By Robert Harkins, HistoryMiami South Florida Folklife Center

The HistoryMiami South Florida Folklife Center is proud to feature Joe Zeytoonian as the Heritage Spotlight artist-in-residence for April-June 2013.

While growing up in Boston’s Armenian community, Joe learned to play the oud, a Middle Eastern guitar-like instrument. An oud master, he also specializes in doumbek, a chalice-shaped drum played with the hands. Joe regularly performs in South Florida and beyond, and has recorded with Latin pop stars Gloria Estefan and Shakira. He was awarded the 2000 Florida Folk Heritage Award, the state’s highest honor for traditional artists.

As with our other resident artists, Joe will offer a variety of programs, including public performances and school visits. If you would like to experience Middle Eastern music and dance traditions, then Joe’s programs offer you the chance. All events take place at HistoryMiami, located at 101 West Flagler Street in downtown Miami. For information on visiting HistoryMiami, click here.

Joe Zeytoonian in his studio. Photo by Eric Fernandes.

Concert: Music of the Middle East April 20 at 1:00 PM Free Don’t miss this rare musical treat! Musician Joe Zeytoonian and special guest artists, including vocalist Elizabeth Ayoub, Syrian qanun player Elias Kilzi and percussionist Myriam Eli, will showcase classical Egyptian music and Lebanese singing.

Family Fun Day: Arabic Rhythms May 11 from 12:00 – 5:00 PM Free Experience Middle Eastern culture! Try your hand at drumming Arabic rhythms and learn about traditional danse Orientale (sometimes referred to as “bellydancing”).

Workshop: Doumbek Drumming June 15 from 1:00 – 2:30 PM $15 for HistoryMiami members, $20 for non-members Learn from one of the best! Joe will teach you the basics of doumbek, a hand drum commonly heard in Arabic, Turkish, and other musical styles. Beginners welcome. Capacity limited. Click here to sign up.