The festive summer of Lebanon 2009

An informational summary of the main musical festivals due to take place this summer in Lebanon.

[Note: I have only dealt with the main festivals. There are further individual performances incl. Michael Bolton, Paris Hilton and Fatman Scoop. For a full listing, try DowntownBeirut.com]

Deir el Qamar Festival 2009 (17 Jul - 8 August)
10th Anniversary
website: www.estivalesdeirelqamar.org
program: PDF download

• 17 July (Fri) Al Foursan Al Arb3a
  إفتتاح المهرجان مع الفرسان الأربعة
  35east: You can listen to their hit "الزعما فلو من لبنان" here:
  
  


• 18 July (Sat) Raphaelle Ivery (Mezzo Suprano)
  حفل موسيقي لرفايل افيري


• 19 July (Sun) "Kan Ya Makan Loubnan" for Souk el Tayeb
  كان يا مكان لبنان" لسوق الطيب"


• 23 July (Thu) "Golden Tree" with Friends of the puppets
  "L'Arbre Doré" avec les Amis de Marionnettes;
  الشجرة الذهبية" مع أصدقاء الدمى"


• 24 July (Fri) ** Eliya Francis (Tenor)
  حفل للتنور إليا فرنسيس


• 24 July - 2 August (Fri till Sun the week after) "Let's Read Under the Moon Light"
  "خلينا نقرأ على ضو القمر"
  within the framework of UNESCO's nomination of Beirut as World Book Capital for 2009 and including an expo with the participation of Scholastic


• 25 July (Sat) Competition de Tric-trac
  "زت زهرك و تعا اركل على الميدان"


• 26 July (Sun) "Azur et Asmar", film projection in open air
  "Azur et Asmar", projection de film en plein air
  عرض فيلم "Azur et Asmar" في الهواء الطلق


• 7 August (Fri) "Notre Dame de Paris", film projection in open air
  "Notre Dame de Paris", projection de film en plein air
  عرض فيلم "Notre Dame de Paris" في الهواء الطلق


• 8 August (Sat) ** "Beirut Rocks on the Moon" featuring Scrambled Eggs, Youmna Saba, Mashrou3 Leila and The Incompetents
  35east: All four groups are part of Lebanon's underground scene. I've personally taken a very strong liking to Youmna Saba and Mashrou3 Leila. You can listen to some of their music on their respective MySpace pages here: Scrambled Eggs, Youmna Saba, Mashrou3 Leila, The Incompetents. What's missing is Soapkills... see the YAS entry in the Byblos Festival below


• 15 August (Sat) ** Charbel Rouhana
  35east: As they say in Arabic, Charbel Rouhana "غني عن التعريف" (although that's been debated as an expression to be used only in reference to God, this agnostic doesn't really care). Charbel's another favourite and up there with the likes of Ziad Rahbani and Marcel Khalife (he is the latter's protege afterall).

All events of the Deir el Qamar festival enjoy free entry except those marked with double asterisk ** Tickets for those events can be bought at:

Ivoire Center (Bloc B) - Horch Tabet
Moussa Nammour Street
Sin el Fil
Bierut, Lebanon
T: +961 70 225 007
E: info@estivalesdeirelqamar.org

(Google) map to get there. As you'll see, it's incredibly close to Beiteddine, which is the next festival below.

The festival is supported by Deir el Qamar Municipality and is in co-operation with the French Cultural Centre in Muhafazat el Shouf, Deir el Qamar. Sponsors: BankMed, Kettaneh, Bank Audi, Fransabank, BBAC, DHL, Nobrand, L'Orient Le Jour, Dewar's, The Talkies, Virgin Ticketing Box Office, Mission Culturelle Francaise au Liban


Beiteddine Festival 2009 (2 July - 15 August)
website: www.beiteddine.org
program: http://www.beiteddine.org/2009/program.pdf

• 12 June (Fri) "Liban Traces" exhibition, a poetic installation of sculptures and patings by Sybille Friedel - scenography by Nabil el Azan
  


• 2 July 9pm (Thu) Tribute to Oum Kalsoum "كوكب الشرق"
  Amal Maher Interprets Oum Kalsoum
  
  There will also be a photo exhibition during the day, courtesy of L'institut du Monde Arabe-Paris, that follows Oum Kalsoum's fabulous career during Egypt's Golden Era
  
  
• 9 July 8.30pm (Thu) Charles Aznavour
  
  
• 13-15 July 8.30pm (Mon-Wed) Gad El Maleh, acclaimed French stand-up comedian
  CANCELLED... read more here
  
  
• 18 July 8.30pm (Sat) Emir Kusturica and the No Smoking Orchestra
  
  
• 22 July 8.30pm (Wed) Madeleine Peyroux, contemporary jazz artist
  
  
• 25 July 8.30pm (Sat) Gabriel Yared & the Budapest Concert Orchestra
  35east: Gabriel Yared is a Lebanese Oscar winner and composer . Read more here (wikipedia)
  
  
• 31 July 8.30pm (Fri) Hanine Y Son Cubano
  35east: Fusion of Cuban rhythms and traditional Arabic vocal. Beautiful voice. Listen to her re-interpretation of Abdelwahhab's Ala Bali on youtube - beautiful. She was pretty much discovered by Michel Elefteriades
  
  
• 9 August 8.30pm (Sun) Guy Manoukian, accompanied by the Armenian Philhamonic Orchestra and Special Guest Mario Reyes from the Gypsy Kings Family
  Arabic and Armenian fusion
  35east: Guy started off as a pianist and then joined the REG project which produced great hits like Yasmina, Catwalk (a mix of which is my phone's ringtone), Harem (probably his most famous) and al-Urdun. Listen to Harem here:
  
  
  
  
• 12 August 8.30pm (Wed) Marcel Khalife and the Palestine Youth Orchestra
  A poetic opera, Ahmad Al Arabi, written by Mahmoud Darwish (RIP) and composed and performed by Marcel Khalife, soloists Omeyma Al Khalil and Reem Talhami along with a 100 piece orchestra and choir. The concert celebrates Jerusalem Arab Cultural Capital 2009
  35east: Probably some of the Arab world's most delicate music is Marcel Khalife's. Another favourite artist and Ahmad al Arabi is great. Here's a piece, "Hands of Thyme and Stone"
  
  
  
  
• 15 August 9pm (Mon) Kadim Al Sahir, singing Nizar Kabbani's poetry
  35east: Nizar Kabbani, also ghani 3an el ta3reef. Renowned poet. Kadim el Saher along with Majida Al-Roumi stand out amongst artists in adopting Nizar Kabbani's lyrics for their songs.
  

Tickets can be bought at:
Virgin Megastore, Beirut, t: +961 1 999 666 ext. 101, www.ticketingboxoffice.com
Starco Center, Beirut, Ground floor, t: +961 1 365 186, m: +961 70 277 276
Itihad Bookshop, Saida, t: +961 7 722 430
Houssam Bookshop, Baakline, t: +961 5 304 050

The festival organisers have also organised transport by bus from Starco Centre for LL7000 (c.$5)

(Google) map to get there

Sponsors: BankMed, SGBL Group, Warde, Cafe Super Brasil, TV5Monde, Bank Audi, Fidus Wealth Management, Emaar, GS, Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC)


Baalabeck Festival 2009 (4 July - 13 August)
website: www.baalbeck.org.lb
program: http://bit.ly/ZdJvs

• 4 July (Sat) Béjart Ballet Lausanne
  at the Courtyard of the Two Temples
  
  
• 10 Jul (Fri) Medea-Phaedra Monologues
  at the Temple of Bacchus
  
  
• 11 Jul (Sat) David Fray, piano recital
  at the Temple of Bacchus
  
  
• 16-18 Jul (Thu - Sat) Caracalla Dance Theatre
  performing "The Villagers' Opera" at the Courtyard of the Two Temples
  35east: For me, this is the highlight of the Baalbeck festival this year. I last saw Caracalla in 2003, when they staged "Two Thousand and One Nights" here in London at the Peacock Theatre - absolutely delightful! More (wikipedia) info here
  
  
• 25 July (Sat) Deep Purple, the British rock group
  at the Courtyard of the Two Temples
  
  
• 1 August (Sat) Ron Carter Quintet (Jazz & Bossa Nova) and Eddie Palmieri Sextet (Latin Salsa)
  Two concerts in one night at the Courtyard of the Two Temples
  
  
• 13 August (Thu) La Traviata, produced by Choregies d'Orange (part of the twinning between both festivals) at the Courtyard of the Two Temples
  La Traviata is one of Guissepe Verdi's most famous and immensely popular operas
  

Buy your tickets at:
Virgin Megastore, Beirut, t: +961 1 999 666 ext. 101, www.ticketingboxoffice.com
Baalbek Acropolis, Baalbeck, t: +961 8 376912, m: +961 3 891695

(Google) map to get there

Sponsors: Bank Audi, Mission Culturelle Francaise au Liban, Banque Libano-Francais, Dar Al-Handasah, Fransabank, Life (Lebanese International Finance Executives),Cafe Super Brasil, TV5Monde


Byblos Festival 2009 (20 June - 8 August)
webiste: www.byblosfestival.org
program: on the homepage
prices: http://www.byblosfestival.org/BuyTickets.html

Byblos festival is a rising event that is increasingly well organised

• 20 June 8.30pm (Sat) Loreena McKennitt
  35east: Obvioulsy I'm a bit late with this blogpost! Rest assured, this is the only one.
  
  
• 6 July 8.30pm (Mon) Keane
  
  
• 14-18 July 8.30pm (Tue-Sat) Grease, the Musical
  
  
• 19 July 8.30pm (Sun) Jethro Tull
  
  
• 21 July 8.30pm (Tue) Misia
  
  
• 23 July 8pm (Thu) Gonzales - CocoRosie - Y.A.S.
  35east: Y.A.S is Yasmine Hamdan's new project with Paris-based record producer and songwriter Mirwais. Yasmine originally performed as Soapkills, a duo with Zeid Hamdan which was great. Soapkills is no more for reasons well known but alas, such is life. You can listen to Y.A.S on MySpace here, Soapkills here and Zeid Hamdan (ShiftZ) here
  
  
• 8-12 August (Sat-Wed) Saif 840, a historical epic musical play for the Rahbanis (written and composed by Mansour Rahbani, directed by Marwan Rahbani)
  35east: Saif 840 is a great Rahbani theatrical. I can just about remember going to see it at one of the Beiteddine festivals what seems eons ago. It features the renowned Ghassan Saliba and Antoine Kerbage. Definitely one to watch!! Youtube clip
  

Buy your tickets at:
Virgin Megastores: Downtown, ABC Achrafieh www.ticketingboxoffice.com
BHV Jnah
Dar el Chimal, Tripoli
City Mall, Dora

The Byblos Festival is produced by Buzz Productions and supported by Byblos Bank

(Google) map to get there

Further to the main festival, there are further performances (mainly in Byblos' new and old souks and mostly free): http://www.byblosfestival.org/OffByblos.html

• 3 July 9pm (Fri) The Hessian State Youth Jazz Orchestra (LJJO)
  at Byblos Harbour
  
  
• 4 July 9pm (Sat) Sami Hawat
  Free performance at Byblos new souk
  35east: Sami Hawat! Jeez.. long time. He performed with Ziad Rahbani in his great album Houdou2 Nisbi and then played an acting role in Tayf el Madina for Jean Chamoun. I wonder what he'll perform! Below is Bala Wala Shi for Ziad Rahbani (Houdou2 Nisbi) sung by Sami Hawat back in 1985
  
  
  
  
• 5 July 9pm (Sun) Joe Kdeih: "Hayatt al Jagual Se3be"
  Free performance at UNESCO square, Byblos old souk
  35east: great comedian. Lots of his shows on LBC.
  
  
• 10 Jul 9pm (Fri) The 4 Musketeers
  Free performance at Byblos new souk
  
  
• 11 Jul 9pm (Sat) Guitarist Jihad Weheb and Libra Band
  Free performance at UNESCO square, Byblos old souk
  
  
• 24 July 9pm The duo - Carla and Carine Ramia
  Free performance at UNESCO square, Byblos old souk
  
  
• 26 July 9pm Moves Dance Studio and Zajal Night
  Free performance at UNESCO square, Byblos old souk

Tyre & South Festival 2009 (2 July - 8 August)
webiste: www.tyrefestival.com
program: www.tyrefestival.com/events.html
tickets online: www.ticketingboxoffice.com

• 2-4 July (Thu-Sat) My Dream
  Spectacular show presented by China Disabled People's Performing Art Group (CDPPAT)
  
  
• 10, 24-25 July, 7-8 August (Fi, Fri-Sat, Fri-Sat) Karim Dakroub
  Puppet show by the renowned Karim Dakroub
  
  
• 3, 5, 24-25 July, 7 August (Fri, Sun, Fri-Sat, Fri) Rafic Ali Ahmad
  A unique writer and a one man show theatre.
  35east: Quite well known in Lebanon, he acted in Chadi Zeneddine's 2007 film "Falling from Earth"
  
  
• 10 July (Fri) Ornia Tawk al Yasamin
  42 artists will perform Tawk al Yasamin, a show representing Damascus as a flesh and blood character that was born with wisdom and brought up with forgiveness, even though it was occuipied by many invaders... music, dance and light
  
  
• 11 July (Sat) Lotfi Bouchnak, the famous Tunisian singer, oud player and composer who has worked with famous Egyptian composer Sayed Mekawi
  
  
• 15 July (Wed) Japanese Night of Poetry & Music
  The second time at the Tyre & South Festival, Japanese Poet Mrs. Keiko Koma and international musician Idaki Shin collaborate in this promising performance
  35east: I must say, The Tyre & South festival offers quite the alternative to the other, mainly Western, performances showcased at the other venues
  
  
• 16 July (Thu) Poetry Night
  Six splendid poets from Lebanon and the Arab world express Agony and Love in their own words. El Mir Tarek Nassereddin (Lebanon), Nawal Alayan Al Hiwar (Syria), Mohamed Al Ashaary (Morocco), Jaber El Jabery (Iraq), Abdel Qader Housni (Syria), Jassem Al Sahih (Saudi Arabia)
  
  
• 17 July (Fri) Zajal Night
  Lebanese spoken poetry including six legends: Zaghloul el Damour, Talie Hamdan, Ali Farroukh, Adel Khaddaj, Antoine Saade and Nadim Choueib
  35east: Zajal... yes, a very Lebanese thing, but they're great folklore and are amusing at the least. Here's a clip for Talie Hamdan (though bewarned - it's not always to everyone's liking!)
  
  
• 18 July (Sat) Marcel Khalife
  35east: The inspirational Marcel once again. Marcel hails from Amchit, just north of Byblos, but made his fame through his socialist leanings and tributes to the Palestinian and Lebanese causes. He will be very welcome in Tyre
  
  
• 19 July (Sun) Melhem Zein - Traditional Wedding
  A public wedding where 20 Lebanese couples will celebrate their special night
  

(Google) map to get there

Sponsors: Lebanese Canadian Bank, Abou Merhi Group, NPO KOMA, Bank of Kuwait & The Arab World, International Group Holding sal, S Mokbel & Partners, Finance Bank sal


Zouk Mikael Festival 2009 (3-31 July)
webiste: none
program/prices/tickets: www.ticketingboxoffice.com

• 3 July 8.30pm (Fri) Garou
  
  
• 17 July 8.30pm (Fri) Yves le Coq
  
  
• 23 July 8:30pm (Thu) Sugar Ray
  
  
• 31 July 8.30pm (Fri) Nancy Ajram

(Google) map to get there

If I'm missing anything, let me know!