.

this is Ishtar's second time performing as a house band for Rakkasah East and we hope to continue to play for the fabulous dancers at this historic event!

Pangia

Pangia plays exciting and dynamic arrangements of Egyptian, Armenian, Greek, Lebanese, Turkish and Persian dance classics as well as a varying array of original compositions. Very popular with Belly Dancers and Musicians alike.  Pangia's music is sold world wide and they have 7 cd's/& MP3s available  Be on the look out for more from this diverse and popular band.
Band Members: Pat Olson - Oud, Denise Mannion - Keyboard, tim Bolling  - Doumbek and Linda Grondhal - Riq Pangia!

Not your average House band: IN THE HOUSE since 2001!!