Dena
El Saffar (violin) Dena began learning the violin at age six, and
continued her studies of classical music with plans to earn her college
degree in music. But when Dena accompanied her father to Baghdad in
1990 and heard music in that context, her focus turned toward Middle Eastern
music. She then transferred from Cleveland Institute of Music to
Indiana University because they had a Folklore/Ethnomusicology Department.
Dena now holds a bachelor's degree in viola performance, and is the mother
of two children, Jamil and Layla. In her spare time, she rolls with
the Delusion Train.
Mike
Lindenmuth (guitar) Mike has a rich and diverse musical heritage. His
father played with Jim Croce and occasionally with Lester Flatt and Earl
Scruggs, while his grandfather taught him the finer points of classical
music and opera. Mike likes fast cars, women, 'geetars', good food, cuddly
animals and Taoism. Although he loves and appreciates all types of music, he
will always be a greasy rockabilly cat at heart. He plays guitar, upright
bass, electric bass, banjo and most anything that has strings.
Pam
MacLaughlin (bass) One of Pam’s earliest memories is her daddy
trying to teach her to sing with a book of folk songs and an old electric
organ. That was the seventies, in Waynesboro,Virginia. She started flute at
age 9 in Wilmington, Delaware, and took up bass in Chicago, ‘96, when the
flute gigs ran thin. She’s played and sung all over the Midwest with groups
such as Orquesta Son, the Monrovers, the Mary Janes, the BallRoom
Roustabouts, and Upstart.
Tim
Moore (drums) Tim began playing the drums at age 12. He studied
drumming throughout high school and college, and gained a lot of experience
playing in various jazz, blues, and rock bands. Tim has been playing music
professionally for over 10 years. He is a full-time member of Salaam and
Orquesta Son, and has performed with The Bathtub Virgins, The Swingrays,
Alma Azul, Merrie Sloan, and many others. Tim also plays guitar with his own
jazz combo, Toothpick Wilson and the Cavaliers.