Join us in Atlanta for a weekend of live music and dance with Master Percussionist Issam Houshan January 19-21, 2024!! Learn how to dance and perform to live music at this 3-day event! All levels welcome! No prior drumming experience required. Issam will be teaching in partnership with Atlanta dance icons Aziza Nawal and Amani Jabril! Join us for workshops, hafla and an incredible theater show!!
In the Middle Eastern music and dance community Issam has become a mentor, partner, and inspiration. Known as “Wassan Pharaoun,” “King of the Drum,” and Mr. Magic Fingers". We are delighted to welcome him back to Atlanta!
Issam was born in Syria and emigrated to the U.S. He was formally trained in the Damascus Academy of Music and went on to drum for a host of Arab music stars and famous Belly Dancers. He is also the only remaining disciple of the legendary Arab drum master Mahmood Salahadeen.
In the U.S. he performed with Sting on the Grammy's and with the Belly Dance Super Stars in over 879 shows in 20 countries. Issam's background, training and experience have made him in huge demand for drum tutorials and workshops both as a solo artist and in collaboration with dancers across the world.
Issam is featured in the film American Belly Dancer, Solos From Monte Carlo, Belly Dance Super Stars, 30 Days To Vegas, Behind The Shimmy, Introduction to the Middle Eastern Rhythms,Tribal Drum solo Choreography with Zoe and partners with Sonia on The Art Of The Drum Solo instructional album. His album releases include his own Tabel Ya Issam with Jillina, Wassan Pharaoun, The Dancing Drum Vol. 1,2 &3 and Chemistry of the drum, Mystery Of Rhythm, Damascus Belly Dance Orchestra and percussion on the Galactic Caravan albums.