“Rhythms of the Nile” at Berea College April 17 features leading Egyptian percussionist Karim Naji, Middle Eastern dancing and Drum Ensemble

The program is an International Focus on the Middle East Event sponsored by the Francis and Louise Hutchins Center for International Education at Berea College in collaboration with Berea College Dance Programs, the Department of Music and the Department of Agriculture and National Resources.

Admission is free and open to the public.

Karim Nagi is a native Egyptian who specializes in traditional Arabic music, interpreting it for modern audiences.  He performs primarily Arabic, Turkish and Andalusian hand percussion, including the Egyptian Tabla (goblet drum), Riqq (tambourine), Duff (frame drum) and Segat (brass castenets).  He has studied the music of the Middle East extensively and for five years was a member of the faculty of the New England Conservatory of Music.  He also leads the SHARQ Arabic Music Ensemble, performing the classical Arabic instrumental and vocal repertoire, and is a DJ and music producer and composer and dancer.

Karim travels the country presenting workshops on Arabic Music and will be at Berea College Wednesday and Thursday for workshops for Berea students and making presentations to classes.  His visit will culminate with his performance Friday.  For more about Karim Naji, visit www.turbotabla.com  

Nashwa, born and raised in Cairo, Egypt, has lived in Berea since 2005.  She began studying the folkloric dances of the Middle East at age 14 and has studied with many of Egypt’s masters of dance.  Nashwa has been teaching and performing internationally since 1988.  She has performed throughout the world, both solo and with some of the art form’s best know dancers, as well as for several years with the Isis Dance Troupe she founded in 1993.   She has lived in the United States since 1999, and in addition to performing is also in demand as a speaker on the history and tradition of Middle Eastern Dance.  Nashwa has continued her performing and teaching career in central Kentucky, teaching classes at Berea College, Bluegrass Dance Center and Eastern Kentucky University.  For additional information, visit www.dancelikeanegyptian.com