Ishtar is Pittsburgh's Classic Bellydance Band. Formed in April of 2006, Ishtar is comprised of Melissa Murphey on clarinet, Jeff Chmielarski on electric bass, MarkDeFilippo on darbuka, and Beth DeFilippo on riq. Ishtar plays folk songs from all over the Middle East and Mediterranean; songs that were popular in the bellydancing club scene during the mid-20th century. Ishtar has performed at several local locations: The Brillobox, Club Café, Zenith, Kiva Han, The Sphinx Cafe, Modern Formations Gallery and Space Gallery. Ishtar has played for open floor dancing at haflas in Morgantown, WV and Akron, OH. In addition, Ishtar regularly plays at the Jalsah events held in Pittsburgh and Charleston, SC. On several occasions Ishtar has had the distinction of being an opening band for Mandrake Project. Most recently on the Ishtar trip to the Carolinas, they performed at Zorba’s in Charlotte, the Med Bistro in Charleston and were featured performers and instructors at Jalsah Charleston. Ishtar is available to play for open floor dancing as well as specific dancer performances. Please email info@ishtar-music.com for more information.