Ishtar Vintage Bellydance Band, based out of Pittsburgh, performs the instrumental classics of the Middle East, those songs that appeared on classic LPs with flying carpets and fezes on the covers. Ishtar’s songs are authentic and their sound is entirely organic with a bit of a rock/jazz feel. Clarinet, bass guitar, electric guitar, sax, darbuka and riqq create the sound Ishtar calls “BellyRock”. "Istanburgh" is a fusion of Istanbul with Pittsburgh. It demonstrates the band's love and pride for their unique home town with the admiration of the city that has the most beautiful music. This release covers many different countries that share a musical style. Egypt, Turkey, Greece, and the Balkans. Just like the traditional bellydance bands in New York City, Ishtar pulls together musicians from all backgrounds and plays all the classic dance tunes. They just add a bit of rock and roll to the mix! Ishtar is comprised of Melissa Murphey, Ayleeza Quattrochi, Julian Broughton, Ian Green,Jeff Chmielarski Amy Green and Tom Estlack.