PRESS RELEASE:

EAST MEETS WEST - Don Baragiano performs a multi-cultural blend of enticing, upbeat world music sounds. On December 17th Don was invited to close the 2016 music season at the Hard Rock Cafe in Niagara Falls, New York.

“Don’s performance created a diverse musical tour from around the world .. and the audience didn’t even need a passport!

Mr Baragiano lived and worked in Saudi Arabia for 3 years. There he discovered their culture and music, which helped create his unique guitar style. As a solo performer, the Jerry Garcia look-a-like, played a variety of music including; Rock, Middle Eastern, Jazz, Flamenco and Classically influenced pieces. He uses a drum machine for the percussion

While he did perform a Jimi Hendrix song, the rest of the songs were original compositions including a few which were ‘on the spot’ improvisations with intriguing Non Western beats.

Don’s composition “Hejira” was based on the Sacred Prayer Call, which he heard 5 times a day during his 3 year stay in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The musical scales and rhythms he heard at that time found their way into his consciousness and then into his innovative “East Meets West” sound".

Reviewed by:
Sherrill Fulghum, Music Journalist
The Daily Voice
Niagara Falls, NY

Don’s arsenal: Godin XTSA Guitar, Roland GR-55, TRIO+ Band Creator, Marshall Code 25, Crate Acoustic Guitar amp

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I started my membership here in order to be able to afford touring with my band "Hejira". We have met many evolved, talented, enlightened people though CS.
Since you check everyone's profile out ... as they are checking yours out .. when you meet, you're meeting a kindred spirit.

I love the whole 'global community' concept ! When I worked in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (1984 - 1986) I booked myself into the local 'bed & breakfasts' when I landed in London. It was so great to have a host to interact with.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I performed with another band "New Europar Troubadours' in the late 90's. Due to lack of high ticket gigs, we typically would crash in our fans living rooms.
Then it was poverty - now it's cool.
And the interesting people that you meet!

Interests

During the past 2 years, I have been busy helping to put together a Cultural Center in the small town of Waverly, NY. It’s a 50 seat theater and we’re helping musicians tune up their act and find their audience. Consider this an open invitation to stop in and visit me here.

• arts
• culture
• theater
• performing arts
• concerts
• festivals
• dancing
• walking
• music
• guitar
• world music
• engineering

Music, Movies, and Books

Hejira is one of Seattle's most creative, unique
and appealing World Music ensembles.

Hejira blends Middle-Eastern and
Western music to bring audiences a
unique and appealing sound.

Hejira music not only entertains, but also educates
audiences about the diversity of music, dance & culture.

...Petra Martin. South Whidbey

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

- I lived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during 1984 - 1986.
I was the Audio Engineer at the Minstry of Finance.

- In high school I would skip classes and 'drop in' to Conservatory music classes at the University of Cincinnati.

- Stood on the same stage with Jimi Hendrix in Nov, 1968

Teach, Learn, Share

Hejira - Festivals, Fairs & Special Events!
Hejira offers a broad range of entertainment and educational modules for festivals, fairs and special events:

1. Hejira – a World Music Experience, in concert. We will present and demonstrate such Middle Eastern rhythms/styles as:
a) Baladi, Cheftitelli, Ayub, Zaar, Maksum, Saidi, etc
b) World beats; Turkish 9/8, Balkan 7/4, Persian 6/8, Brazilian Samba, etc.

2. World Music Workshops:
a) Comparing and contrasting Western and Eastern; instruments, scales, rhythms, dances & culture

3. Ethnic Dance presentation:
a) The dancers will 1st demonstrate an ethnic dance step.
b) The audience will then be invited to join in as Hejira plays the beat, allowing the audience a chance to practice the steps.

4. Drum circle – small group participation in Middle Eastern drumming.

5. Strolling:
a) 3 or 4 musicians stroll around the perimeter of the event
b) stop to play 3 or 4 tunes
c) Then continue walking and repeat.

It's a fun, educational and entertaining auditory and visual show!

What I Can Share with Hosts

Middle Eastern Culture & music.
Give guitar & music lessons
Perform a House Concert for my host's family & frinds

Countries I’ve Visited

China, Germany, United Kingdom, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Saudi Arabia, United States

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