The 5th Arab Festival at Seattle Center – Insight into Arab Culture, Music, Dance, Coffee & Cuisine
A Free Seattle Center Festál Cultural Event, Saturday & Sunday, August 4 & 5
WHAT: Arab Festival
WHEN: August 4-5, 2007, Saturday & Sunday, noon–7 pm (and some evening events)
WHERE: Seattle Center – Fisher Pavilion, Fisher Pavilion Roof, Center House
305 Harrison Street, Seattle, Washington, United States
COST: Free admission
(Seattle) The fifth Arab Festival takes place the weekend of August 4 & 5 at Seattle Center. Every other year since 1999, the Arab Center of Washington has offered an insider’s view to the unique cultures of the Arab world. Music, dance, food, coffee, children’s activities, fashion show, Arabic spelling bee, and a bazaar add festivity and present the human dimension of Arab-American life. Cultural booths represent Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Libya, Palestine, Morocco, and others. Saturday night features a festive dance party (admission fee charged). Performers will perform music and dance that is both traditional and 21st century. Outdoor spaces are intended for socializing, and will feature booths, food, and Arabic coffeehouse.
Of special note:
§ THE YEAR OF THE CHANTEUSE: Middle Eastern vocalists will take visitors to a different place and time. Coming from Lebanon, popular singer May Nasr will play guitar and perform soulful songs of peace, love, and resilience to her country and people. In addition, Seattle composer and Jazz vocalist Fathia Atallah—of Algerian and French descent—will sing classic favorites in French.
§ COFFEE AND MORE: Amid a backdrop of music and backgammon, a hospitality tent serves deliciously strong coffee – a welcoming gesture offered to guests in Arabic homes throughout the world. Traditionally served in demitasse-sized cups, it’s spiced with ginger or cardamom. Mint tea and a water pipe are also available for sampling.
§ ARABIC RAP? THE IDEA’S NOT SUCH A STRETCH: Nationwide and across the Middle East, Arabic youth have embraced the sounds of hip hop music. Native Arabic speakers have a natural affinity for this music from the streets—because it celebrates the poetic spoken word and because it is a vehicle to speak out against injustice. Come hear the Northwest’s own Sons of Hagar, whose song “Revolution” caught the attention of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, CNN, and The Source, a hip-hop magazine. Their newest album touches on issues of injustice and oppression of the Palestinian people as well as social issues shared by Muslims and other minorities in America today.
§ DANCE: FROM FOLK TO FUSION: Mention Middle Eastern dancing and most people envision what is internationally termed “belly dance.” But the art form has variations from different eras and countries that reflect classical theatrical style, folkloric, and a sassy urban style performed to modern pop music. During the festival enjoy traditional Palestinian line dancing (debke), classical and modern Egyptian and Lebanese solo dance styles (Raqs Sharki), and styles unique to North Africa.
§ KIDS’ SPELLING BEE: Children can join in the spelling-bee craze and demonstrate their skill at spelling Arabic words. The Arabic alphabet has 28 letters, and it is the script used for writing several languages.
The 2007 Arab Festival is made possible with support by the Arab Center of Washington, Seattle Center, Safeco Insurance Festál, Wells Fargo, Sakkal Design, Subway, 4Culture, Seattle Center Fund, Old Country Buffet, Humanities Washington and Arab Artists Resources and Training. Visit www.arabcenter.net
Editor’s Note: Interviews with Arab Festival organizers and performers can be arranged in advance of the event by contacting Rhenda Meiser at trrlm@msn.com or 206-465-9532.
