Barbara Martinez (vocalist, dancer):

Barbara grew up in New York City and has been performing since childhood. Originally from Venezuela, she comes from a lineage of Argentinean singers. Barbara received a scholarship to study flamenco singing in Seville, Spain and recently did a solo performance at Carnegie Hall. She sings with A Palo Seco Flamenco Company, Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, Pasión y Arte, among other dance companies. She was recently featured in the documentary “Sobre Las Olas – A Story of Flamenco in the U.S.” and appeared in “100 Years of Flamenco in New York” exhibit at the Performing Arts Library. She is one of few flamenco artists who perform regularly both as singer and dancer in local venues in New York City, such as Alegrias at La Nacional, District 12 and Smoke Jazz Club.

Zafer Tawil, oud/violin/percussion:

Jerusalem-born Tawil is an accomplished Palestinian musician whose areas of expertise include the oud, violin, qanun, and Arab percussion. Zafer performs across the US and in the Middle East and holds workshops in oud technique and Arabic music theory. He was part of the Spirit of Fez U.S. Tour 2006 and has performed with some of the most celebrated world music artists, including violinist and oud master Simon Shaheen and Rai singer Cheb Mami. Zafer is continuously exploring the boundaries of Arab music, and has worked collaboratively on many concerts involving classical Indian and Persian music, as well as Jazz fusion. You can catch Zafer playing one of his many instruments at extravagant private celebrations near his Brooklyn neighborhood, and at cultural centers such as Alwan for the Arts in Manhattan.