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Cedars of Lebanon
by Princesse Cassandra-Meroe
Wimbs, Ms., Ma.
There’s only one word to describe the ambiance, singing, dance and cuisine at the Cedars of Lebanon, fine. As a vegetarian, I even say it’s vegetarian friendly. This legendary club is live and hot. It has been the site of the Middle Eastern Dance Hall of Fame Awards ceremonies. I went there because, violinist and
oudist Simon Shaheen had mentioned going there. After having witnessed his raise-the-roof concert experience at Symphony Space for the World Music Institute, I will go to any music place he mentions.
There a customer pointed out to me the Cedars features the Gulf Musical Sound. No wonder the NY Times headline on Cedars said “Many Nations, 1 Party”. The band, a mixture of Syrian, Moroccan and Egyptian musicians, particularly reflected that observation. As a dance and entertainment journalist, the duos, solos and trios were more than satisfying. The manager informed me that she wanted a different type of format of what I call dance artistry. And it was creative choreography featuring chandelier, a cane duet, a baladi and oriental trio. For you out West, it was similar to what Amina and the Aswan dancers would present. There was not one staid moment as the band led the audience to crescendo after crescendo of classics by Oum
Kalthsoum, Farid el-Atrach, Abdul Halim Hafez etc. especially after the Moroccan singer took the platform.
Another dancer’s comment. There was a platform for both the band and the dancers, so there were no interruptions from the waiter staff. Plus that mean you can see everything. And also the floor is clean for dancers to do floor work or dance barefoot. I really had a ball. The audience danced so well, some of them should have been hired. The singer belted classic after classic from Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt etc until 4 in the morning. He and the dancers blended well with the double keyboard that was tuned to sound like a
kanoun. And that was so beautiful. This contributed to the 5-member group having a big band sound. The sound system was notably grand.
As a dancer I would give Cedars 4 stars but not for the same reasons I would give the Lafayette Grill with its Mediterranean Sound and La Figuero’s 4 stars. They vary in focus as being audience, dancer, and musician friendly. Cedars reminded me of the old Scherazade of the East Bay in Cal. It is excellent for wedding parties. It is located on 8 West 38th St. in Manhattan, New York City. Dancing is from Wednesday –Saturday. Call (212) 391-1119 for details and reservations.
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Copyright
Princesse Cassandra Meroe Wimbs, Ms., Ma.
About the author:
Princesse Cassandra Meroe Wimbs, Ms., Ma. wears many hats including that of performing dance and instrument artist plus as a journalist. She formed the groups Sisters of the Nile and Meroe and the Moorish Dance Diaspora. Meroe performed with the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra for over 15 years. She has toured nationally and performed in Egypt, Paris, Mexico City and in the Bahamas. She is mastering the field recording, “Meroe, Live in Luxor, New Years at the Winter Palace.” She is a recipient of an Anna Halpern Dance Scholarship.
She, through her group R.O.O.T.S., won a Mayoral Proclamation from the City of Berkeley (CA) in world music forms within the African Diaspora. She co-produced the audio-documentary, “Back From Egypt” with Magana Baptiste of SF and the Culture Caravan World Music and Dance series with Amina Goodyear in SF. She has served as a dance judge. She holds the position of Ambassador/Host with Friendship Force International.
She is presently completing, “Traditional Music of the African Diaspora” ROOTS vol. 3. and is conducting an upcoming interview with the Browning’s of the World Music Institute on their role in being the primary presenters of Middle Eastern and African Diaspora Music in New York City.
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