mayan ruins

Psychedelic Tribal Music (U.S.A.)

Founded in 2006 by Christian Hartman, Mayan Ruins is a collective of improvisational musicians and dancers that are free in both scope and style. While a core group exists, it is not uncommon for new musicians and dancers to join us time and again. Since rehearsal is an activity actively shunned, new artists must litteraly plunge into the experience and emerge on the other side as a "Ruined Musician."

Our sound incorporates yet is never limited to: African, Middle Eastern, and American tribal rhythms, various types of acoustic strings, bass and electric guitars, woodwinds and brass, as well as Tibetan and indigenous style chants that blend together into a sound we like to call psychedelic tribal music.

Dance is also an integral part of the Mayan Ruins experience. We have had the great opportunity to work with the most extraordinary belly dancers, fire spinners, hoop, and ecstatic dancers around.

Our featured dancer, who has been with us from our inception, is Zahara of Zahara's Tangled Web. Within her repertoire you will discover Traditional Middle Eastern, Gothic, and American Tribal belly dance, mixed with a variety of other inspirations. To learn more about Zahara, be sure to check out her site

Christian Hartman - bass, frame drum, Korg Kaoscillator / Derek Gareiz - djembe, percussion / Denny Schoeny - drums, percussion / Emily Sierra - woodwinds
Paul Ravenscraft - conga, percussion / Rob Dorsey - vocals, drums, percussion / Ron Esposito - Tibetan singing bowls, percussion