Our Mission

Animus is here to push the boundaries and borders of musics from all over the world. 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 throughout the East Coast with their unique style. Animus is available to perform at a variety of events, functions and venues.

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 three CD's: "Live at the Tin Angel" & "...world fusion music" and "Mediterranean Dreams". 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 by The Philadelphia CityPaper.

Performances: Animus has 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/World Cafe Live), 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

Elliott Levin - Flute, Saxophones & Spoken Word

Kim Fedchak - Accordion, Clarinet, Nay, Recorder, Percussion & Vocals

Joe McCormick - Drum Kit, Djembe, Congas & Percussion

Optional Dancers & Musicians:

Azhia - (F) Belly Dance & Ethnic Fusion Movement

Nyla - (F) Belly Dance

Meesha - (F) Female Belly Dance & Arabic Vocals

Muna - (F) (F) Belly Dance

Omar - (M) Belly dance

Jeremy Dyen - Tabla & Keyboard

Joe Tayoun - Doumbek & Middle Eastern Percussion

Bill Tayoun - Doumbek & Middle Eastern Percussion

Hamit Golbasi - Turkish Ney & Zourna

Adeeb Rafela - Egyptian Violin