Arab American Comedian Yasmine Elhady to Perform at National Arab American Heritage Month Signature Event, April 16, 2026

posted on: Mar 11, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(WASHINGTON, DC) March 11, 2026 — On Thursday, April 16th, Arab American comedian Yasmin Ehjdy will perform at the ninth annual National Arab American Heritage Month Signature Event at Belle Haven Country Club, 6023 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA. This year’s theme, “Many Voices, One Community,” celebrates the diversity of Arab American identities while affirming the shared values that unite us.

Yasmin Elhady is a comedian, attorney, and host of Hulu’s Muslim Matchmaker, where she brings humor, heart, and authenticity to the search for love and connection. Born in Egypt and raised in Alabama, Yasmin draws on her unique life experiences to deliver sharp, insightful comedy about faith, culture, identity, immigration, and motherhood. Her work blends storytelling and social commentary, creating performances that are both hilarious and thought-provoking.

Yasmin has toured internationally and performed at prestigious venues, including The Kennedy Center. She has appeared on NBC’s True Story with Ed Helms and Randall Park, Netflix Is a Joke Radio, NPR, and The Washington Post Live. She was also a finalist in the national “Yes, And… Laughter Lab,” which recognizes comedians using humor for social change.

In addition to her work in entertainment, Yasmin is a passionate advocate for refugees and women’s empowerment. She holds a J.D. from UCLA and a Master of Public Administration from Princeton University.

Since launching National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM) in 2017, AAF has hosted this annual signature gathering to honor the invaluable contributions of Arab Americans through culture, leadership, and community celebration. The evening brings together civic leaders, professionals, artists, and advocates for an elegant black-tie celebration featuring authentic Arab cuisine, music, dance, and storytelling.

In addition to comedian Yasmin Elhady, the evening will be emceed by Emmy Award-winning journalist Ameera David, with musical performances by renowned vocalists Usama Baalbaki and Nibal Malshi. Guests will also enjoy music by DJ Basbousa, a DC-based Arab pop culture curator, and traditional folkloric performances by the Faris El-Layl Dance Troupe.

A highlight of the evening will be “The Golden Era of Arab Music: An Evening of Timeless Arab Classics,” a curated 45-minute tribute to the luminous sounds of the Arab world from the 1950s through the 1970s. Through beloved melodies and orchestral elegance, the program honors legends including Abdel Halim Hafez, Farid Al-Atrache, Warda Al-Jazairia, Mohammed Abdel Wahab, Sherifa Fadel, Fairuz, Sabah Fakhri, Wadih El Safi, and Sabah — voices that shaped a cultural renaissance and defined a generation.

“National Arab American Heritage Month is about celebrating the richness of who we are — our diversity, our resilience, and our shared future,” said Warren David, President of Arab America. “At a time when misunderstanding and exclusion persist, this gathering affirms our place in the American story and strengthens our collective voice as one community.”

As Arab Americans face exclusion from diversity initiatives and discriminatory rhetoric, this event serves as an important platform to affirm identity, celebrate contributions, and counter harmful narratives. It is an opportunity to promote inclusion, challenge misconceptions, and elevate Arab American voices nationwide.

For Tickets and Information, CLICK HERE

For Sponsorship Information, CLICK HERE

National Arab American Heritage Month Signature Event

Speakers and Performers

Usama Baalbaki

Usama Baalbaki is a Lebanese American vocalist, composer, and cultural leader dedicated to preserving and promoting Arab musical heritage. Born in Kuwait, he began studying music at age eight, learning the oud and accordion, and by twelve was performing on the Kuwaiti children’s television program Mamma Anisa. After moving to the United States in 1987, Baalbaki built a distinguished career performing across the country and sharing the stage with renowned artists, including Tony Bennett. He portrayed composer Mohamed Abdel Wahab in Tawfik Hakim’s play Rasasa fi al Qalb and received the AMAL Award for Best Arab American Vocalist. He is co-founder and Chairman of the National Arab Orchestra.

Nibal Malshi

Nibal Malshi is an extraordinary Palestinian artist born in the vibrant city of Haifa. Since age five, Nibal has enchanted audiences worldwide, drawing inspiration from revered Arab artists and gracing prestigious stages across her homeland, Europe, and the USA, including the renowned Institut de Monte Arab in Paris. A proud Academy of Music and Dance graduate in Jerusalem, Nibal’s artistry knows no bounds. From captivating dance workshops in Ramallah to inspiring collaborations in Germany to numerous concert performances in the U.S., she spreads harmony and unity through her music.

Yasmeen Elhady

Yasmin Elhady is a comedian, attorney, and host of Hulu’s Muslim Matchmaker, where she connects hearts with humor and authenticity. Born in Egypt and raised in Alabama, she brings a sharp, insightful comedic voice to conversations about faith, culture, identity, and motherhood. Yasmin has toured internationally, performed at The Kennedy Center, and appeared on NBC’s True Story with Ed Helms and Randall Park, Netflix Is a Joke Radio, NPR, and The Washington Post Live. A finalist in the “Yes, And… Laughter Lab,” she is also a passionate advocate for refugees and women’s empowerment. Yasmin holds a J.D. from UCLA and an M.P.A. from Princeton.

Ameera David

Ameera David is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and former television anchor who has reported on national and international issues for major media outlets, including Sinclair Media in Washington, DC and WXYZ-TV in Detroit. Known for her thoughtful reporting and engaging storytelling, Ameera has covered politics, global affairs, and economic developments with clarity and depth. Her work has earned recognition for bringing complex issues to broad audiences. A proud Arab American, Ameera is committed to elevating diverse perspectives and fostering understanding through journalism. She frequently moderates discussions and public events, bringing insight, professionalism, and a strong voice for dialogue and community engagement.

DJ Basbousa

​DJ Basbousa is a Washington, D.C.-based Egyptian DJ, cultural anthropologist, feminist activist, designer, and curator of community events. She founded DJ Basbousa LLC, a brand that hosts dance parties, provides DJ services for private and corporate events in the DMV, and sells merchandise celebrating modern Arab pop culture. Her mission is to create safe spaces for the Arab diaspora, fostering community through music, art, and cultural events.

Faris El-Layl Folkloric Dance Troupe

The Faris El-Layl group is known for its traditional Arab line dance in many Arab countries. It’s typically performed at weddings and other festive occasions. The Faris El-Layl group has been performing across the United States and is renowned in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The group brings a taste of Arab folklore and time-honored culture with every stomp in their performance. The mission of Faris El-Layl is to inform its audience that the Arab World is more than just twenty-two Arab countries in the Middle East; it is also a culturally vibrant and art-enriched society that is proud of being united by its heritage that includes history, language, food, and, of course, music and dance.

For Tickets and Information, CLICKHERE

For Sponsorship Opportunities, CLICK HERE

About the Arab America Foundation

The Arab America Foundation (www.arabamericafoundation.org) is a nonprofit educational and cultural organization dedicated to promoting Arab heritage in the United States, educating Americans about Arab identity, and connecting and empowering Arab Americans nationwide.

For Media Inquiries

Rita Yelda / Yelda Media
ryelda@gmail.com
Mobile: 732-979-0655 / Office: 877-272-2944

Visit our blog here!