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SEMAH (pronounced sem-uh) Semah is considered an integral part of Alevi religious ceremonies, or Cems, and is a reli- gious practice. The origin of this practice goes back to the Shamanistic rituals of Turkish tribes, before their conversion to Islam. Over the centuries, these rituals became a unique blend of heterodox Islamic philosophy and the indigenous local traditions. Among the rituals that will be performed are the Tahtaci Semahi (Semah of Tahtaci Türkmens), which was researched years ago by Mr. Lüleci. Bacilar Semahi (Semah of Sisters) and Kilic Semahi (Semah of the Sword) are the two distinguished parts, since they are rarely known outside of several rural tribes in Turkey. Zafer Tosun - Baglama & Vocal ( [email protected] ) Zafer was born in the province city of Malatya located in the Eastern Anatolian part of Turkey. His ancestors come from a village called Seyh Hasan. He has been playing Baglama since he was six years old. He started taking saz courses at age 8 at a culture cen- ter. He started giving concerts and performances in middle school. Zafer graduated from Inönü University with a bachelor degree in Music and Education. He plays the piano, gui- tar and vocal choir. He was a student of professor Dr. Kadir Karkin. During his college years he has done many concerts in Turkey. He continued his concert tours in Rochester, NY and in San Francisco, CA. After coming to the United States, he decided to branch into computers. He graduated from San Jose State University in computer science. Özden Öztoprak - Baglama & Vocal ( [email protected] ) Özden was born in Ovacik Dersim, Tunceli. She completed her general education in Ovacik and continued her education in Istanbul Teknik University. Starting at a very young age she was involved in Folk Dance and authentic music. She participated in many cultural education performances. She had the opportunity to be taught by influential pro- fessors like Can Etili, Neriman Tüfekci, Yücel Pasmakci, Sendogan, and Orhan Hakalmaz. Özden had the opportunity to perform on TRT, Turkish Radio Television. She came to the USA in 2004 and rapidly started performing in international festivals including TAAC Monterey Art and Culture festival. She performed in San Francisco world music festival in 2005 and 2006. Özden lives in San Francisco and continues to study and learn about Alevi Dervis music. Currently she is working on her first CD. Yöre Folk Dance Ensemble Dancers ( www.yoredance.org ) Türev Acar, Deniz Askin, Merter Bozkurt, Nilden Çelebi, Ali Özer Ercan, Hüsamettin Erciyes, Funda Erdin, Özge Islegen, Ezerhan Kadioglu, Nevra Kadioglu, Ferda Mehmet, Emine Ülkü Saritas, Dilek Seren, Uygar Sümbül, Demet Ulusen. ~ ~
