PANGIA
Pronunciation: pan-'jE-a'
Usage: Geographical Name - Hypothetical supercontinent that included all current landmasses, believed to be in existence before the continents broke apart during the Triassic and Jurassic Periods.
The name, with our spelling, expresses my desire to play music from all around the world.
PAT OLSON
Pat Olson began studying the ‘oud with John Bilezikjian in 1992 and has been performing World & Middle Eastern music ever since. He has been involved in the World of Belly Dance since 1990 performing at private and public engagements all over Northern California & the West Coast accompanying Denise for her dancing & as the group “PANGIA”. Pangia has performed shows in New York City, Mexico City, Mazatlan & Acapulco, Mexico as well as Texas. Pangia performed on a regular basis at RAKASSAH West Festivals in California and Spring Caravan in Somerset, NJ. as well as Rakkasah East for more than 20 years.
“PANGIA” has been the featured band for the for the annual “After Party” following the nationally recognized “Belly Dancer of the Year" Competition. More recently they have played for the Live Music Finals at this prestigious event.
They are featured entertainers at the Mount Shasta July 4th Walk/Run. the largest small town race in North America, Dunsmuir Railroad Days as well as the Siskiyou County Golden Fair and many private events.
Pat is an accomplished vocalist , guitarist, sound & lighting tech, having performed in many musicals, vocal jazz groups as well as toured all over the world with a performing group demonstrating his many talents. He collects, builds, repairs and plays many different instruments and has written several pieces of original music for Belly Dancing . In addition to his First CD: released in 2002, his second CD: PANGIA, VOL 2 was released in March 2003,Volume 3 in March 2005 ,DREAMS-VOL 4 released in March 06. WEST of EAST, vol 5 was released March 16, 2007. Edges of Tradition, Vol 6 was released in March, 2008. Mystic Blue Caravan, Vol 7 was released in 2013.Pat also arranges, records and mixes music at his studio '41 degrees North'. Pat also builds homes and currently creates custom stone and granite countertops
DENISE
Denise Mannion is professionally trained in Music (Piano, Bassoon, Saxophone), Dance (Ballet, Jazz, Modern in addition to Mid Eastern styles). She is the Keyboard and Zil player for "PANGIA" and was co-founder of the original and award winning Troupe Mandala and Mandala California. She has danced, taught workshops and performed music throughout the West as well as East Coasts in addition to performing in Mexico multiple times along with Oud player Pat Olson. She has presented Shows and Workshops in both Shasta and Siskiyou Counties sponsored in part by California Arts local priorities grants. She has taught Adult Education dance classes through College of the Siskiyous. She is Co-producer and artistic director of Pangia's 7 cds. In her spare time she is a free lance writer for several Belly Dance publications, designs and creates costumes and grows prize winning herbs in her organic garden. She likes to cook and SCUBA dive, but not simultaneously!
CARMINE T. GUIDA
Carmine is an accomplished instructor, teaching doumbek both nationally and internationally. His students compliment his lively and engaging teaching style and his ability to make complex technique and intricate rhythms easy to learn. In addition to playing on 4 of Pangia’s CDs, Carmine is a member of several music ensembles including Middle Eastern fusion group "Djinn" and traditional music group "The Turkish Band Camp All Stars". Carmine's music has been featured on several CDs and DVDs as well as prime time TV. shows. Carmine is 'dancer friendly' and we enjoy recording and performing with him