Ishtar Mediterranean Bellydance Band Middle Eastern Band from Pittsburgh, PA

Ishtar is Pittsburgh's Bellydance Band. Ishtar is comprised of Melissa Murphey on clarinet, Jeff Chmielarski on electric bass, Ian Green on darbuka, and Tom Estlack on electric guitar. Playing their own unique interpretation of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean folk melodies, Ishtar performs songs that were popular in the bellydancing nightclub scene during the mid-20th century. This exceptional fusion of traditional songs with surf rock elements has become: BellyRock. In 2008, Ishtar was voted as Pittsburgh's Best Underground Band by the readers of the City Paper! Ishtar is the perfect band to bring a unique style of excitement to any event. The exotic yet accessible sounds of the Middle East will make your event a night to remember! Ishtar has played for events in Morgantown WV, Akron OH, Charleston SC, Baltimore MD, Anchorage AK, New Orleans LA and Charlotte NC. Every year, Ishtar performs to record breaking crowds at the Washington DC Turkish Festival. Ishtar was the featured performing group at the Turkish American Student Association dinner for Turkish Republic Day. Ishtar can perform as an acoustic band, as well as an electric band, depending upon your event's needs.