Local restaurant transformed by Sunday Layali Arabesque gatherings

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For only $10, local residents can take an enchanting trip to the Middle East.

Well, not literally, but they'll surely receive a good sampling of rich Arabic music and dance by checking out Layali Arabesque (Arabesque nights in Arabic), a weekly event at Danforth Avenue's Myth restaurant.

Every Sunday night from 8:30 to 11 p.m., the Greek eatery is transformed into a veritable Middle Eastern dream with the haunting sounds of the seven-member Arabesque Orchestra and special guest musicians filling the air and captivating belly dancers from the Arabesque Academy of Music and Dance offering a magical showcase of authentic Middle Eastern culture.

Each week the featured dancer performs two 20-minute sets, one Cabaret style and the other an Egyptian folklore style.

The acoustic band also plays a range of Middle Eastern music from as far past as centuries ago to present-day songs.

In between performances, guests are also welcome to join in the fun by getting up and trying out their belly dancing moves to the rhythms of the Arabesque Orchestra.

"If you want to go to the Middle East and can't afford it, just go to Myth. Right now in Toronto there's no other acoustic Arabic band. We're trying to revive and educate the Toronto audience about what Arabic music is all about," said the group's lead drummer Suleiman Warwar, who plays the dumbek or tabla in Arabic.

"Arabic music is all about feedback between the band and the audience. The dancer is like an interpreter."

And while Layali Arabesque offers audience members a sampling of Middle Eastern culture, dancers from the Arabesque Academy of Middle Eastern Dance also benefit from performing at a weekly event as it gives them the tools needed to successfully showcase their art form at a variety of venues with a range of audiences.

"This way (the belly dancers) get trained to dance with live music," explained Warwar, a drummer for more than 20 years.

"It's all about improvisation both in the music and dance."

He said Layali Arabesque also gives band members a chance to regularly practice and perform before a live audience.

Having played with numerous bands and groups since coming to Canada from Palestine in 1995, Warwar said the connection bond he's made with Yasmina Ramzy, Arabesque's director and lead choreographer, as well as with highly respected Arabic musician and vocalist Prof. Bassam Bishara, is invaluable.

"I have a connection with the Arabesque Dance Company because we share the same philosophy and ideas about keeping the culture real and authentic. Drumming is my passion. There's nothing better than playing good music, making people happy and believing in my culture," said Warwar, noting Bishara, who serves as music director for the Arabesque Academy of Music and Dance, is also the lead vocalist and oud (mandolin) player for the Layali Arabesque events.

"If anybody has a question or wants to learn anything about Arabic music, Bassam's the source."

Working with Arabesque, Warwar also recently organized and performed in Asala, a two-hour long showcase of Arabic music and dance, which took place last November at Harbourfront Centre's Premier Dance Theatre. The company hopes to one day take the showcase on tour.

The Layali Arabesque event, which was created about two years ago, was first held at the now-closed Gypsy nightclub. Roughly three months ago the event successfully relocated to Greektown's Myth restaurant.

Admission to Layali Arabesque costs $10 at the door. For details, visit www.arabesquedance.ca or call 416-920-5593.

Myth restaurant is at 417 Danforth Ave., near the Chester subway station.