Middle East Express - Press Release

MIDDLE EAST EXPRESS CONCERT

THE SPITZ

6th AUGUST 2006

This is an update of the Concert we organized in London to raise funds for Lebanon through Al Huda Association and Mouwatinun.

The six artist line-up was really well received and the eventhad so much positive energy.
It was one the best nights everybody over in London had since this whole crisis started.

All in all over 200 people showed up, which about what we targeted.We've made 5156 British Pounds so far.

Some people also pledged additional donations that they will mail in soon.

The money was already sent to Al Huda and Mowatinoun will get it today.

The artists where great and are very motivated to do more
of these charity events for Lebanon.

Several of them allowed us to sell their CDs ~
at the concert with the money also going to charity.

We showed a 3 minute clip at the beginning that had quite an impact on the crowd.
You can see this at clip http://www.beirutletters.org/.

The volunteers at the concert were wearing
"Kill Me, I'm Lebanese" t-shirts designed by Clotaire K.
I had several come up to me to ask where they could buy the shirt.
Additional fund-raising through t-shirt sales is already in the works!

All in all it was quite successful,especially considering
the speed with which it was brought together.

hope you enjoy the pictures and we wish more events
can be done swiftlyso we could help Lebanon more.

click pix to enlarge


preparations are under way



Beirut Letter from artists in Lebanon


Our Beautiful MC : Laila Debs asking audience
to light their lighters for a tribute
to the dead in the conflict






Abdullah Chhadeh gave us a breathtaking qanun
session that was touching and sensual








Wissam Boustany our great flautist ambassador in the world
delivered a beautiful A3tini il Nay wa Ghanni
that touched every Lebanese vein in that room
and introduced a poetic Lebanon to the western
audience


As for Sameh Moussa, his technique inplaying
with his guitar's strings was so inspiring and
and full of love and sensuality. His technique
has amazed the audience and his tunes
were greatly received






As for Rasalas they delivered beautiful tracks
that Sameena Zehra delivered in graciousness
and sensuality . Mike Mc Keon on guitar delivered
a song he wrote about Israel's invasion
in 1978 to lebanon. Very touching, and extremely
moving.





Layla and Riad got together to deliver a song
they composed for the event. Layla has fled war torn
Beirut and was very inspired along with Riad to deliver
a message from teh heart
of every lebanese hurt during this crisis



and that's me blubbing around...


And Nadine Khoury with her beautiful Urban
poetry and her amazing songwriting talent
delivered a great performance and kept people
until the end of the concert with their ears open
and their hearts beating for Lebanon

To end the concert with the sense of Lebanese
strenght and Unity all the musicians delivered
a jamming session as a thnak you for everybody who made it
to the concert and wishing Lebanon a quick recovery

THANK YOU ARTISTS , FRIENDS , LOVERS OF LEBANON

EVERYBODY WHO MADE THIS CONCERT REALITY

THANK YOU VERY VERY VERY MUCH

THANK YOU