Tales of the Tofu Goddess: A Tribute to the Artful Life of Flo Oy Wong
2026-03-15 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th St. #290, Oakland, CA, 94607, United States
Saturday, November 87-8:30 pmFREE

Join critically acclaimed belly dancer Shabnam as she celebrates 20 years of her creative practice with a concert at OACC. She specializes in Orientale Bellydance, which blends ballet and Middle Eastern Dance. This dynamic approach is contemporary, yet honors the traditional roots of Middle Eastern Dance—a lineage that is thousands of years old. She will be accompanied by internationally acclaimed musicians Georges Lammam, Amina Goodyear, Khader Keileh and Susu Pampanin, each of whom bring passion and mastery to their practices of traditional Middle Eastern music. This is event is free to attend, but registration is requested at the link below.

Register

Arabesque Belly Dance Master Class 2:30-4 pm | $50 The concert will be preceded by a special master class in belly dance with Shabnam. Learn to capture attention with unique, dynamic entrances in the classical style but with a twist. No drop-ins will be allowed. Register now for the class at https://www.shabnamdancecompany.com/classes-workshops/p/classicalbellydance Exhibition: The Mystics of Dreams and Dance November 5-December 6 Shabnam’s performance is in conjunction with The Mystics of Dreams and Dance, an exhibition of Shabnam’s paintings in the OACC hallway. She began drawing and creating artworks as a child, encouraged by her mom who enrolled her in arts classes at a young age. Her paintings and dance practice explore similar themes, and bring beauty to the viewer through harmonious palettes of movement. This exhibition will be on display from November 5-December 6. To purchase, contact Shabnam at info@artofbellydance.org

About the Artists Shabnam Persian American dance champion Shabnam is one of the world’s most awarded belly dancers. She has performed at renowned stages in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond including Zellerbach Hall, Novellus Theatre and the Palace of Fine Arts. She is recognized for an approach to Middle Eastern Dance that bridges the artistic and traditional. She is also a instructor and choreographer who holds regular classes at OACC. She performs at special events throughout the Bay Area and Southern California. Find out more about Shabnam at www.artofbellydance.org Georges Lammam Georges Lammam was born in Beirut, Lebanon, of Palestinian descent. He is a violinist who exemplifies the Arab style of instrumental improvisation. A recording artist, composer, and artistic director for the Georges Lammam Ensemble, he is also a featured artist in several musical groups including Ancient Future, Wobbly World, Shabazz and the Pena Pacha Mama Group. Lammam’s music has supported the work of arts and philanthropic nonprofits that advocate for Palestinians’ rights. He brings Arab arts and cultural heritage to the fore in support of the people and culture of Palestine. Amina Goodyear Amina Goodyear is a pioneering dancer, musician, producer and cultural ambassador who has shaped the landscape of Middle Eastern performing arts in the U.S. for over six decades. Amina founded The Aswan Dancers and co-created ensembles such as the Cairo Cats, the Arabian Knights and Pasha Band. She is a decades-long member of Aswat and the Georges Lammam Ensemble. Continuing her passion for preserving the traditions of the dance and music by producing dance and music shows, dance videos and music albums, she is now currently working with musicians in Egypt to create new arrangements and original compositions. Khader Keileh Khader Keileh is of Palestinian and Jordanian descent. He is an in-demand, nationally recognized keyboardist specializing in the melodies of the Middle East. Susu Pampanin Susu Pampanin is a world-renowned master percussionist who specializes in Egyptian Classical and Middle Eastern styles. Daughter of prominent San Francisco belly dancer Amina Goodyear, Pampanin has studied under master drummers Vince Delgado, George Dabai, Yousef Mustafa El Effendi, and Nagib Al Bahri. Within the belly dance community she is especially recognized for her skills in collaborating with belly dancers and troupes, teaching and performing at many festivals and shows.

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