Meridian Band: Middle Eastern Music Ensemble

Mike Fair aka "Faraz"
Musical Director, Musician: various percussion
Faraz is an Old World percussionist specializing in the rhythms of Northern Africa, Western Africa and the Middle East. Faraz has been playing old world rhythms since 1996. He played with the local groups; Kekuja, Aladdin Lads and Lasses and Troupe Namaste. The Meridian Band is his present musical project. He is also working wih upright Bass for fun. When not playing drums Faraz is repairing and building or fixing some parts of a house. A handy carpenter and fixIt man, Faraz is always busy with his hands.
Email: faraz@meridianmajor.com

Jim Blum aka "Jakai"
Musician: Oud, Violin, English horn, Oboe
Has been playing for over 20 years in various venues such as orchestra, classical music ensembles, churches and spiritual gatherings. Jim has also played in several other belly dance band ensembles. In addition, Jim enjoys dabbling in various ethnic instruments.
Email: jimblum@gmail.com

Richard Robbins
Musician: Percussion
Richard played doumbec and tar for 19 years at Sufi Dance meetings in Menlo Park. After a 6 year hiatus, he has rediscovered his love of percussion while exploring the exciting rhythms of Middle Eastern music. He is having lots of fun as a member of the Meridian band! He is also very involved with Natural Horsemanship and has a wonderful Quarter Horse named Zapper.
Email: rrobbins@a-link.net

Leelane Hines aka "Liela"
Musician: Violin, Viola
Leila (Leelane) graduated from Stanford Law School and practiced law in the San Francisco Bay area for 35 years. After retirement from law practice, she returned to the study of violin and viola, and through the Meridian Band discovered Middle Eastern music. George Lemmon has helped her enormously in overcoming her western musical biases, and to enter into the spirit of Middle Eastern rhythms and maqamat.
Email: violee@sbcglobal.net

Meridian Band Members