Whirling Dervishes, Sema of Hayati December 17, 2008

Wednesday, December 17, 2008, the Whirling Dervishes of the Mevlevi Order of America will present the Sema Ceremony, honoring the great Sufi Mystic Teacher and Poet, Hz. Mevlana Jelaluddin RUMI. The Ceremony will be directed by Postneshin Jelaleddin Loras, from Konya, Turkey, founder of the Mevlevi Order of America, presented as it has been for over 700 years. The evening will feature the prayer dancing of the Whirling Dervishes. In their traditional tall felt hats and flowing white garments, turners whirl in unison, attuning to the music of the heart. Special guest musicians from Turkey will play classical and devotional Turkish music, including master musicians Necati Celik, oud (fretless lute), vocalist Timucin Cevikoglu, and Celalettin Bicer, ney (reed flute), together with U.S.-based musicians Jemaluddin Henke, ney, Nureddin Crammatte, kudum (small kettle drums), Andrea Walls, violin, Dennis Godfrey, gudulka (small fiddle) and Susanne Simran from Germany (ney). Tickets are available in advance from http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/43693 or by calling 1-800-838-3006. $15 General, $25 first two rows. Tickets will also be available at the door: $18/$28 (cash only).

Advance tickets: $15 general, $25 first two rows. Door: $18-28.

Official Website: http://www.hayatidede.org