Frequently asked

As early as you can. I'm often booked a year or more ahead, and dates fill up quickly — especially in wedding season. If your date is close it's still worth asking; I'll tell you right away whether I'm free.

I send a contract for every event, which finalizes everything we have discussed. Once that's signed and the deposit is paid, we're all set.

Not on its own. Signing the contract doesn't hold the date — your event is only confirmed once the deposit has been sent. Until then the date stays open to other inquiries.

Most of my recent performances are on Instagram, and that's the best place to get a feel for how I play. If you have something particular in mind, feel free to reach out and we'll talk it through.

Typically two hours at an event. At a wedding that's often an hour through the cocktail hour and an hour over dinner, or two continuous hours with a short break in between. Some clients book the ceremony only, or just the cocktail hour, or just dinner.

We shape it around your timeline, and I'm glad to work directly with you or with your planner.

Yes. If there's a specific song you'd like to hear, let me know as early as you can — most requests need an arrangement and a backing track prepared beforehand, so time matters. Depending on the work involved there may be an additional fee.

Yes. If there's something outside the Arabic repertoire you'd like to hear, reach out ahead of time — where it's feasible I'll prepare the track in advance so it's ready on the day.

Yes — for the solo oud service I play the oud with a backing track. As an arranger, I can be very creative with what's possible to play.

Yes. If you're looking for something fully live, the line-up can include nay, keyboard, guitar, darbuka, riq and violin, along with a vocalist.

For larger productions we work through our sister company, Motown Sound & Lighting, which covers DJs, sound, lighting and full production.

For local events in Michigan with up to 150 guests, I provide the sound for the oud performance at no extra cost.

That also covers the case where sound is only set up in one part of the venue. If your DJ, band or singer has the ballroom covered but there's nothing in the cocktail hour space, I'll cover the cocktail hour myself at no extra fee.

For events above 150 guests, or anywhere outside Michigan, sound needs to be provided for me — by the venue, by your DJ, or by our sister company Motown Sound & Lighting, which covers anywhere within driving distance and handles lighting and full production as well.

A power outlet and a sound system — which I provide for local Michigan events up to 150 guests, and which we arrange together for anything larger or further afield. We'll go through the details before the day so nothing is a surprise.

Yes. If your venue requires a certificate of insurance, let me know and I'll have it sent over.

I typically travel up to 90 miles from Detroit — about two hours of driving. Depending on my schedule I also take events that require flights, including internationally; for those the client arranges travel and accommodation, and we work out the details together.

I require a deposit of 50% of the total amount, with the balance due on or before the day of the event. Payment is made through our booking portal by credit card or ACH. If you'd prefer another method, just ask.

The deposit is non-refundable. If something on my side means I cannot perform — illness, or circumstances outside anyone's control — your deposit is returned to you in full.