Middle East/Mediterranean Calendar for September 2002

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Sept. 8 (Sun.), 2:15 pm—"Searching for Paradise," a personal documentary about Turkey and America, screens in Hollywood

The annual WINFEMME FILM FESTIVAL hosts a screening of the award-winning documentary "Searching for Paradise," produced & directed by Binnur Karaevli. Note: This film won WinFemme's BEST DOCUMENTARY AWARD on Sept. 9, 2002! To purchase a copy, send us your letter of interest, or call 323.650.7010.

The Winfemme Festival takes place at the Los Angeles Film School, 6363 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood (The entrance to the theatre is on Ivar, across from the Cineramadome). SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8th @ 2:15PM Screenings: $10.00 - To Pay In Advance Call: 323-655-Tkts. Screening with "Searching for Paraside" are "The Orange Orange" (short) & "Aizea" (short). About Binnur Karaevli's film: "If a tree is separated from its roots, it is destined to dry out and die, " says the mother. Having made the US her home, the filmmaker challenges her mother's predictions. "Searching for Paradise" is a personal documentary about cultural identity. The film follows the director as she returns home to Istanbul, where she hopes to find a past and a future which will accommodate her East/West identity. At the edge of the Middle East and at the heart of the Levant, Turkey is home to a culture which mirrors the Middle Eastern dichotomy: Arabs/Muslims and Jews are frequently torn between an Eastern cultural sensibility and a desire for Western acceptance.


Sept. 9 (Mon.)—"A 9/11 Gallery" Launches Online at LevantineCenter.org.

A new online exhibit commemorating the events of 9/11 from the perspective of artists, poets, writers and photographers will go live Monday, Sept. 9. This sample work is by David Peterson. To find out the meaning of "Fifty-four Billion" please return to view "A 9/11 Gallery" next Monday!




Sept. 12 (Thurs.), 8:00 pm—Anouar Brahem Trio, Balkan and Arab Music at the Skirball

As part of a multimedia performance/art eveningThis concert is featured within the Skirball's "Mediterranean series" stretching through November with a variety of concerts and lectures. Anouar Brahem is a Tunisian oud player, considered "one of the most gifted musicians on the international scene." He performs this evening with aTurkish clarinetist of Gypsy origin, Barbaros Erkose, and with Lassad Hosni on bendir (frame drum) and darbouka. $21 general, $18 members, $15 students. Advance tickets, 323.655.8587. Magnin Auditorium, Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A. 90049, exit at Mulholland off the 405 Fwy. More info.

Sept. 13 (Friday), 8 pm‹"Readings of Remembrance," LACMA Commemorates 9/11 With Poets Dima Hilal, Michael Datcher and Writer David L. Ulin

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art commemorates the events of last Sept. with a special free-to-the-public evening of poetry and more on September 13 at 7 p.m. Michael Datcher, Dima Hilal, and David L. Ulin, all widely acclaimed writers from the Southland, offer a variety of perspectives on the tragedy and its aftermath. Although LACMA will be closed, as usual, on Wednesday, September 11th, the museum welcomes visitors on Tuesday, September 10th, when admission is free to all. Dima Hilal was born in Beirut and her work has appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Mizna, and The Poetry of Arab Women: A Contemporary Anthology. She has appeared at Levantine Cultural Center, and on NPR's "Flashpoints," and KXLU. Michael Datcher is a poet, playwright, and journalist. David L. Ulin is the author of Cape Cod Blues (Red Dust) and the editor of Another City: Writing from Los Angeles (City Lights) and Writing Los Angeles: A Literary Anthology. "Readings of Remembrance," Anderson Building, 1st floor. For further information, call (323) 857-6000.

Sept. 13 (Fri.), 7:30 pm—Iranian artist/writer Gita Khashabi Performs "Chadoor" at 18th Street/Highways in Santa Monica

As part of a multimedia performance/art evening, "Chadoor," previously seen incarnated by Shida Pegahi at Levantine Center/Beyond Baroque and at the Japanese American National Museum, will be performed by its author. Gita Khashabi is a visual artist, poet and prose writer, and the author of several performance pieces commenting on Islam and personal identity. Particularly pithy are Khashabi's reflections on feminism, creativity and the struggle between Western and Eastern customs. For reservations call 310.315.1459.



Sept. 15 (Sun.), 3:00 pm—The Yuval Ron Ensemble, With Najwa Gibran, Performs "Mystical Music of the Middle East

One in a series of events incorporated into the second edition of the World Festival of Sacred Music, this free concert at the Armand Hammer promises to open minds and hearts. Click on the photo for details. UCLA Armand Hammer Museum Courtyard, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., in Westwood.




Sept. 19 (Thurs.), 8:00 pm, Levantine BookGroup Reconvenes to discuss a new book

The BookGroup, originally launched last fall, returns with a new season to read literature by Middle Eastern/Levantine writers and poets. Most recently the group has been exploring Men in the Sun, the novella by poet and fiction writer Ghassan Kafanani. Men in the Sun recounts the journey of a group of Palestinian immigrants escaping to Kuwait in a water tank. The book also contains several compelling short stories, such as "Letter From Gaza," which is still relevant today. Kanafani inspired an entire generation of Arab poets and fiction writers and he continues to be revered by contemporary Palestinians. The BookGroup is always FREE TO THE PUBLIC and takes place every third Thursday of the month at the just-opened Pacific Arts Center, located at 10469 Santa Monica Blvd, a half-block west of Beverly Glen Blvd., just east of Overland in Century City. For a biographical sketch of Kanafani, click here. The BookGroup is co-chaired by Nezar Andary and Rheim Alkadhi. Purchase Men in the Sun from your local indie bookstore or online from Barnes and Noble. BookGroup cosponsored by Al Jadid Magazine.


Sept. 19 (Thurs.), 8:30 pm—The Passion of Spanish Jews: A Tapestry of Songs and Stories, Flor de Serena

An ancient oral repertoire of Jewish women from the Mediterranean basin comes to us through evocative Ladino (Judeo-Spanish) songs performed by Flor de Serena. Celebrating the hopes, sorrows, and joys of women, the evening features songs and stories from Turkey, Greece, and Jerusalem which conjure up important life passages and hint at mystic encounters. Seeking to touch the divine, these songs fuse old and new in a magical voyage that both reveals the past and offers a vision for the future. Capturing the timeless essence of the romantic Judeo-Spanish musical tradition, Flor de Serena includes both founding members singer Vanessa Paloma and guitarist Jordon Charnofsky, as well as Vic Koler on bass and David Martinelli on percussion.

Featured in the World Festival of Sacred Music, this event is part of the Ford Amphitheatre 2002 Season, a multidisciplinary arts series produced by the Los Angeles County Arts Commission in cooperation with Los Angeles County-based art organizations. Tickets are $20. John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd., Los Angeles 90068.



Sept. 20 (Fri.), 6:30-10:30 pm—The Mysteries of Morocco, Photo Exhibit by Erin Denny

Enjoy a complementary Reception for the Artist and participate in a talk about Morocco. "The photography of Erin Denny represents her love of world travel and the pleasure she derives from seeing the wonderous, hearing the unfamiliar and savoring the secret scents of strange lands." Wishire Gallery, 9229 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills 90210. Information, 310.922.8338.



Sept. 21 (Sat.), 8:00 pm—Songs From the Soul: Zhena Folk Chorus and Lian Ensemble

" Happy the moment when we are seated in the palace, thou and I, With two forms and with two figures but with one soul, thou and I." ‹Rumi.

An ecumenical evening bringing together two ancient threads begins with the soaring a cappella voices of the Zhena Folk Chorus. Through songs ranging from pagan to religious, humorous to sacred, the chorus passionately presents the rich folk traditions of Eastern Europe, emphasizing the role of women in performing and preserving this captivating music and culture. Beautiful authentic costumes and engaging regional vocal techniques enhance the ecstatic experience an exhilarating occasion with Rumi performed by The Liän Ensemble. Tickets just $10 / $8 museum members and students. At the National History Museum of Los Angeles County, Jean Delacour Auditorium, 900 Exposition Boulevard, LA. Tickets and info 213.763.3348.



Sept. 26 (Thurs.), 8:00 pm—Author Alev Lytle Croutier Makes Rare Appearance in L.A. to Read From Seven Houses, A New Novel

Your co-chairs Jawad Ali and Jordan Elgrably invite you to experience another excellent evening of literature, ideas and discussion as they host Turkish-born author of the new novel Seven Houses, at 8 pm, the fourth Thursday of the month, when Alev Lytle Croutier is the featured speaker of ArtSalon. This evening is supported by the American Turkish Association of Southern California (ATA-SC), and members of Levantine Cultural Center and ATA-SC will receive 10% off the purchase of Seven Houses. Pick up an autographed copy (great gift idea!) and meet others interested in Levantine cultures.

Bar and bookstore open at 7 pm, Levantine Cultural Center, 10469 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles 90067, in Century City, just a half-block west of Beverly Glen Blvd. RSVPs highly recommended as space is limited: 323.650.7010. To learn much more about the book and its author, click here!



Sept. 28 (Sat.), 8:00 pm—Whirling Dervishes of Damascas: Sacred Sufi Music and Ritual

The Whirling Dervishes of Damascas are back! "In the early ninth century, when Muslim mystics organized their Sufi brotherhoods, they adopted music for their meditation as a way of accessing states of ecstasy." The Luckman Fine Arts Complex presents Sheikh Hamza Shakkur, the Al-Kindi Ensemble, and the Whirling Dervishes of Damascas in rare concert of devotional turning music. Sheikh Hamza Shakkur is one of the finest liturgical sings in the near East, a man of towering artistic and physical presence with a commanding baritone voice. The Al-kindi Ensemble's performances on traditional instruments are posed and measured, a perfect musical setting for the dialogue of voices, qanun, oud, ney flute and dancers as they spin, palms held upward, a whirl of white cloth skirts floating around their turning bodies. September 28 8 PM $30, $20 Luckman Fine Arts Complex - CSULA 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles For tickets and information: 323.343.6600. Also Sun., Sept. 29, 6:00 pm as part of the World Festival of Sacred Music's closing gala at the Greek Theatre.



Sept. 30 (Mon.), 7:30 pm—Salman Rushdie with Sue Ellicott of NPR at the Skirball in the Writers Bloc series

The controversial author of The Satanic Verses, Salman Rushdie is a novelist who has outlived death threats and written several more books, including his most recent, Fury. A secular Muslim with strong opinions on the Middle East/West Asia, an evening with Rushdie will undoubtedly prove a heady experience. $18, Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., LA 90049. Reservations recommended, call 310.335.0917.


Board of Directors Meets Most Sundays for Brunch—Call For Next Meeting

Levantine Center's Board of Directors is currently in formation, and welcomes inquiries—we are actively searching for more people with our passion and conviction! The board consists of diverse members of the community who are of Middle Eastern/Mediterranean heritage or who have a strong professional or artistic interest in furthering our mission. As directors, board members represent the organization officially, are responsible for its financial health, and make the priority strategic decisions, with counsel from Advisory Board members where possible. Board members work with activists heading specific committes, including the Film/Video, Literary, Education Performing Arts and Membership Committees.

Our Advisory Board is also in formation. Advisory board members are known professionally in their own communities and offer valuable counsel and services to the organization; they are eligible to attend the organization's annual retreat and receive other benefits.

To attend, you must RSVP for location and time. 323.650.7010.

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LEVANTINE CULTURAL CENTER
Cultures of the Middle East & Mediterranean
10469 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90067 [facilities]
8424A Santa Monica Blvd., N.789, West Hollywood CA 90069 [office and mailing address]
323.650.7010, info@levantinecenter.org

Levantine Center advocates for, educates about, and in general promotes and supports Middle Eastern and Mediterranean arts and cultures. The Center exists to present music, literature, art, film/video, new media and history through education, scholarship and entertainment. We are strongly committed to the principle of cross-cultural cooperation, and support the strengthening of ties between all cultural, ethnic and religious communities of the Middle East/Levant as well as between all peoples of Middle Eastern descent.

 
See what Levantine Center has been up to and take note of other recent cultural events.

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May/June 2002	July 2002	August 2002

See what Levantine Center was up to during our pre-opening season.