On the 145th episode of The Big Note on 3MDR 97.1 FM this morning we talk about Raks Sharki (what we in the west more usually know as “Belly Dancing”) amongst other things. 
Today I was lucky enough to have two great guests on my show, Prue Schafferius, a dedicated dance performer specialising in Raks Sharki, She is also a dance teacher and costume designer and maker, who is committed to dancer wellness. We also speak with Matt Stonehouse, who is a talented musician and drum maker, specialising in Arabic and Turkish style percussion, focusing on darbuka and frame drums.
They are both part of an afternoon of Live Music, Dance and Drum discovery show called Arabesque at Belgrave on Sunday, July 26th with worships and food from 12:30 pm on with workshops culminating with a live music and dance performance with food & drink at Earthly Pleasures @ 6:00 pm.

Episode Image; Arabesque flyer courtesy of Prue Schafferius impruve.au/

 Tickets available at impruve.au/arabesque 
More info on Prue's website impruve.au
& Matt's website: https://www.mattstonehouse.com/

Playlist: 

The Cicadas - Dead Can Dance [15-07-26]
* Banksii Somali - Matt Stonehouse from “Rosie’s Point of View” [2016]
* Vivir - Omer Faruk Tekbilek, Yasmin Levy from Vivir [04-09-20]
* Flamenco Arabe - Gareth Koch [10-06-22] Foghorn Records
* Bad Neighbour - Solace from “Provinces: Rhythm Codex Chapter One” [18-08-23]
* Angor - Angine De Poitrine from “Vol. II” [2026]
* SUBDUCTION - Stathis | Davey | Kim from “Litho” [25-07-26] Eternal music Projects 
* The Perfect Kiss New Order from “Substance” [1987]
Episode Image; Arabesque flyer courtesy of Prue Schafferius impruve.au/

On the 145th episode of The Big Note on 3MDR 97.1 FM this morning we talk about Raks Sharki (what we in the west more usually know as &ldquo;Belly Dancing&rdquo;) amongst other things. Today I was lucky enough to have two great guests on my show, Prue Schafferius, a dedicated dance performer specialising in Raks Sharki, She is also a dance teacher and costume designer and maker, who is committed to dancer wellness. We also speak with Matt Stonehouse, who is a talented musician and drum maker, specialising in Arabic and Turkish style percussion, focusing on darbuka and frame drums. They are both part of an afternoon of Live Music, Dance and Drum discovery show called Arabesque at Belgrave on Sunday, July 26th with worships and food from 12:30 pm on with workshops culminating with a live music and dance performance with food &amp; drink at Earthly Pleasures @ 6:00 pm. Episode Image; Arabesque flyer courtesy of Prue Schafferius <a href="https://impruve.au/">impruve.au/</a>
 Tickets available at&nbsp;<a href="impruve.au/arabesque">impruve.au/arabesque&nbsp;</a> More info on Prue's website <a href="impruve.au">impruve.au</a> &amp; Matt's website: <a href="https://www.mattstonehouse.com/">https://www.mattstonehouse.com/</a>
Playlist: 
The Cicadas - Dead Can Dance [15-07-26] * Banksii Somali - Matt Stonehouse from &ldquo;Rosie&rsquo;s Point of View&rdquo; [2016] * Vivir - Omer Faruk Tekbilek, Yasmin Levy from Vivir [04-09-20] * Flamenco Arabe - Gareth Koch [10-06-22] Foghorn Records * Bad Neighbour - Solace from &ldquo;Provinces: Rhythm Codex Chapter One&rdquo; [18-08-23] * Angor - Angine De Poitrine from &ldquo;Vol. II&rdquo; [2026] * SUBDUCTION - Stathis | Davey | Kim from &ldquo;Litho&rdquo; [25-07-26] Eternal music Projects  * The Perfect Kiss New Order from &ldquo;Substance&rdquo; [1987] Episode Image; Arabesque flyer courtesy of Prue Schafferius <a href="impruve.au/">impruve.au/</a>

Plato told us “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”

Napolean Bonaparte said “Music is what tells us that the human race is greater than we realise"

Frank Zappa simply said “Music Is The Best”

Have you ever wondered exactly what Music is? Where does it come from, who defines it and what does it mean to us?

"The Big Note" goes beyond the surface of popular hits or classical standards, embracing a spirit of curiosity and exploration. We will celebrate the global diversity of music and the rich tapestry of sounds from different cultures and traditions. From traditional folk tunes to world fusion experiments, we'll bring you on a sonic adventure that transcends boundaries and connects us through the universal language of music.

Your input, requests, and questions are welcomed as we embark on this exciting exploration of all things musical. Tune in, turn up the volume, and let the symphony of "The Big Note" fill your ears, heart, and soul. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and enlightened as together we uncover the captivating stories and sounds that make up the fabric of our musical heritage and understanding.

You can also find The Big Note here:

https://www.instagram.com/the_bignote/

https://www.facebook.com/BigNoteRadio/

I would like to extend a huge thank you to The Big Note's subscribers:

Performer subscribers: Bec Jean | Fennec

Listener Subscribers: Ren from Nazza Wazza Norf | Maureen from Monbulk | Nat from Newport | Beth from Elwood | Jane the Great | Gregor | Daryl from Murumbeena | Jeff from Lyonville | Meliza from Upper Ferntree Gully | Chris from Emerald | Tricia | Liz from Hobart

Offbeat subscribers: The Tea Cat | Frank the Fanciful Frequency | Bitey Banjo



If anyone else would like to subscribe to The Big Note and support 3MDR, or indeed subscribe to any of the other wonderful programs available, please go to the 3MDR homepage and hit the subscribe tab!

Plato told us “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”
Napolean Bonaparte said “Music is what tells us that the human race is greater than we realise"
Frank Zappa simply said “Music Is The Best”
Have you ever wondered exactly what Music is? Where does it come from, who defines it and what does it mean to us?
"The Big Note" goes beyond the surface of popular hits or classical standards, embracing a spirit of curiosity and exploration. We will celebrate the global diversity of music and the rich tapestry of sounds from different cultures and traditions. From traditional folk tunes to world fusion experiments, we'll bring you on a sonic adventure that transcends boundaries and connects us through the universal language of music.
Your input, requests, and questions are welcomed as we embark on this exciting exploration of all things musical. Tune in, turn up the volume, and let the symphony of "The Big Note" fill your ears, heart, and soul. Get ready to be inspired, entertained, and enlightened as together we uncover the captivating stories and sounds that make up the fabric of our musical heritage and understanding.
You can also find The Big Note here:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_bignote/">https://www.instagram.com/the_bignote/</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BigNoteRadio/">https://www.facebook.com/BigNoteRadio/</a>
I would like to extend a huge thank you to The Big Note's subscribers:
Performer subscribers: Bec Jean | Fennec
Listener Subscribers: Ren from Nazza Wazza Norf | Maureen from Monbulk | Nat from Newport | Beth from Elwood | Jane the Great | Gregor | Daryl from Murumbeena | Jeff from Lyonville | Meliza from Upper Ferntree Gully | Chris from Emerald | Tricia | Liz from Hobart
Offbeat subscribers: The Tea Cat | Frank the Fanciful Frequency | Bitey Banjo
 
If anyone else would like to subscribe to The Big Note and support 3MDR, or indeed subscribe to any of the other wonderful programs available, please go to the 3MDR homepage and hit the subscribe tab!