Laith Al-Saadi, Arab American Artist to Perform at Dearborn, Michigan's Homecoming Festival
BY: Andrew Hansen/Contributing Writer
At this year’s annual Homecoming Festival on August 5-7, 2016 in Dearborn, Michigan, local festivalgoers are in for a quite a show as they welcome native Michigander and Arab American musical performer, Laith Al-Saadi.
Al-Saadi was a top performer on the hit music competition television series The Voice, and was specially commended for his fantastic cover of ‘The Letter’ by the Boxtops by multiple celebrity coaches such as Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. Yet, Al-Saadi’s authentic style and musical ingenuity classifies this artist as far more than an overnight sensation.
Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Al-Saadi possesses a past filled with musical enrichment. From joining the Boys Choir of Ann Arbor at 4 years old and picking up the guitar at age 13, Al-Saadi’s childhood was one based on musical exploration and personal growth. Remembering his Iraqi born father frequently listening to Arab classical during his childhood, Laith asserts that his style couldn’t be more different from that of classical Middle Eastern music. Yet, while it is important for Laith to point out the differences between his styles of music and the tastes of his father, Laith never forgets his Arab roots.
In an interview with Detroit Metro Times, Laith remarked that, “particularly in the improvisational areas, I really like the sound of a lot of Middle Eastern scales. I do try to incorporate elements of that, if it’s just an inflection or, you know … I listen to quite a bit of it. I wouldn’t say I listen to it a ton, but I grew up on [Lebanese singer] Fairuz. I don’t listen to Arabic music more than I listen to Indian music, but I certainly enjoy Middle Eastern music.”
Whichever style his audiences prefer, his listeners agree that because of his rich heritage, Laith is able to bring a rejuvenating, cutting-edge style to his musical conquests.
Mr. Al-Saadi’s performance at this year’s Dearborn Homecoming Festival is highly anticipated considering the transient times America is going through with its Arab American population. Considering global issues like the refugee crisis and threats of extremist groups, countless Arab Americans have found themselves victims to renewed prejudices and discrimination. Yet, Laith’s performance intends to illustrate the harmonious relationship between Arab culture and America, highlighted by Laith’s unique blend of musical styles. Arab American performers like Laith Al-Saadi prove that someone can embody a rich Arab heritage alongside the totality of the American spirit.