Our Band
Kirk Lohry
Lodro Dawa
The ensemble is under the artistic direction of Kirk Lohry aka Lodro Dawa (BA Music, Naropa University) who has been a student of world music since 1980. Lodro Dawa plays ney, kwala and bansuri flutes, zurna (mizmar) and is also proficient on dumbek, riq, and deft.
Check out some of his other work at:
Joe Cathcart
Abu Zous
Joe Cathcart aka Abu Zous – Has studied Egyptian tabla (dumbek) with master drummers Souhail Kasper and Issam Houshan as well as many others and is also proficient on riq and deft. His knowledge of the Arabic Orchestra arrangements and the sophisticated rhythmic changes brings a unique dynamic to the group.
Ashely Tisdale
Ashley is a trained percussionist and is proficient in voice, guitar, and piano. When she is not playing dhola with Sonem or at the Carolina Renaissance Festival with The Roses of the Realm belly dance troupe, Ashley is teaching lessons and providing music therapy session at Piedmont Music Therapy in Charlotte. You can find more information about her music therapy work at https://www.piedmontmusictherapy.com/