—| To inquire about placing event listings, email Calendar Editor. [Send photos as small jpegs or gifs.]
—| To learn about previous events, scroll to bottom of the page.
—| All programs free unless otherwise noted.
—| Next calendar update scheduled for June 10, 2006 |—


Local Talk Radio on Middle East Culture and Politix

For progressive talk radio on North African, Middle Eastern and South Asian culture and politix, tune in to 90.7 FM, KPFK's "Middle East in Focus" with host Don Bustany, every Wednesday 8-9 pm; and to Radio Intifada, Thursdays, 3-4 pm. Both shows invite a wide range of guests and often feature call-ins, so you can ask questions or offer your views on the topic of discussion.

Upcoming Radio Intifada schedule:

June 1: Arab/Arab American feminisms, co-hosted by Sherna Gluck and Jamila Allouane.
June 8: The Iran-Iraq war, hosted by Afshin Matin.
June 15: Special fund drive program, hosted by Nile El Wardani.
June 29: South Asia, hosted by Neel Garlapati.


June 1 (Thurs), 2:30—Elias Khoury on Bookworm, KCRW, 89.9 FM

Elias Khoury, author of Gate of the Sun (Archipelago) talks with Bookworm host Michael Silverblatt of the years he spent developing his craft and maturing as a writer in order to be worthy of his subject: the recent history of the Palestinian people. Although the novel has been declared a masterpiece and has been awarded many prizes, this is the first time Khoury explores the dark comedy and passion at the heart of his project. For a bio on Elias Khoury, who is a member of Levantine Cultural Center's national advisory board, click here. You can also listen to this interview online at kcrw.com.


June 2 (Fri), 3:30-5 pm—Poet Mohja Kahf at UCLA

"Islam at UCLA." Poet Mohja Kahf discusses Muslim American literature. The Center for Near Eastern Studies and the Center for European and Eurasian Studies, together with the Department of Sociology, offer a series of public lectures on Muslim Diaspora Communities in Europe and North America.

Mohja Kahf (University of Arkansas, Fayetteville) is Associate Professor of Comparative Literature. She is the author of "Western Representations of the Muslim Woman" (University of Texas Press, 1999) and a poetry collection, "Emails from Scheherazad" (University Press of Florida, 2003). Her forthcoming novel is about growing up Muslim in the Midwest in the seventies. More info, Peter Szanton, Center for Near Eastern Studies, 310.825.1455.

Bunche Hall Room 6275, UCLA.


June 2 (Fri), 7:30—Axis of Evil Comedy at UC Irvine

The Axis of Evil Comedy Tour comes to UC Irvine with Ahmed Ahmed, Aaron Kader and Maz Jobrani.

The Axis of Evil Comedy Show is an ongoing comedy tour started in November of 2005 in Washington D.C. Since Ahmed, Maz and Aron started the tour they have sold out theaters in D.C., San Francisco and Santa Clara. They have also done shows in Dearborn, Chicago and Los Angeles, and were featured on CNN in February and have been featured on many other magazines and news shows (including Newsweek, The Wall Street Journal and Hustler - yeah, that Hustler.) This show features Ahmed Ahmed (Punk'd), Aron Kader (Premium Blend) and Maz Jobrani (The Interpreter). As you can tell by some of the names of the comics on this tour they all have some sort of Middle Eastern background. But they're all Americans too. Their comedy encompasses all sorts of topics from politics to dating to deer. You can check out their bios and a clip on the Axis of Evil Comedy web site.

UC Irvine Campus, Social Science Lecture Hall 100 (SSLH 100).


June 3 (Sat), 6 pm—Arab Education/Empowerment Banquet Honors Guests in Anaheim

US-OMEN will honor hundreds of Arab American graduates at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim The evening's highlights include keynote speak Afif Safieh, Palestinian Ambassador to the United States; Dr. Clovis Maksoud, who is receiving a lifetime achievement award; philanthropist Adil Barakat; Suad Cano and Michael Hattar (Pioneer Award); Sudabeh Shoja (Friendship Award); and Gregory Orfalea, author of The Arab Americans, a History.

High school and college graduates will be recognized on the stage; up to ten students will receive $1,000 scholarships.

Student/graduate tickets $50, others $75. Reserve by Paypal, or call 1.888.OMEN.IS-U.


June 6 (Tues), 8:00—"Roads to You" International Orchestra with Zade at Royce Hall

Under the Patronage of Her Majesty Queen Noor of Jordan, the RoadstoYou Tour will be presenting the Gala Finale Performance of their USA Tour in Los Angeles at UCLA Royce Hall on June 6th 2006 at 8pm.

An Internationally diverse group of 35 musicians representing 20 countries is presenting an exhilarating cross-cultural concert of original musical compositions blending Eastern Arabic scales with Western contemporary influences demonstrating how music bridges the gulf between Eastern and Western civilizations.

The concert features young pianist and composer Zade, who has just released his new CD, "Beautiful World", in the U.S. Jordan's leading composer and pianist follows-up his two Billboard charting CDs with "Beautiful World", a sumptuous showing of his Middle-Eastern upbringing combined with Western contemporary influences. Featuring his original compositions performed by the region's most stellar musicians, plus two cuts by Elias Rahbani, this latest release is a lush love-letter to world music enthusiasts.

For special ticketing and preferred seating, please contact k2amersi@roadstoyou.com and visit the Roads to You website .


June 10 (Sat), 8 pm—Cairo Carnivale Features Beautiful Arab and Iranian Dances at Santa Anita

Cairo Carnivale 2006, created by Angelika Nemeth. See Armando, DaVid, Kajira Djoumahna, Lee Ali, Troupe Setareh and Angelika Nemeth and her Ensemble in a kaleidoscope of music and dance from the Middle East and beyond. Featuring classic and folkloric dances from Egypt, Kuwait, Iran and Morocco, as well as Tribal, Bollywood and Interpretive Tableaux, culminating in an explosive finale .

Santa Anita Park Race Track, outdoor patio setting, 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia CA 91066.

Tickets 310.326.7420 or buy online.

June 11 (Sun), 12 pm—Arab Picnic in Pasadena's Victory Park

The Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee- Los Angeles Chapter cordially invites members and friends to attend their first picnic to celebrate the summer of 2006 and get acquainted. Admission is free.

Bring your favorite games, music, songs, water and food. There are B.B.Q. pits, picnic tables, children's playground, restrooms and a large beautiful green area to play sports and enjoy.

Victory Park, 2575 Paloma Street, Pasadena CA 91107. Picnic Area SW # 2. For more information email Mr. Hameed Saba.


June 16 (Fri), 6:30 pm—Potluck Dinner and film "West Bank Story"

Palestine at the Workmen's Circle. A potluck dinner and screening of the Israeli/Palestinian comedy "West Bank Story." RSVPs 310.552.2007.

Workmen's Circle, 1525 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles 90034.

June 15 (Thurs), 10 pm—DJ Nader CD Party, Middle Eastern Beats/Remixes

DJ Nader is a San Francisco-based deejay and producer. His new recording is "Hizzy." The first 50 people to reserve tickets for this release party will receive a copy of the new CD.

Michael Nader Musleh — aka DJ Nader — is a jockey known for blending traditional Arabic records with Western house and hip hop beats, bridging the cultural and generational divides. His efforts have earned praise in numerous circles, as he's opened for rock, swing, soul, and electronica artists. Nader's "Arabic Hip Hop Hizzy Party" is an Arab hip-hop party. Besides being an attentive DJ, Nader knows a thing or two about throwing a party — his brother Nabiel is half of veteran S.F. promoters/restaurateurs Martel & Nabiel. Not a bad family business.

Presented by the National Association of Arab Professionals-LA at the Bungalow Club, 7174 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, 90046.. First 50 tix sold receive new DJ Nader CD.

General admission $20. Order tickets at www.wantickets.com or call 1.866.WAN.TIXX.

Visit DJ Nader at myspace.com.


June 16 (Fri), 8 pm—Element Band Plays the Ford Amphitheatre

Abkar Abkarian presents Element—one of the most exciting new groups to emerge from Los Angeles' diverse world music community. Element won the 2004 Armenian Music Awards' "Best Newcomer Album of the Year" award for their release, Yev O Phe. The concert also features comedienne Lory Tatoulian during intermission.

While some describe Element's music as "folk" because it embodies the expressions and traditional sounds of diverse cultures and styles within the Armenian diaspora, the band serves up a compelling combination of melodic rock that's harmoniously partnered with the bold yet warm sounds of the Mediterranean. More still, the fiery and passionate notes of the tango and flamenco waft in and out with pulsing cadences, infusing listeners with an upbeat energy in a way that only Element can.

With arrangements boundless and unhindered, at once complex and elegant—and through the use of live musical instruments—the music is simply pure both in purpose and in delivery. No wonder, then, that Element enthralls listeners of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and tastes.

Writes the Element Band, "An element is nature's purest, simplest form of unity—the perfect harmony of oneness—able to be freely blended with others to create intricate compositions and finite arrangements and rearrangements. Element, then, is the name of this combination of musicians, who throughout their presence on earth have yearned to become more than what they are, to be bound with each other and take new form.

"Like the Phoenix we have risen from the ashes of a purifying, regenerative fire that has forged our new essence—in which music is the way and the life—without which we could not be.

Element is: Ara Dabandjian (keyboard, guitar, accordion), Saro Koujakian (vocals and guitar), Gars Sherbetdjian (vocals), Shant Mahserejian (violin), and Jeremy Millado (bass); an elemental unity of spirit and mind."

Tickets $50 preferred seating; $30 general admission. Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Los Angeles 90068. Call 818.342.6624 or 818.343.4757, email Maral, or visit the Ford web site.


June 17 (Sat), 8 pm—Reception for Kinda Hibrawi Exhibit, "Unveiled," at Chiarini Gallery, Santa Ana

Kinda Hibrawi's artwork is a passionate journey of femininity, spirituality and cultural convergence. Of Syrian descent, she grew up between Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon and the United States.
Hibrawi is a contemporary painter, specializing in acrylic paints. Influenced by her Syrian heritage and world travels, her art work is rich in color and successfully integrates East and West culture. Her 2006 collection titled "Unveiled" will feature original works of art, as well as limited edition signed prints.

Her last exhibit was an overwhelming success selling out her 2005 collection. This year's preview collection is in high demand by collectors in the U.S. and abroad. "Every day I am thankful for the ability to communicate visually through painting," said Ms. Hibrawi recently. "It grounds me. It has lead me to discover new inspirations and stories—something unexpected."

Hibrawi is currently represented by the Chiarini Gallery in Santa Ana, CA. "Unveiled," Sat, June 17, 2006 at 8 p.m. at the Chiarini Gallery, 1002 West Third Street, Santa Ana, CA. 92703.More info visit Kinda Hibrawi's site.


June 18 (Sun), 7:30 pm—Special Preview Screening of "Road to Guantanamo"

"Gripping! A modern horror story." — Variety
"A stunning docudrama." —AOL Moviefone

Winner of the Silver Bear at the Berlin Int'l Film Festival, Michael Winterbottom and Mat Whitecross' "The Road to Guantanamo" is the terrifying first-hand account of three British citizens who were held for two years without charges in the American military prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. Know as the "Tipton Three," in reference to their home town in Britain, the three were eventually returned home and released, still having had no formal charges ever made against them a any time during their ordeal.

Part documentary, part dramatization, the film chronicles the sequence of events that led the trio setting out from Tipton in the British Midlands for a wedding in Pakistan, to their crossing the Afghanistan border just as the U.S. began its bombing campaign, to their eventual capture by the Northern Alliance and their imprisonment in Camp X-RAy and later at Camp Delta in Guantánamo.

Read Hollywood Reporter review.

Preview screens at the Harmony Gold Screening Room, 7655 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles 90046 (a few blocks east of Fairfax Ave.). Additional special screenings at the Arclight June 16-18.

The film opens June 23.


June 18 (Sun), 7 pm—New Writing by Iranian Women in Diaspora at the BH Library

Levantine's monthly series, "Maktub: New Writing From/To the Mideast" presents with PEN Center USA and Poets & Writers, Persis Karim, editor of Let Me Tell You Where I've Been: New Writing by Women of the Iranian Diaspora, as she introduces her new anthology and contributors Sholeh Wolpé, Elham Gheytanchi and Roxanne Varzi, for an evening of poetry, writing and discussion.

Followed by a food/beverage reception sponsored by Shamshiri Grill and Namak Magazine. All books 10% off for members of Levantine Center and PEN. Suggested donation $15 or purchase of an autographed copy of Let Me Tell You Where I've Been, ($25). For more info and reservations click here.

Emailable flyer.

Doors open at 6:30 pm, event at 7 pm sharp, at Beverly Hills Library Auditorium, 444 N. Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills CA 90210.

This event made by possible with the generous support Shari Rezai and PEN USA, Poets & Writers, Namak Magazine and Shamshiri Grill of Westwood.


June 22-July 2—2006 Los Angeles Film Festival Includes Mideastern/South Asian Films

For the third year running, Levantine Cultural Center is a cosponsor of the Los Angeles Film Festival's Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian features, documentaries and shorts. This year's selection includes films from Germany/Turkey, Israel, Iran, France/Mauritania, Algeria and the U.S.

For a list of films see our L.A. Film Festival page.

For more information about Film Independent's Los Angeles Film Festival, click on the image.