Maine Middle Eastern Ensemble to perform at Central Hall Commons

DOVER-FOXCROFT — The Maine Highlands Council for the Arts is delighted that the Maine Middle Eastern Ensemble, originally scheduled for this past June, will be performing at the Central Hall Commons on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 6 pm.

The ensemble consists of Eric LaPerna, on oud, violinist Michael Gallant, guitarist Jeremey Zela, and percussionist Doug Andrews. They perform folk, classical and Sufi music from the Turkish, Arabic, and Armenian traditions.

Zela is the son of Gloria and Russ Zela, who spend their summers in Bowerbank. Zela has lived in Sebec and his daughter was born at the hospital in Dover-Foxcroft. He says, “I have played guitar on and off for 30 years — focused mostly on classic rock music. In 2018, I was looking to branch out musically and strengthen my acoustic rhythm guitar playing, so I joined a Middle Eastern music group class at the Portland Conservatory of Music led by Eric. The exposure to the rhythmically complex music of the Middle East has been an amazing way for me to push beyond my musical comfort zone. Since then, I have regularly performed with Eric and other great musicians in the Maine Middle Eastern Ensemble. It is a joy to perform this style of music live for people. The melodies are highly evocative, and the rhythms are directly translated from Middle Eastern dance styles. The result is that audience members who may not be familiar with the music are still able to connect with the songs very quickly.”

Andrews is a retired veterinarian who began as a percussionist in concert and marching bands, but was exposed to frame and doumbek drumming and was hooked. He also plays with the Claddagh Mohr pipe and drum band out of Portland, as well as the Freeport Wind Ensemble. 

Gallant is a noted Maine violinist who has played in many ensembles in various styles of music. 

LaPerna is a multi-instrumentalist who has played with many of Maine’s most celebrated artists and ensembles. He is the founder and leader of the Maine Middle Eastern Ensemble and teaches at Bates College.

We are excited to introduce this opportunity in this region to hear music from one of the oldest cultures in the world. Music can build bridges between cultures, and the Maine Middle Eastern Ensemble is a beautiful way to showcase this.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door and can be purchased online here at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/maine-middle-eastern-ensemble-tickets-385776787757?aff=ebdsoporgprofile 

For more information, email arts@centralhallcommons.org or call 207-598-6398.