Sydney, NSW — On Saturday 11 July, a diverse group of musicians, writers and poets will come together at The Gaelic Club in Surry Hills for Gathering for Lebanon, a special evening of performances in support of the people of Lebanon.
Hosted by Folk for Peace, the event is inspired by the tradition of the Lebanese tradition of the sahra, an evening built around connection, conversation, music, poetry and storytelling. Proceeds from the event will support Beit el Baraka, a non-sectarian registered charity operating in Lebanon providing assistance to communities affected by war and displacement.
Maha Melhem, co-founder of Folk for Peace said, “With the ongoing war in Lebanon resulting in thousands of civilian casualties, mass displacement, and the destruction of the natural environment, as well as historical, cultural and religious sites, Lebanon needs our support now more than ever”.
Many Australians know Lebanon only through headlines of war, economic crisis and displacement. Yet Lebanon has given the world poets, writers, musicians and thinkers whose influence extends far beyond its borders.
Inspired by the Lebanese tradition of sahra and other folk cultures, Gathering for Lebanon brings Australians from diverse backgrounds together to celebrate Lebanon’s rich cultural legacy and living heritage while raising awareness of the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis.
“This evening is about honouring Lebanon’s contribution to the world, while standing with the people of Lebanon today,” Melhem said. “Through the tradition of a Lebanese sahra, Gathering for Lebanon shares and celebrates the living cultural heritage of Lebanon, and of Lebanese Australians, and invites a cross-cultural exchange with other folk traditions from our Australian heritage”.
The program features author Sara Haddad; literary historian Dr Jumana Bayeh; poet and scientist Professor Oula Ghannoum; violinist Jess Randall (of the Crooked Fiddle Band) performing with singer songwriter and guitarist Nick Stark; singers Louise Morched and Vanessa Rizk performing the songs of Fairuz and Marcel Khalife; singer songwriter Soren Goulding; and a guided peace meditation led by Hala Abdelnour, founder of the Institute of Non-Violence.
The program will be followed by a traditional Irish music session.
About Folk for Peace
Folk for Peace is an emerging collective of artists and peace activists who promote community engagement in causes for peace and justice through the arts.
Event Details
● Event name: Gathering for Lebanon
● Organisers: Folk for Peace
● Date: Saturday 11 July
● Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm (followed by a traditional Irish music session)
● Venue: The Gaelic Club, 1/64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Ticket Information: $25 for adults and $12 for concession holders. Tickets are available for purchase through Sticky Tickets: http://tix.yt/folk4peace.
Tickets will also be available at the door, subject to availability.
Media passes are available upon request.
Please note, tickets are available for purchase by persons in NSW only. All proceeds from ticket sales, excluding a small charge for the ticketing platform’s processing fee, will go to Beit el Baraka.
