Tribal Element


	MIKE Mike began his love for music at a young age thanks in part to his Grandmother. Despite never taking formal lessons, except for the four years in band playing brass instruments, he has been teaching himself to play instruments most of his life. He considers himself to be a jack of all trades and master of none. Since joining the group in 2008 he has found a new enjoyment for world music and ethnic instruments. He enjoys watching his wife, Afaya, and daughter, Aurora, dance together. On a special note he considers all the members of the TE groups to be part of his family.

	RON Ron is a multi-instrumentalist originally from Los Angeles with over 15 years experience in music theory, composition and fine arts. He has been studying and playing Middle Eastern and Indian music for only a few years now but recently released a self-produced CD of belly dance inspired music. http://www.ilike.com/artist/Ron+Perovich

	MYKAL Mykal started drumming with friends in a drum circle a few years back. Since then, he has furthered his interest in Middle Eastern music and dance.

	ZALI Zali is an extraordinary culinarian, an avid hunter-gatherer (emphasis on the hunter), a mad scientist, and a dedicated drummer rolled into one. By day he is a research & development culinary scientist who creates food that is distributed around the world, by night he sounds the war drums as part of Tribal Element. Zali has had possession of a doumbek for many years but only for the past two has it turned from a house ornament to its true form as a musical instrument.

	RAE Rae Justrae or as some others call him – Kevin Perkins is a diverse individual with many interests. Outside of drumming he works with computers and investigates anything that attracts his attention – from Renaissance Faires to woodworking, from history to languages. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, reading and Rat Pucking. He has always enjoyed music and the arts. Rae’s first career centered on music but after he figured out that the lifestyle was dangerous for one who wanted to live past 30, he found his calling in computer programming. Currently, he stays on top of the music scene via concerts, websites and Pandora.com. One night sitting around a campfire, Rae was reintroduced to drumming. He hasn’t been able to put it down since. He just recently joined the drumming troupe through the invitation of one of his campfire buddies. It has increased his ability and brought wonderful new people and experiences into his life. Through his love of working in wood and music, he is constantly looking for instruments he can create and play. Rae continues his computer programming but has balanced it with his love for the art of woodcraft as well music. Look for him at www.anarquewood.etsy.com or at a local Renaissance Festival.