The third event in Al-Bustan’s Arab Music Concert Series presents poet Suheir Hammad in a sure to be memorable evening of poetry and music, with an opening set featuring the Philadelphia Arab Music Ensemble led by Music Director Hanna Khoury.
Suheir Hammad is the author of three poetry collections and has written and performed in the Tony-winning Russell Simmons Presents Def Poetry Jam on Broadway, and starred in the 2008 Cannes official selection film Salt of This Sea.
The Philadelphia Arab Music Ensemble is a community-based ensemble of singers and instrumentalists led by Hanna Khoury on violin, Kinan Abou-afach on cello, Kinan Idnawi on oud, and Hafez El Ali Kotain on percussion. They will perform a selection of songs and instrumental pieces by Mohamad Abdel Wahab, Farid Al-Atrach, Rahbani Brothers, and A. J. Racy.
Date: Friday, December 9, 2011
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Trinity Center for Urban Life at 22nd and Spruce Street in Center City, Philadelphia
Discounted Parking is kindly offered by EZ Park at several nearby locations. Click here to download parking coupon to present to parking attendant.
Admission: FREE, no advanced ticket reservations, first come – first seated
Questions? Contact Al-Bustan or call 267-809-3668.
Al-Bustan and UPenn’s GIC, PASS, and Wharton Pennguins are pleased to present
SALT OF THIS SEA
This feature film by Annemarie Jacir, starring Suheir Hammad and Saleh Bakri, tells the story of a Brooklyn woman who travels to the West Bank and Israel to discover her roots and recover her grandfather’s savings that were frozen in a bank account in Jaffa when he was exiled in 1948. Determined to reclaim what is hers, she fulfills her life-long dream of “returning” to Palestine.
The film screening is followed by conversation over delicious Arab cuisine! Food generously provided by Leila Cafe, Ariana, and Falafel House.
Click here for a full description of the film.
Date: Friday, December 2, 2011
Time: 6-9:00pm
Admission:
FREE for Penn students
$10 for community members
Location: Terrace Room – Claudia Cohen Hall, University of Pennsylvania, 249 South 36th Street
SAVE THE DATE for when Suheir Hammad visits Philadelphia for an inspiring evening of poetry and music: December 9 at 7:30pm
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For a map with parking options click here.
November 2011
Al-Bustan is pleased to celebrate its 10th anniversary! There is no better time to invite you to join us in commemorating ten years of successfullysowing the seeds of Arab arts and culture in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
In 2002 Al-Bustan was launched as a summer camp for 18 boys and girls. Since that time, Al-Bustan has become an established year-round organization serving youth and adults. With the support of individuals like you, our expanded programming has made a difference in our community in many ways by:
- offering school and community-based educational arts and language programs
- targeting underserved communities of immigrants and Arab-Americans
- providing educators with resources for instruction on Arab arts and culture
- exposing the broader public to presentations of the highest quality Arab arts
- fostering cross-cultural understanding and exchange
We need your help to sustain these invaluable programs!
A generous donor has pledged $10,000 to Al-Bustan if we are able to match it with another $10,000 between now and December 31, 2011. You can double the impact of your support and help us raise $20,000 by making a tax-deductible contribution to Al-Bustan today! Donors at the $500 level and above will be invited to an exclusive event with Tunisian vocalist Sonia M’Barek during the week of March 19th!
Although we have been successful over the past years in obtaining grants, such as the National Endowment for the Arts for the 6th consecutive year, given the state of the economy, we are facing major cuts from public agencies and private foundations. Now more than ever, we need you to demonstrate that you value what we do with your financial support.
The reality is that fees for programs and ticket sales do not cover the costs of our work.
We hope you will choose to support the unique work of Al-Bustan and make your tax-deductible gift – click here!
It has been a busy and fun-filled time at Al-Bustan Camp this summer. An amazingly talented and dedicated team of teachers, counselors and staff have pulled together a program that stimulates the campers’ creativity on many levels. We invite you to take a look at all the photos, videos and writings posted on AL-BUSTAN’S BLOG… and better yet, please come to our end-of-camp performance and exhibit and see this creative process for yourself!
Here are the details for Thursday, July 28, 6-8pm:
• The campers’ culminating performance will include singing, drumming, dance, poetry, and videos, along with an art exhibit.
• The event is free and open to the public. It will be held in the Upper School Auditorium of Springside School. Enter through the school’s main entrance at 8000 Cherokee St, Philadelphia 19118. Once you are in the building, pass through the lobby and turn left to find the auditorium.
To view the camp site and neighborhood map, click on the image below.
Join us for a reunion to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Al-Bustan Camp!
What began in July 2002 with 18 campers and two-weeks at Morris Arboretum of U-Penn has steadily blossomed and matured into an richly engaging language and cultural arts program attended by youth of all backgrounds and led by a team of highly dedicated and talented staff.
We invite all past participants, staff and friends for a get-together, along with anyone interested in making new friends and joining our camp community. We will play sports, make some art, play some drums, have some light fare and drinks, and share some memories!
Date: Saturday, May 7, 2011
Time: 3-6:00pm
Location: Militia Hill Pavillion in Fort Washington State Park, 500 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington, PA 19034
Map: Al-Bustan Camp Reunion Site
What to bring: a snack or drink to share
Questions: contact us or call 267-809-3668.
Our theme this summer is the Arts, Culture, and Environment of LEBANON. . .
Al-Bustan is pleased to host acclaimed Lebanese composer, oud master, and singer MARCEL KHALIFE in Philadelphia on March 13, 2011.
Marcel Khalife’s work and longstanding contributions globally and in the Arab world will be honored in a concert led by Al-Bustan’s Music Director Hanna Khoury, featuring a large ensemble of singers and instrumentalists performing a selection of Khalife’s repertoire. This concert will be Khalife’s introduction to the Philadelphia community. He will return next year as he tours with his Al-Mayadine Ensemble to perform at the Kimmel Center.
Featured performers:
• Philadelphia Arab Music Ensemble
• Moffet, Northeast, Motivation, and Science Leadership Academy Schools
• Wilmington Children’s Chorus
Date: Sunday, March 13, 2011
Time: 4:30pm
Location: Trinity Center for Urban Life at 22nd and Spruce Street in Center City, Philadelphia
Admission: $30/person tickets
Trinity Center’s Great Hall seats about 330 people. Seating is general admission. We encourage purchasing your tickets in advance via paypal or a check sent by mail to Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, 526 South 46th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143.
Upon receipt of payment, we will mail tickets to you up until March 9th, after which you can pick up your tickets at the lobby.
Questions? Contact Al-Bustan or call 267-809-3668.
