Living in Los Angeles, the access to big-name and lesser-known musicians is much like the access to a wide variety of restaurants and eateries. Should you be lucky enough to stumble upon a truly exceptional hole-in-the wall, you relish it, take a few friends there, and pray that it remains unique and unknown, so that you can enjoy it again and again. The Luckman Arts Complex at Cal State L.A. isn't exactly a hole-in-the-wall; to the contrary it's a beautiful if seemingly out of the way facility that's really just a few clicks down the 10 freeway.

SOCAL'S MIDDLE EASTERN CULTURAL ARTS CENTER CELEBRATES 9th ANNIVERSARY WITH THE EAST-WEST AWARDS GALA AWARDS SHOW IN BEVERLY HILLLS

 [Los Angeles- November 1, 2010] On December 1st, 2010 the Levantine Cultural Center will host the East-West Awards gala to mark its 9th anniversary in Southern California. In celebration of the LCC's mission to bridge political and religious divides and champion a greater understanding of the Arab/Muslim world, the LCC will recognize the excellence of three individuals who have contributed to a positive dialogue between the Middle East and the US.

Shanbehzadeh performing live at the Troubadour

"I didn't expect this kind of reception," musician Saeid Shanbehzadeh told a small but adoring crowd cheering him on at the Troubador, "based on what I had seen from Persian TV." One can see why, given that his music is such a far cry from the hip-hop-infused bubble-gum pop that permeates the Iranian channels here in L.A. Mr. Shanbehzadeh hails from the southern part of Iran—the gulf town of Boushehr, to be exact—and the sound he and his ensemble brought to Los Angeles on Oct 24th, 2010 is the essence of traditional 'Bandari' (Persian Gulf) music: by turns rhythmic and fluid, wistful and passionate, meditative and exhilarating. It's also reflective of the region's long, rich history as a cultural crossroads: infused with strong African, Arab, and even Indian elements.

GLOBAL DIVA NATACHA ATLAS, FAMOUS FOR INTEGRATING WESTERN AND ARABIC STYLES, PLAYS THE CONGA ROOM NOV. 3

What: Natacha Atlas live at the Conga Room, with MomoLoudiyi and DJ Alsultany
When: Nov 3 2010 8:00pm - Nov 4 2010 12:00am
Price: $20-$75 (use code LCCATLAS for discounts), see congaroom.com
Where: Conga Room in the L.A. Live complex downtown.
800 W. Olympic Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90015

"One of the most excellent voices on the world music scene." -World Music Central

"If you rate singers according to their devotion, Atlas is among the greats...[she] has a smaller following Stateside but certainly merits a broader audience, both among those who love world music and fusion, and others with a passion for female vocalists." - Levantine Review

Western music and danceMetal Revolution for Iran: concert at Aura is illegal and punishable in Iran since the establishment of the Islamic Republic and Ayatollah Khomeini's Fatwa, deeming such open forms of expression as religiously offensive. Yet the Iranian youth, risking prison and torture, roam the internet and hold illegal concerts.

Here in Los Angeles, all music is free and very much legal, so what better way to promote human rights and protest political corruption in Iran and the world than with the Metal Revolution for Iran, a concert held at the Aura Nightclub on September 21. Supporting the cause are performances by David Lombardo of Slayer, Neil Turbin of Anthrax, Jetboy, and other artists. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the event is free and open to all people age 21 and over.

For more info, please contact Roozbeh, 310.500.8116.