Award-winning historian and journalist William Dalrymple delivers a masterful account of the infamous First Anglo-Afghan War, drawing striking similarities between the West's first disastrous entanglement with Afghanistan and the situation today.

With access to newly discovered primary sources from archives in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia and India—including a series of previously untranslated Afghan epic poems and biographies—the author gives us the most immediate and comprehensive account yet of the spectacular first battle for Afghanistan. Read a Guardian review. LCC members should RSVP with the LCC at 323.413.2001 or rsvp@levantinecenter.org.

This special edition features headliner Aron Kader in his first Sultans appearance after touring with the Axis of Evil Comedy Tour. If you love to laugh, you'll dig this show with its satirical insights on the Middle East and fresh perspectives on American and Middle Eastern life. The revolving cast features Aron Kader, Fahim Anwar, Maria Shehata, Nasry Malak, Ara Basil and Mike Batayeh. The Sultans of Satire is the longest-running Middle Eastern stand-up comedy show in the U.S. Features some of the best young stand-up comedians today who just happen to be of Arab, Lebanese, Palestinian, Egyptian, Iranian and Afghan heritage from diverse faiths. Tickets/info 323.413.2001. Watch video clips at sultansofsatire.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

For inquiries, please contact Lulwa Bordcosh or Kameron Myles

310.657.5511

GALLERY DEVOTED TO THE MIDDLE EAST HOSTS MULTI-MEDIA ART EXHIBIT HONORING THE MUSICAL HERITAGE OF CENTRAL AND SOUTH ASIA

[Los Angeles-January 24, 2013] From Feb. 2-March 15, the Levantine Cultural Center's Inside/Outside Gallery presents "The Art of Music" by Adnan Hussain. The multi-media exhibition, with an artist's reception on Feb. 2, 7-10 pm, and concert dates on Feb. 8 and Feb. 22, both at 8 pm, will feature Hussain's paintings, along with music and film inspired by the cultural heritage of Central and South Asia.

The Levantine Cultural Center's Inside/Outside Gallery is pleased to present Adnan Hussain's one-person show, "The Art of Music," with deejayed music featuring Central Asian music on Feb. 2 (Kyrgyzstan, Uyghurs), live music on Feb. 8 (Uzbekistan and Mongolia) and a film/deejay/tables on Feb. 22 (Pakistan). Inspired by travels through Central and South Asia, "The Art of Music" features watercolor, gouache and ink pieces of music from Kyrgyzstan, Uyghurs from China, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia. Enjoy art, live performances, screenings and connect to cultures across language and borders through the beauty of music. 

On Saturday, February 2, the Levantine Cultural Center's Inside/Outside Gallery is pleased to offer an Artist's Reception for Adnan Hussain's one-person show, "The Art of Music," with deejayed music featuring Kyrgyzstan and the Uyghurs of China. There is no cover and the event is free to the public. Inspired by travels through Central and South Asia, "The Art of Music" features watercolor, gouache and ink pieces of music from Kyrgyzstan, Uyghurs from China, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia. Enjoy art, live performances, screenings and connect to cultures across language and borders through the beauty of music. There will be additional evenings of live music on Feb. 8 (Uzbekistan and Mongolia) and Feb. 22 (Pakistan).

14-year-old Pakistani schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai became a worldwide cause célèbre for her activism on behalf of girls' education when in October 2012, she was shot in the head and neck in a Taliban assassination attempt. Malala survived the attack and has become an international symbol of freedom. Her case is only the tip of the iceberg, however, because in other parts of Pakistan getting an education is still an act of defiance. Academy-Award winning director Hemal Trivedi will present her short documentary, Shabeena's Quest, and talk about Shabeena, a remarkable school principal, and her quest to bring education to the children, particularly the young girls, living in the shadow of the Taliban, in Pakistan's Islamabad region. Doors 7 pm, screening 7:30 pm, Q & A 8:15 to 9 pm.

[Monday December 10, 2012] On Wednesday December 19th, The Levantine Cultural Center presents honored media critic and film scholar Dr. Jack G. Shaheen in an intimate discussion and forum on misleading stereotypes based on Hollywood's negative portrayal of Arabs. Shaheen will be discussing his life-long commitment to illuminate social justice, with insights into the highs and lows of his 40-year quest, including his mission to reveal and terminate these damaging Arab and Muslim stigmas.

WHO: Jack G. Shaheen, media activist
WHERE: Levantine Cultural Center, 5998 W. Pico Blvd., LA 90035, street parking.
PRICE: Free to general public
INFO/RSVPs: Levantine Cultural Center, 323.413.2001, levantinecenter.org.

[Los Angeles-Monday November 27, 2012] Beginning Saturday, December 1st, the Levantine Cultural Center presents a fascinating new exhibit based on the work of film and media scholar Dr. Jack G. Shaheen's work: A is for Arab: Stereotypes in U.S. Popular Culture.

Following the success of her debut album Lion of Panjshir, Ariana Delawari's first full-length documentary We Came Home 

POSTPONED This event has been pushed forward to January 2013. Artists for Peace features a very special performance by Tony Khalifé in an evening of mystical music and dance with influences from Lebanon, India, North Africa and beyond, with special poetry performances by Sholeh Wolpe and Sheila Vossough reciting the poetry of Ahmad Shamloo and Forough Farrokhzad in English and Farsi, also featuring The Forbidden poetry of Iran.