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Arts/Entertainment

“Connect with Your Roots”: 40 Minutes with Firas Zreik

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Firas Zreik’s musical journey is one of passion, tradition, and exploration. A Palestinian composer and qanun player, he blends the rich sounds of Arabic music with influences from jazz and beyond. Raised in a family of musicians, Firas was immersed in music from a young age, which … Continued

The Moon Sets on Eid, Abdel Halim’s Music Shines Too

Yara Marei/ Arab America Contributing Writer “To the same place we go, in the cycle of a lifetime, we are lost, in the cycle of a lifetime…” With these timeless lyrics, Abdel Halim Hafez’s voice transcends generations, stirring emotions of love, longing, and fate. His melodies bring back memories of past Eids, family gatherings, festive … Continued

Nasri Shamseddine’s Voice Lives On: A Tribute from His Loved Ones

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Content Writer Nasri Shamseddine was a renowned Lebanese singer and actor. He was celebrated for his deep, resonant voice and significant contributions to Lebanese folk music and was a longtime collaborator with musicians across the Middle East. He performed in musicals, plays, and films that captured the essence of … Continued

Pathbreakers of Arab America—Amos Muzyad Yaqoob Kairouz—aka Danny Thomas

This is the seventy-seventh of Arab America’s series on American pathbreakers of Arab descent. The series includes personalities from entertainment, business, sports, science, arts, academia, journalism, and politics, among other areas. Our seventy-seventh pathbreaker, Danny Thomas, American actor, singer, nightclub comedian, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, was born to Lebanese Syrian immigrant parents. Contributing writer, John Mason highlights Danny’s role as a hugely popular entertainer, only matched by his lifelong dedication to his charity, St. Jude. He died in 1991.

The Timeless Charm of Al-Karak

By: Yara Marei / Arab America Contributing writer Long ago, in the heart of Jordan, a city stood tall on the hills, Al-Karak. It was a place of kings and warriors, where battles were fought and history was made. A mighty castle was at the center of it all, watching over the land for centuries. … Continued

“Music as an Escape”: 40 Minutes with Sommer Forrester

By: Layan Srour / Arab America Contributing Writer Sommer Forrester’s journey through music and identity is one of blending cultures, disciplines, and personal resilience. Sommer is an associate professor at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, where she leads the music education program. Raised on a rich tapestry of Arabic music and Western classical influences, she … Continued

Celebrating Pathbreakers for National Arab American Heritage Month

By: Arwa Almasaari / Arab America Contributing Writer Dr. John Mason has launched a series celebrating Arab American pathbreakers across various fields, from entertainment and business to science, academia, and politics. This initiative highlights the rich diversity of Arab Americans—men and women from different ancestral backgrounds making an impact in a wide range of professions. … Continued

Artists and Filmmakers Redefining Identity and Modernity

By: Fedal Hanoun / Arab America Contributing Writer The globe has historically benefited greatly from the intellectual, artistic, and cultural contributions made by the Middle East. A thriving generation of artists and filmmakers from the area has surfaced in recent decades, drawing attention from all over the world with their examinations of modernity, identity, and … Continued

You’ll Never Believe What’s Happening in Saudi Arabia

By Yara Marei / Arab America contributing writer. The lights of Riyadh sparkled like never before, casting a golden glow over the bustling city as crowds gathered to witness a season unlike any other. From the grand stages of youth innovation to the red carpets of global fashion, Riyadh Season 2024 transformed the Saudi capital … Continued

The Rahbani Brothers: The Architects of Fairuz’s Legacy

By: Fedal Hanoun / Arab America Contributing Writer People frequently refer to Fairuz, the legendary Lebanese vocalist, as the “Voice of the Arab World.” Her divine voice, combined with her meaningful lyricism and captivating songs, has resonated with audiences for decades. The Rahbani brothers, Asad and Mansour, contributed their brilliance and creativity to her exceptional … Continued

The Value of Traditional Arabic Music in the U.S.

By: Sami Abu Shumays / Arab America Contributing Writer I’ll never forget a conversation I had around 15 or 16 years ago when flying cross-country to perform. A chatty middle-aged white woman sat next to me on the first leg of my flight, engaging me in small talk.  Eventually she asked what I did for … Continued

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