SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 28, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Renowned Arab virtuoso, Simon Shaheen, will be the featured performer at the United American Lebanese Federation's Musical Extravaganza and Cedar Awards Presentation on Saturday, May 7th, at Detroit's Masonic Temple, at 7:30 p.m.
Simon Shaheen will bring to Detroit "From Syria and Lebanon to Egypt: Tribute to Farid al-Atrache and Asmahan" with his Near East Music Ensemble and vocalists Rima Khcheich and Na'im Moussa. Tickets for $45, $35 and $25 are available at any Meijer's Store, www.starticketsplus.com or 1-800-585-3737.
UALF President Warren David said, "We warmly welcome Arabs and non-Arabs alike to experience this terrific program. Cultural understanding is our goal and forms the basis for better relations between people. Music is our common language."
Featuring vocalists Rima Khcheich from Lebanon's Conservatory of Music, and Na'im Moussa from Syria, this concert is in tribute to two legendary Arab artists: Farid Al-Atrache (d. 1974), recognized as one of the 20th century's most highly respected composers, singers and 'ud (lute) players, and his sister, Asmahan (d. 1944) whose golden voice was a dominating force in Arab singing in the thirties and early forties. The program is under the direction of 'ud and violin master Simon Shaheen.
The New York Times called Shaheen's Tribute "virtuosic sophistication."
This year, UALF will present its Cedar Awards to Robert Ficano, Wayne County Executive, ART (Arab Radio and Television) and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The concert is presented in partnership with ASACA (American Syrian Arab Cultural Association) and sponsored by Comerica, DTE Energy and the Ford Motor Company Fund.
Formed in 1999, United American Lebanese Federation is a 501(c)3 non-profit, non-sectarian organization dedicated to uniting individuals of Lebanese descent for the betterment of the substantial Detroit area Lebanese American and Arab American community as a whole. Their mission is to further cultural and ethnic understanding by solidifying the position of Lebanese Americans in the community at large; conducting charitable activities to help Lebanese Americans in need; educating and immersing their children in the Lebanese culture and heritage; providing Arabic and English classes; and mentoring students and acting as positive role models.
For more information, please call 586.979.3801.