Groove Merchant Drum & Dance Ensemble directed by Kim Leary and Dave Merritt performs dances and plays percussion instruments from cultures around the world. The ensemble performs culture-specific traditional pieces as well as our own original compositions. Some compositions are more traditional, loyal to the cultures that they represent while others are a fusion of musical ideas and traditions.  Genres include but are not limited to Middle Eastern, Turkish, West African, Afro-Puerto Rican and Flamenco.  Many of the group’s performances have been sponsored in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.  Groove Merchant Drum & Dance Ensemble is the resident performance group of Alexia's Belly Dance & Beyond located in Lawrence, New Jersey (Princeton area).

Select Past Performances:

Monroe Arts Center with Alborada Spanish Dance Theatre ~ September 2009

Arts Youniversity with Guest Artists Tasha, Lisa Botallico & Asharah ~ July 2009

Two River Theater ~ 2009

Princeton YWCA ~ 2008 & 2009

The Kennedy Center, Sponsored by Burlington County Cultural & Heritage – March 2008

Lafayette Grill, NYC ~ 2008

Smithville Mansion ~ 2007

Rakkasah East & Spring Caravan 2002 - 2009

The Academy Theatre ~ 2005, 2006 & 2007

Jersey Gardens “Art in the Gardens” 2004, 2005, 2006 & 2007

Rutgers University, Loree Dance Theatre ~ 2007 & 2008

Princeton University Frist Theatre ~ 2004, 2005 & 2006

Paramount Theatre Concerts on the Beach ~ 2005

The Black Box Theatre ~ 2004

and at a variety of festivals, community and private events.