Our Mission ANIMUS - world fusion music and dance blends music and dance forms from around the world. Primarily an Eastern Mediterranean/Middle Eastern/Latin/American fusion ensemble, ANIMUS also performs traditional Eastern Mediterranean/Middle Eastern music. ANIMUS’ original music freely barrows and incorporates musical ideas and traditions from East to West, North to South, Ancient to Modern... it's one beautiful sounding world! The nature of our performance is interactive, exciting and inviting, open for all to participate or just sit back and enjoy the musical journey. The music may remind you of home or of far off places you'd love to visit. ANIMUS promotes tolerance, diversity, unity and peace through music and dance. Furthermore, Animus is here to push the boundaries and borders of music from all over the world to create something new as well as to preserve the oragins of cultural insparation. Over the years ANIMUS has taken their fans on a continuously evolving live experience, away from the stress of everyday life and created a relaxing and fun musical journey, mesmerizing audiences with their unique eclectic style. ANIMUS is available to perform at a variety of events, functions, venues and learning instatutions. What We Do & Our History Animus is an instrumental group of culturally diverse musical concepts and traditions from ancient to modern alike. Greek, Blues, Middle Eastern, Jazz, Spanish, Funk, Latin, Rock, Indian, Jewish Klezmer, African. The unorthodox instrumentation and unique original compositions excite the mind, body and soul with an endless variety of grooves and tribal rhythms, coupled with spontaneous, passionate improvisation knows no boundaries and awakens the spirit to get everyone moving to the music. Accomplishments: Animus has produced two Tapes: SpiritDance and Eternal Within as well as four CD's: "Live at the Tin Angel"(1999), "...world fusion music"(2002), "Mediterranean Dreams"(2005), and "The Movements"(2007). Animus is featured on "Lurainya's Realm" DVD, "Taboo Glass" documentary video and WYBE's "Culture Shots" TV commercials and performed live on NBC 10's morning show "10!". Animus has been nominated for best Roots/World Music Performer 2000 - 2002 and Best Local Band 2006 by The Philadelphia CityPaper Choice Awards. Performances: Members of Animus have performed abroad in South Africa and Kenya with Eastern College's gospel choir, Angels of Harmony, and has also performed around the United States. Animus' diversity makes them great just about anywhere. Venues range from coffee shops, bookstores, restaurants, bars, clubs, theaters (Trocadero theater), concert halls (Kimmel Center), galleries, museums (Phila. Art Museum), community centers, churches and synagogues. Animus has performed roving entertainment in traditional festive costumes at Trump Taj Mahal and Foxwoods Casinos. *Upon request we have several traditional belly dancers, ethnic fusion dancers and Greek, Turkish and Arabic Singers who can perform with us. Animus also performs at wedding celebrations, festivals, benefits, fund-raisers, and private parties. Educational Opportunities: Animus has collaborated extensively with professional dance instructors and teachers at colleges in workshops, classes and performances. Animus also offers educators and students of all ages a unique and enriching assembly program focusing on cultural diversity and unity through music and movement. Find out more: Please visit our web site at www.animusmusic.com for more information, pictures, MP3s and more! Animus is... Bill Koutsouros - Bouzouki, Guitar, Oud, Doumbek & Percussion Bill Phipps - Congas, Bongos & Percussion Jay Mintz - Acoustic & Electric Bass Kim Fedchak - Accordion, Clarinet, Nay, Recorder, Percussion & Vocals Joe McCormick - Drum Kit, Djembe, Congas & Percussion