I grew up mostly dancing to Arabic music because taarab music wasn’t accessible in the US. We’d buy mixed CDs on the streets of NYC and play them at our belly dance parties. My mom still passed down her dance traditions and stories (including how my Uncle Chaki used to be a famous taarab singer in Tanzania.) To learn more about the history of taarab, I highly encourage you to look up Siti Binti Saab and Bi Kidude, women who were both pioneers with incredible stories of resistance and resilience

On November 10th, the Festival of Arabic Music and Arts 2023 will conclude with Behind the Tunes, bringing you some of the most popular songs of all time, and highlighting the amazing variety of composers behind them. Choir members Tamadur AlKhatib and Elie Akhras speak to us about this spectacular event that is bound to bring back some fond memories, where they will be joined by the rest of the CAO Choir in a dazzling performance. نختتم فعاليات مهرجان الموسيقى والفنون العربية، فاما 2023 بحفل "ن