YallaBoston.com

Visit our new site!

2012-11-23T08:20:00.001-05:00

We have our new website and directory up and running! Be sure to visit the new home of YallaBoston!

www.yallaboston.com

Rania Matar Photo Exhibition - Dec 2nd

2012-11-20T09:13:00.004-05:00

Save the Date: Rania Matar Photo Exhibition

Please save the date for Rania Matar's "a girl and her room". Rania will be discussing the project and signing books. A brief reception will follow.

The Center for Arabic Culture

Arts at the Armory suite 6B

191 Highland Avenue, Somerville

December 2, 2012 5-7 p.m.

Harvard Arab Weekend - Nov 8-11th

2012-11-01T13:14:00.000-04:00

Boston Palestine Film Festival - Oct 5-13

2012-09-16T22:16:00.002-04:00

"The 6th annual Boston Palestine Film Festival runs October 5-13, 2012"

Highlights: Habibi, 10/5, with director Susan Youssef attending;

The People and the Olive, 10/7, with director Aaron Dennis attending;

The War Around Us, with director Abdallah Omeish attending, 10/13;

and a live concert by the Ali Amr Quartet, 10/13.

Visithttp://www.bostonpalestinefilmfest.org/ for more information."

"Whispered Tales" - September 21st

2012-09-16T22:00:00.002-04:00

Join us on Friday, September 21st for an evening of Whispered Tales- an intimate,

funny and heart warming compilation of stories from Lebanon by storytellers, Sabine

Choucair and Chantal Mailhac. Purchase tickets online, HERE or by phone at 877.222.9740.

"Dean Obeidallah For VP" Comedy Show - October 7th

2012-08-24T19:45:00.001-04:00

"Dean Obeidallah is an award winning comedian who has appeared on numerous US and international TV shows including Comedy Central’s “Axis of Evil” special, ABC’s “The View,” “Comics Unleashed,” NBC’s “Rock Center,” MSNBC’s “Up with Chris Hayes,” Current TV’s “The Young Turks,” and can be seen weekly on CNN offering comedic commentary on political and topical issues. He has been featured in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, TIme magazine and The Wall Street Journal. He also writes weekly opinion articles for CNN.com."

"Dean was awarded the “Spirit of Bill Hicks” award by the NY Underground Comedy Festival and the Hicks family for “thought provoking comedy.”

He is co-director/co-star of the soon to be released documentary “The Muslims Are Coming!” which also features The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart, MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, comedians Lewis Black, David Cross, Janeane Garofalo, Colin Quinn and more."

"Dean has performed stand up across the US and Middle East. His website is www.deanofcomedy.com and on twitter follow him @deanofcomedy."

"The San Francisco Weekly wrote: “Dean Obeidallah is a gruff-voiced, shoot-from-the-hip New Yorker…fresh and clever.”

The Washington Post called Dean: “an angsty Arab Chris Rock.”

Click Here For Tickets:

"Marcel Khalife - Fall of the Moon" - May 5th

2012-04-10T11:00:00.000-04:00

May 5th, 2012 @ 8 pm
Berklee Performance Center
Tickets Now On Sale

"Lebanese Master Marcel Khalifé will perform the prophetic poems of the Arab World’s most renowned and beloved poet, Mahmoud Darwish, in tribute to the Arab Spring.

The poetry of Mahmoud Darwish (www.mahmouddarwish.com), the melodies of Marcel Khalife (www.marcelkhalife.com), resonating across the Arab world from the Middle East to North Africa, resounding above the din of conflict and poverty, singing instead of the shade of grapevines, the bright eyes of loved ones, the heartache of divisions and decline that could be healed, love that could be returned.

Marcel Khalifé, Lebanese master of the oud (Arabic lute), evokes this world, honoring the spirit of his late friend and associate Mahmoud Darwish a strikingly original Palestinian poet born in Palestine whose poetry has been translated to more than 25 languages worldwide and extensively published in the US. Khalifé’s new concert program, In the Presence of Absence: An Homage to Mahmoud Darwish, revisits and re-imagines the ties that bound these two powerful advocates of Arab culture, one that weaves the rich complexities of its great history, the diversity of its cultures with the humanity and longing of today and deeply expressed by the dawn of the current monumental Arab spring sweeping the Arab world."

Marcel Khalife is the recipient of many awards, including the UNESCO AArtist for Peace Award. His official Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marcel-Khalife/6930873077. [ByCAC - Source]

Dinner & Cultural Conversation Series - March 31st

2012-03-03T10:10:00.000-05:00

Iraqi Culture in Focus

Join the Center for Arabic Culture on Saturday, March 31st, 5-7:30pm as we celebrate Iraqi culture with an evening filled with Iraqi cuisine, music by Ali Amr of Berklee College of Music, literature, and art.

Program:
5pm
Appetizers and Dinner

6pm
Reading by Nawal Nasrallah

6:30pm
Musical performance by Ali Amr

7pm
Reading by Shakir Mustafa

Image courtesy of Iman al-Karimi

Center for Arabic Culture
191 Highland Avenue, 2nd Floor
Somerville, MA 02139

Kindly RSVP to info@cacboston.org by March 22nd.

Suggested Donation: $10

Proudly co-sponsored by:
Northeastern University World Languages Center, Iraqi American Communtiy Center in Lowell, and the Iraqi Student Project

[source]

NAAP-Boston "Second Sunday Social - Movie Night"

2012-03-03T09:56:00.002-05:00

Join NAAP-Boston for the March Second Sunday Social on

March 11th!

Our plan this month is to enjoy a nice afternoon at the movies, and then grab a hot cup of coffee and a bite to eat afterwards. We will be meeting at AMC Loews - Boston Common around 4:00 pm. After the movie, we will be heading over to the Black Seed Cafe for some delicious food and great company. We are planning on watching the movie Safe House.

So come one, come all, and join us for a fun evening of movie and socializing with some familiar friends and new friends.

AMC Loews
175 Tremont StreetBoston, MA 02111

Black Seed Cafe
131 Tremont StreetBoston, MA 02111

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Tarek Abu-Jbarah at (313) 213-5536 or thaj79@hotmail.com

FACEBOOK EVENT

We look forward to seeing you all.

NAAP-Boston Team.

Save House Trailer

Middle Eastern Music Festival

2012-02-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

Christiane Karam

Monday, March 12, 2012, 8:15 p.m.

Berklee Performance Center

136 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston MA 02115 [Map]

Admission: $15, $10 reserved seating

The Middle Eastern Music Festival is a celebrated annual event that joins gifted artists from the Middle East and the Balkans with students from all over the world to perform traditional and inspiring music from these homelands. [source] Buy Tickets

Maz Jobrani Comedy Show - March 10th

2012-02-18T12:30:00.001-05:00

Comedian Maz Jobrani will be performing at the Wilbur Theater on March 10th! You can also visit his website www.mazjobrani.com for more information.

Click For Tickets

"Maz Jobrani is best known as a founding member of the Axis of Evil Comedy Tour, which featured some of the top Middle Eastern-American comics in the world. The Axis of Evil Comedy Central Special premiered in 2007 as the first show on American TV with an all Middle Eastern/American cast...." [source]

"Leilet Omr" A Celebration of the Middle East - February 17th

2012-02-17T12:35:00.001-05:00

Northeastern University's Arab Student Association is hosting "Leilet Omr: A Celebration of the Middle East" tomorrow, Friday February 17th from 7pm till 10pm at the Curry Student Center ballroom at Northeastern. The event is free and open to the public. FACEBOOK EVENT

Arabic Music of the Near East - March 3rd

2012-02-15T19:30:00.000-05:00

The Tufts Takht Ensemble presents a music concert for children and families.

"We are pleased to announce a concert for children and families featuring Tufts Takht, the Arabic Music Ensemble, on Saturday, March 3rd, 2012 at 1pm on the Medford-Somerville Campus of Tufts University."

For more information call:

(617) 627-3679

SHARQ Arabic Ensemble - February 13th

2012-02-09T20:55:00.000-05:00

The SHARQ Arabic Music Ensemble was created by Egyptian musician Karim Nagi in 1999. The word "Sharq" means "East" in the Arabic language. The group presents traditional Arabic vocal and instrumental music, performing on traditional acoustic instruments. The ensemble also performs 20th century classics from Egypt and Syria, plus regional Arabic folklore from North Africa and the Eastern Arab countries. The focus of the group has always been to revive the repertoire, style and presentation of Arab music.

Karim Nagi, a native of Cairo, is a master percussionist and proponent of traditional Arab folkloric dance who performs all over the world. Aboud Agha is the lead vocalist and Oud (Arab lute) player, originally from Aleppo Syria. Agha was a premier concert vocalist in the Boston area who is now pursuing a graduate degree in ethnomusicology at Northern Illinois University. The ensemble is completed by Boujemaa Razgui from Marrakech Morocco. Razgui is a multi instrumentalist who has had careers in Morocco, France, Canada, prior to joining the Sharq Ensemble.

The ensemble has performed all over the country in outdoor festivals, colleges and universities, clubs and concert halls. The Sharq ensemble's outreach not only provides audiences a look at the rich musical background of the Arab world but also serves as a cultural bridge that connects people of diverse communities. [source]

Tickets are $15 general/$10 non-Salem State students and seniors. The performance is in the Recital Hall at 7:30pm.

Purchase online at: salemstatetickets.com Tickets will be sold at the door the night of the concert.

Free with Salem State student ID.

Sanabil Books

2012-02-09T19:26:00.002-05:00

Where is Yasmine?

I came across a new website recently, called Sanabil Books, an online bookstore dedicated to educational Arabic books and DVD's for children. They are an exclusive distributor of children books written by Rania Zaghir and you can read more about her here.

What's nice is that Sanabil Books is a local company out of Worcester whose mission is bringing hand-picked quality books from the Middle East. These will make great gifts for kids!

www.sanabilbooks.com

From their About page:

"SanabilBooks is a unique bookstore dedicated to Arabic books and educational DVDs for children.

We are a growing business, created to fill a gap in the market of Arabic children books. Our goal is to empower children through art and story. We offer books that encourage children to make time for make-believe, let their imaginations run wild and free, while learning and growing at the same time. We searched the middle eastern market for original books with beautiful art and meaningful stories, and we present to you in our store hand-picked original creations that are sure to engage, educate and entertain your little ones."

Dunya Ensemble - February 24th

2012-02-09T19:01:00.000-05:00

The Dunya Ensemble will be performing at the Grandoff Music Center at Tufts' University on February 24th. The Ensemble is a concert entitled "lki Cihan Arasinda Between Two Worlds - Turkey's West, Within,," including music by Tufts faculty member Kareem Roustom.

When: February 24th

Time: 8:00pm

Where: Distiller Performance Hall at the Grandoff Music Center

Tufts Medford/Somerville campus at 20 Talbot Avenue.

Tickets are free with a Tufts I.D. and $10 for general admission.

For more information, please visit our website or

Call the Granoff Music Center Box Office at 617.627.3679 to purchase tickets.

Hafli - February 11th

2012-02-09T18:35:00.001-05:00

Celebrate St. Valentine's Day early at Lombardo's in Randolph on February 7th. This event is hosted by St. Theresa Church of Brockton.

Admission includes Lebanese Mezza, Dinner and a music performance by Nicolas Osta!

Admission $70 - $85 - $100

For more information contact the Church rectory at (508) 586-1428

Dinner is served promptly at 9:00pm

Lombardo's
6 Billings Street
Randolph, MA

NAAP-Boston 2012 New Year Dinner

2012-01-11T19:08:00.001-05:00

NAAP Boston is hosting a New Year dinner at Masa Restaurant with dinner, music, a raffle and Arab trivia!

On Sunday, January 22nd, join the NAAP-Boston board in celebrating the end of the holiday season and the beginning of 2012 with dinner, music, Arab trivia games and raffle. Each year NAAP-Boston hosts an amazing New Year party that brings together old friends and forms new friendships, this year is no different!

Networking: 7 pm – 8 pm
Dinner, music and games: 8 pm – 11:30pm

Tickets:

Early Bird Ticket $55 (Bought by Jan. 13th)
Student Tickets $50 (With a valid student ID at the door)
Regular Admission Tickets $60 (After Jan. 13th and at Door)

To RSVP and purchase your tickets, please visit:
http://conta.cc/w4PKBp

Please purchase your tickets before January 20th, 2012
Please note: RSVP through Facebook is not valid without payment. Visit our Facebook event for more details.

We look forward to seeing you there to help us celebrate the New Year is style!

If you have any questions please contact:

Tarek Abu-Jbarah
e-mail: thaj79@hotmail.com
Phone: (313) 213-5536

ARABIZED

2012-01-11T14:20:00.000-05:00

Karim Nagi presents ARABIZED

Febuary 10th, 2012

@ 8pm - Center for Arabic Culture

"Arabized is a mash of civilizations, featuring Arab music, folk dance, and oration. Karim Nagire-imagines the Arab tradition, performing acrobatic sufi drumming, Saidi cane dances, and soulful buzuq taqasim, all within a greater story. But this is not a simple cultural showcase. Karim, through futuristic remixing, animated oration, and the mashing of Arab and famous Western songs, a unique theatrical experience is made. He will perform his original works including the melodic “Flying Heavy for Egypt”, the percussive opus “Ya Haggar”, his dance choreography of “Al-Harb Ma’ Al-Rouah” and his finger cymbal a cappella “Cymbalisms”. Nagi will also perform songs from his newest CD “ARABIZED” which includes Arabic versions of famous songs by Mozart, Rossini, and Latino and Asian traditions." [read more]

www.karimnagi.com

"Intercultural Mixer - Moroccan Night"

2012-01-10T23:21:00.000-05:00

Here's an event hosted by AIC next week:

"Happy New Year Everyone! Don't miss the debut "Intercultural Mixer" of 2012! This month's networking event is themed "Maghreb Nights" and features the arts and culture of Morocco. Highlights include Moroccan drumming, dancing, and a photo exhibit by Brandeis University'sWajida Syed. Enjoy light refreshments, stunning views of Boston, and hip crowd."

Advanced tickets are only $5.00 and are available at:
http://interculturalmixer2.eventbrite.com/

We look forward seeing you and welcome any help and suggestions to make our event event better.
Yalla!

Lebanese Night! - Jan 27th

2012-01-09T14:32:00.001-05:00

Come join the BU Lebanese Club for our

7th annual

Lebanese Night!

LIVE music by Tarek Abd Elhai and band, FULL Lebanese buffet,

and belly dance performance!

Friday, Jan. 27th at 8:30-1:30 pm

GSU Metcalf Hall (775 Comm. Ave)

Please contact us at Lebanese@bu.edu to reserve tickets

FB event: http://www.facebook.com/events/228431770567337/

Histories of Now: Six Artists from Cairo

2012-01-05T12:42:00.003-05:00

January 18–March 17, 2012

"Opening during the one year anniversary of the first mass protests in Tahrir Square, "Histories of Now: Six Artists from Cairo" brings together work by some of the most inspiring and influential video and new media artists working in Egypt today, including a multi-channel video installation by the late Ahmed Basiony featured in the Egyptian Pavilion of the 54th Venice Biennale."

"This exhibition is an intimate investigation of the complex social framework and collective formal engagements currently being explored by Egyptian artists. With many of these artists exhibiting in the northeast region of the United States for the first time, "Histories of Now" introduces viewers to the diversity of voices, concerns and approaches—both material and conceptual—found in today's Cairo; six artists presenting six contrasting visions, united only by context, creative discipline and geographic proximity."

"Read more about the artists: Mohamed Abla, Ahmed Basiony, Hala Elkoussy, Shady El Noshokaty, Sabah Naim, Moataz Nasr"

[source]

RELATED EVENTS

January 23, 6–8 pm
Grossman Gallery + Anderson Auditorium, SMFA
Opening reception (Free)

January 25, 6:30 pm
Remis Auditorium, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Shady El Noshokaty: Contemporary Art and the New Egyptian Identity, a multimedia lecture and performance.
$15, MFA members, students, seniors; $18, non-members

January 31, 12:30
Alfond Auditorium, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Screening of Nadia Kamel's film Salata Baladi (An Egyptian Salad)
Award-winning Egyptian filmmaker Nadia Kamel's heritage is a complex blend of religions and cultures. Her
mother is a half-Jewish, half-Italian Christian who converted to Islam when she married Nadia's half-Turkish,
half-Ukrainian father. Prompted by the realization that her 10-year-old nephew Nabeel is growing up in an
Egyptian society where talk of culture clashes is all too common, she urges her feminist, pacifist, activist mother,
Mary Rosenthal, to share their diverse family history. (Free with Museum admission)

February 9, 12–2 pm
Alfond Auditorium, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Screening of Tahani Rached's film These Girls (El-Banate Dol)
This documentary follows a band of teenage girls living on the streets of Cairo. Already at a disadvantage as
impoverished and abused girls in a Muslim society, they encounter rape, drug addiction, prostitution, pregnancy
and motherhood on the streets. While the girls' troubles are not downplayed, neither are their courage, playfulness
and vibrant camaraderie. (Free with Museum admission)

February 21, 12:30 pm
Alfond Auditorium, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Lecture with participating artist, Mohamed Abla (Free with Museum admission)

Introduction to Arabic Calligraphy

2012-01-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

Arabic Calligraphy

This course will strenghten and further develop participants Arabic calligraphy technique and broaden their exposure of other scripts. Students will be provided with persistent hands-on practice including in-class practice, individual/group instruction, and take-home assignments as well. This course will combine lectures with visual materials, discussion of reading and/or visual evidence, and hands-on practice with bamboo and ink.

Photo Credit: Leona M. Merk Photography

Time: 6:00PM-7:30PM, Thursdays, 1/19-2/23
Tuition: $120
Material Cost: $10 (expected cost to be incurred by students for materials)
Instructor: Wafaa Alshimrty
Prerequisites: Prior knowledge of the Arabic alphabet is requested.
Location: Center for Arabic Culture located at the Armory, 191 Highland Avenue, 6B, Somerville, MA
To Register click, here

NYE 2012

2011-12-28T09:27:00.001-05:00

Still thinking about New Years Eve plans? Here's a couple places that are having a bash!

Byblos Restaurant

"Come join us celebrating the arrival of 2012 at Byblos Norwood. Amazing mezzah that includes the famous Byblos mezzah added to that the shrimp cocktail and smoked salmon, the main course is filet mignon with mushroom sauce and the famous chicken hashwee, the toast of champagne, the midnight favors, the free valet parking. Tax and gratuity included, a full live Arabic band of George Maalouf, 2 belly dancers, a DJ, all for $125 all inclusive per person!"

Al Wadi Restaurant

Sahara Social Club

Lebanese Night @ BU

2011-12-17T22:19:00.000-05:00

Annual "Lebanese Night" Hafli

January 27th

GSU Metcalf Hall

Boston University

775 Commonwealth Ave, Boston

@ 8:30pm

- Details to follow -

Hosted by the BU Lebanese Club