In alphabetical order by last name:

Zein Al-Jundi
Ms. Al-Jundi is a multi-talented Syrian-born, Austin, Texas resident. In addition to running a Middle Eastern specialty boutique and teaching belly dance classes, Ms. Al-Jundi is an accomplished musician and recording artist. Her debut album, Traditional Songs from Syria (ARC Music), was released to critical and popular praise in 2004. For more information, please visit her website: http://www.wmdproductions.com/Index.html 


Hedia Chaffai
Hedia Chaffai grew up in Tunis, Tunesia, and attended The Arab Music Conservatoire from age 13, studying the qanun and the maqa'mat.  She was hired by Motorola in Austin, Texas after getting her advanced engineering degree.  While in Austin, Hedia peformed in classical ensembles, as well as special performances, such as the live musical accompaniment to the 1924 silent film classic, The Thief of Baghdad.  She currently resides in Aix en Provence, with her husband and two children.


Ben Chappell
Perhaps best known for his work in the Violin II section of the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp International Goodwill Orchestra of 1985, Ben Chappell also sang and played guitar with Cult of Kumquat in the early 1990s (Newton, KS), as well as playing violin with Mariachi Paredes de Tejastitlán and violin-in-process-of-fiddlization with the original Station Wagons (Austin, TX). This established him as an anchor of the I-35 Underground, a scene so diffuse and obscure that no one has heard of it to this day. His album of original songs, "Small Fiction," is one of the most rare collector's items in history, with fewer than five copies ever made. 


Rose Kimball & Judy Painter
Rose and Judy have been making music together for quite some time. Their songwriting and playing incorporates aspects of bluegrass, folk and country styles. Both play guitar, as well as a variety of other stringed instruments. Though they are not currently booking gigs, contact info may be posted here at a later time, so check back.


Valerie Klatt
Expanding the voice of the cello from the orchestra to the rock band, Valerie is equally at home with her quartet and her bands. With Hill Country Strings Quartet she performs classical concerts as well as collaborates with singer/songwriters. She also plays with the Kevin McCormick Ensemble and rides along in the mysterious carnival-like world of the band dEEpEdward. Contact info provided upon request at info@fatheadtwins.com.


Nik Krishna
Nik Krishna is an American-born musician, originally from the nation's Black Swamp region.  He has been playing piano and guitar since childhood and enjoys participating in both improvisational and arranged musical pieces.  Nik currently resides in Austin, Texas where he continues to obey the law.


Abe Marcus
Abe Marcus teaches courses on Middle Eastern history and music at UT-Austin. He plays the oud and the Syrian buzuq (long-necked lute), and has performed with Middle Eastern ensembles for the past fifteen years. He is closely familiar with traditional Arab and Turkish music, including the theory and maqam system.


Omar Faruk Tekbilek
Honored as a peacemaker and virtuoso, Omar Faruk Tekbilek is one of the most sought-after Middle Eastern musicians living in the U.S. His work transcends political boundaries while maintaining traditional sensibilities in a way few artists can manage. He is a virtuoso on several instruments: nay (bamboo flute), zurna (double-reed oboe like instrument), baglama (long-necked lute) and percussion, as well as a masterful performer on dozens more. Omar Faruk brilliantly interprets the Sufi, folk, and contemporary music of the Middle East. This award-winning spiritual artist has released over ten critically acclaimed albums, collaborates with master musicians from all over the world, and tours internationally. For more information, please visit his website: http://www.omarfaruktekbilek.com


Carter York
Primarily a guitarist, Mr. York was a founding member of Wishing Well (the poolside band that performs live during the H2Ho's synchronized swimming shows), and is currently a member of Magic Surprise, an Austin-based pop band. Mr. York also dabbles in recording technologies, old crappy audio equipment, and loves talking music theory. Contact: moremonoville-fathead@yahoo.com