MARCH 16-31
at the Arab American Museum www.arabamericanmuseum.org
Adnan Charara: JUXTAPOSED
Adnan Charara (friend and neighbor to otherart.org) exhibits his unique art.
The exhibit features new artwork that explores the challenges of immigrating to the United States, and the process of becoming American. Drawing upon the firsthand experiences of an immigrant artist, this work will reflect upon the ways in which people retain their traditions while assimilating to a new culture, and how these traditions contribute to a broader American identity. These themes speak not only to the Arab American experience, but also to the experiences of a number of immigrant communities in America.
www.elff.com
www.detroitunleaded.com
MARCH 21-29
East Lansing Film Festival & the Lake Michigan Film Competition
Schedule is not yet announced but if you’re in the area check out the LMFC for my good friend Rola Nashef’s entry and the best short around Detroit Unleaded
MARCH 29-APRIL 1st
DIWAN: A Forum for the Arts
Annual artists conference at the Arab museum I was part of it last year, now I’ll just relax and enjoy it
Diwan unites Arab-American artists, scholars and performers from throughout the United States, representing myriad academic fields and artistic genres. Activities include presentation of new research into Arab-American arts; poetry and prose readings; film screenings, and musical performances. This three-day dialogue reinforces AANM’s commitment to providing a place for community members and artists to meet, exchange ideas and exhibit their work. It also encourages audiences to explore the boundaries of art in addressing social and cultural issues related to Arab Americans and to the community at large.
www.marcelkhalife.com
APRIL 5th
Global Thursdays: Marcel Khalife with Absolute Ensemble
My fifth Marcel concert going with about 20 friends. This one may already be sold out.
Orchestra Hall at the Max M. Fisher Music Center
One night only! Global Thursdays moves to the Max M. Fisher Music Center as AANM and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra present Marcel Khalife with Absolute Ensemble at Orchestra Hall. Khalife is renowned for his signature blend of poetry and lyricism, while Absolute has made a career of crossing musical boundaries.
www.rawi.org
MAY 17-20
RAWI 2nd National Conference
I’ll be speaking on a panel there. Arab writers, my kind of group, I think I’ll join. the Radius of Arab American Writers, Inc. - is organizing its second national conference in Dearborn, Michigan on May 17-20, 2007 at the Arab American National Museum. The conference welcomes RAWI members and others who are interested in engaging in the Arab American literary community. The conference will provide a venue to present our writings and ideas to one another and to the Detroit and Arab communities. Our gathering will offer an opportunity for colleagues to share strategies for publishing and circulating our work and also for confronting academic, community, and political barriers.
JUNE 22-24
www.alliedmediaconference.com
9th Annual Allied Media Conference
Otherart.org participated last year at Bowling Green, now it’s on our turf, should be great. Tower was designed by a fellow Otherite Joe Namy www.olivetones.com
The Allied Media Conference is an annual, weekend-long gathering of influential alternative media-makers and committed social justice activists, a unique cross-section of media workers, community organizers, daring filmmakers, ambitious radio producers, serious publishers, skilled web designers, and artists whose work makes revolution irresistible. This year's theme focuses on participatory media that transforms the producer and receiver, "Breaking Silence, Building Movements."
JUNE 15-17
12th Annual Arab International Festival
I’ve covered this event every year, it’s exhausting. But you’ll see people from all over the world and reunite with old friends.
The estimated number of visitors is 300,000 filling about a mile of Warren Ave. for three days. The usual festival atmosphere with an Arab-America flare.
