A Night in the Balkans - April 29

Fans of Eastern European music should check out my next event - A Night in the Balkans - at Cafe Jazz, Cardiff, on Wednesday 29 April.

Headliners will be Troyka, a trio from Bristol promising a fast fusion of Balkan beats and gypsy swing on harmonica, clarinet, guitar and percussion.

There'll also be gypsy dancing by Siluria, Jeff Japers on ukulele, and my own selection of upbeat Balkan, klezmer and gypsy tunes.

The fun starts at 9pm and admission is £4.

See www.myspace.com/bristoltroyka for a taste of what to expect.

Look out too for A Night in Tunisia with Chas and Maren coming up at Cafe Jazz on July 16.

Finley's Hafla Part Two - June 13

Another fundraising event for Finley Ellis-Hall takes place at Underwood Social Club near Newport on Saturday 13 June.

Finley, who'll be present at the hafla, suffers from neuroblastoma cancer and needs pioneering surgery to restore his eyesight.

The event takes place from 7.30pm till midnight - tickets are £5 and children welcome.

Call Kelly-Marie 07546 495934 for tickets or to book performance slots which are still available.

Bellydance Taster Session near Leominster

Abbie Mason is holding a Bellydance Taster Workshop as part of the University of the Great Outdoors event near Leominster on Sunday 3 May.

She promises a fun session that will get you shimmying even if you have no previous dance experience.

The event is one of many taking place as part of the University of the Great Outdoors at Hampton Court Castle, Hope-under-Dinmore - see www.visitherefordshire.co.uk for details of admission prices.

Call Abbie on 07962 161081 or see alanyabellydancer.webs.com for information about the workshop and her regular classes.

Urban Gypsies tickets on sale - May 9

Safeena says tickets are now on sale for a hafla featuring Zehara and the Urban Gypsies - stars of Britain's Got Talent - on Saturday 9 May at the Premier Inn, Pentwyn, Cardiff.

There are also spaces available for their workshop at Fitness First in Newport on Sunday 10 May.

Zehara promises radical new dance movement concepts leading to a highly integrated whole body movement that is very celebratory and energetic but has a very organic and natural quality.

Contact safeenabellydance @ yahoo.co.uk to book tickets for the hafla or a place on the workshop.

The Arabic Balkan Gypsy Band - April 17

Chas, Maren and Carmen perform this coming Friday 17 April as part of the Arabic Balkan Gypsy Band at the Blue Lagoon Cafe Bar, Gloucester Road, Bristol.

Their passionate, brassy music combines Middle Eastern melodies with a strong percussive drive and tough bass groove.

Its highly experienced members have performed at Glastonbury Festival, WOMAD, Big Green Gathering, The Eden Project and numerous events across Europe.

The line-up also includes Simon Leach and Ed Bateman.

The music starts at 8.30pm and admission is free.

See www.arabicbalkangypsyband.com and www.thebluelagooncafebar.com for more details.

Celebrating Spring - April 25

Helen Roberts is holding a day of workshops to celebrate spring at Blaisdon Village Hall in the Forest of Dean on Saturday 25 April.

"Spring is a time for creativity and fun. Awaken the energy and joy of spring within you through singing, dancing, crafts, guided meditation, story-telling, discussion, Goddesses, ceremonies, traditions, intuition, bellydance & laughter. Take the light-heartedness home.

"Try to wear spring colours: green, white, yellow, gold. No previous dance experience is needed but a general level of fitness and mobility is expected."

To attend the morning or afternoon the price is £15, full day £25.

For full details call Helen on 01594 821251 or email helen @ goddessdance.co.uk

Shirl's Summer Hafla - May 1

Message from Shirl:

"My summer hafla is just around the corner and tickets are selling fast. We have over 20 performances, freeform dancing, a fantastic bazaar and - get this - a charity head shave!

"Brave dancer Jan Clifford is very keen to have a head shave in aid of Ty Hafan Hospice. As it is Ty Hafan Day on May 1st, the same day as the Hafla, all raffle proceeds will go to Ty Hafan as well as sponsorship money for Jan and collections on the night.

"The event is at Rogerstone and Bassaleg Social Club near Newport. Tickets are only £6 for this fabulous and entertaining night out. Entrance is strictly by ticket only and they are selling very fast. I hope you can make it!"

Call Shirley on 07940 801912 for further details and to buy tickets.