ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Lamia Naki (vocals) was born in the city of Fes, the historic cultural capital of Morocco. Fes’ medina or old walled city is the biggest in the Arab world and is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is the only functioning medieval city and also the home of the oldest continuously running university in the world. As a center for learning in the Arab world, one can hear in Fes classical Arabic music as well as every kind of traditional Moroccan music, Sufi music, Andalusian music, pop, jazz and hip hop. She was drawn to music from a young age and began singing, writing songs, and using every resource to find new music and influences from widely varying cultures. Lamia studied Andalusian music and other forms of classical Arabic music in Fes, and has continued to immerse herself in diverse musical styles, from Bossa Nova to Iranian music. Lamia now resides in Portland, OR.
Nat Hulskamp (oud, flamenco guitar) was born in Portland, OR. He began studying guitar with guitarist/composer Paul Chasman at age seventeen. He was soon introduced to flamenco guitar by Jose Solano. His interest in the influence of Arabic music on flamenco led him to study oud in Morocco. After returning to the US, he moved to Seattle to study ethnomusicology at the University of Washington. There he worked with the groups Carmona Flamenco, The Rez Quartet and others ranging in style from Hungarian Csardas and Gypsy swing to flamenco. In 2000 he co-founded the Vancouver, BC based Arabic/ flamenco group Aire with ney player and singer Emad Armoush. He now resides in Portland, composing and performing with Shabava, the Nat Hulskamp Trio and Seffarine. Nat also teaches guitar and oud in Portland. More info at www.portland-guitar-lessons.com and www.nathulskamp.com.