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Showing posts from 2019

Tamer Al Ahmar's Art Exhibition in Jordan a Huge Success

Tamer Al Ahmar at his first solo exhibit in Amman, Jordan (December 2019) When Arabology radio host Dr Ramzi Salti first interviewed Jordanian artist Tamer Al Ahmar back in August 2018, the renowned digital artist's work was beginning to making a lasting impact on the artistic scene all around Amman. Since then, his unique digital ouevre--which has constantly aimed at re-imagining various cultural icons from Fairuz to Marilyn Monroe--has continued to take off in Jordan and beyond, including an invitation to showcase his work at Annual Arab Conference at Harvard Universit y in March and a groundbreaking collaboration with Jordanian singer Haifa Kamal who hired Tamer to design the cover art of her new album.   The success of Tamer's work--a result of almost a decade of artistic expression--has now culminated in his first solo exhibition “Lessa Faker” which is taking place at Jacaranda Images in Amman from December 7-31, 2019 .  The exhibit enables anyone to both view

Arabology Interviews Jordanian Author Hazem Tabbaa

Listen at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/hazemtabbaa Stanford Lecturer + Arabology radio host Dr. Ramzi Salti interviews Hazem Tabbaa, a Jordanian author who discusses his debut novel A Place for Peace as well as his latest work Four Steps Behind  which takes a closer look at societies’ perceptions of women and was loosely based on his maternal grandmother’s journey from Berlin to Amman. Listen to the interview below or at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/hazemtabbaa The interview includes an excerpt from each book, read by the author himself. Recorded in Amman, Jordan in August 2019 and aired on KZSU 90.1 FM (Stanford University) in November 2019. Hazem Tabbaa's books are available through his website at www.hazemtabbaa.com or on Amazon (Kindle and/or Paperback) at THIS LINK . PROMO VIDEOS:

Arabology Interviews 'The Arab Sinatra' Omar Kamal (November 2019)

Listen at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/omarkamal2019 Stanford Lecturer + Arabology Radio Host Dr. Ramzi Salti interviews 'The Arab Sinatra' Omar Kamal about his new album "Show Me the Light" as well his upcoming show at the Aldwych Theatre in London on 24th November (supported by Abu Dhabi Festival). Tickets at  www.nederlander.co.uk/whats-on/omar-kamal Listen below or at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/omarkamal2019 This interview includes the following song excerpts from Omar Kamal's new album "Show Me The Light" ℗© 2019 Estuana Records: 1. Ya Ana Ya Ana (3:32) 2. Wicked Dreams (9:36) 3. Atyaf El Leil (15:01) 4. Um Kulthoum Swings (22:53)

Arabology Interviews Jordanian Indie-Rock Band Ayloul

Listen at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/ayloul This interview recorded in Amman, Jordan on August 31, 2019 and aired on KZSU 90.1 FM (Stanford University) on November 17, 2019. Stanford Lecturer + Arabology radio host Dr. Ramzi Salti interviews Ayloul band members Ra'ad Tabari and Yosour Al-Zou'bi about their groundbreaking new album "Salute to Al-Ghor" سلّم عالغور and the band's musical journey through the years. Listen below or at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/ayloul Interview includes these song excerpts: 1. Nazel Al Ghor نازل عالغور at 0:00-1:26 2. Lahn Baseet لحن بسيط at 5:59-7:34 3. Yawm يوم at 9:24-10:24 4. Bahr Mayyet بحر ميت at 13:19-15:04 5. Mawj موج (Ft Mohammad Abdullah) at 20:43-23:41 Ayloul in Copenhagen Ayloul - meaning "September" - is a Jordanian band formed in 2013, with members from Irbid. They're known for mixing indie-rock sounds with traditional Arabic ones to form a unique, dynamic style

Slides from Dr. Ramzi Salti's Talk about Lebanon at Stanford

Here are the video highlights + slides accompanying Dr. Ramzi Salti's talk about Lebanon which took place at the Markaz (Stanford University) on November 5, 2019 at 5:30pm. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS Watch video highlights from this talk below or at  https://youtu.be/R-0_JSc9gyc SLIDES FROM TALK PICS FROM EVENT:   

Ramzi Salti's Talk About Indie Arabic Music at Sijal (in English) Available

In this audio-visual lecture (recorded at Sijal Institute in Jordan in July 2019), Stanford Lecturer + Arabology radio host Dr. Ramzi Salti talks about the many ways in which the revolutionary music of the Arab Spring continues to fuel a new generation of artists and musicians--from Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya to Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.  This video also includes a segment on Palestinian musicians who are creating new musical genres that aim at a better tomorrow.  Video concludes with extensive Q&A session.  Artwork by Jordanian artist Tamer Al Ahmar. Watch the video below or at  https://youtu.be/F5FeL3KssuA This talk was meant to go along with THIS YOUTUBE PLAYLIST . This talk spotlights the following segments (chronologically): 01. Katy Whiting Intro (0:00) 02. Ramzi Salti: Intro (02:13) 03. El General (Tunisia) (07:09) 04. Emel Mathlouthi (Tunisia) (11:27) 05. Ramy Essam (Egypt) (15:35) 06. Cairokee (Egypt) (21:20) 07. Ibn Thabit (Libya) (25:38) 08. Mashrou

Weekly Night Class in Introductory Arabic at Stanford (Starts September 25, 2019)

To register:  https://continuingstudies.stanford.edu/courses/liberal-arts-and-sciences/introductory-arabic/20191_ARB-01 Anyone interested in learning Arabic from scratch is welcome to enroll in my weekly night class which is offered via Stanford Continuing Studies starting on Wednesday Sept 25 at 7 pm. No prior knowledge of the language required. More info at this link: https://continuingstudies.stanford.edu/courses/liberal-arts-and-sciences/introductory-arabic/20191_ARB-01

محاضرة الدكتور رمزي سلطي حول الموسيقى البديلة -- معهد سجال

SLIDES FROM MY LECTURE ON INDIE ARABIC MUSIC AT SIJAL (JORDAN) Artwork by Jordanian artist Tamer Al Ahmar VIDEO OF MY LECTURE ABOUT INDIE ARABIC MUSIC AT SIJAL (JORDAN) Dr. Ramzi Salti's audio-visual talk (in Arabic) about indie/alternative Arabic music--recorded at Sijal Institute in Jordan on Aug 26, 2019  محاضرة الدكتور رمزي سلطي في معهد سجال حول الموسيقى العربية البديلة  Here is a list of the song excerpts that were included in this lecture; please note that two short segments have been muted due to copyright issues (these can be viewed separately on YouTube)  ها هي القائمة التي تحتوي على الاغاني التي تكلمنا عنها خلال المحاضرة. ملاحظة: لقد تم حذف الصوت خلال مقطعين موسيقيين قصيرين في هذه المحاضرة لكن يامكانكم مشاهدة الاغنيتين مع الصوت عبر الروابط أدناه  LIST OF SONGS قائمة الاغاني 1 1.  Asmahan "Emta" at 11:13 2.

Arabology 13.2 Podcast Highlights Shubbak Festival 2019, Ft Interviews with Bu Kolthoum, Khansa, Juliana Yazbeck

Listen at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/shubbak Dr. Ramzi Salti's latest Arabology program (June 2019)  highlights the upcoming Shubbak Festival in England (June 28-July 14) by featuring interviews with Bu Kolthoum (17:59), Khansa (37:05), and Juliana Yazbeck (59:01)--all of whom will be performing at the Festival. This episode also features an interview with MARSM's Christina Hazboun (8:56) who talks to us about the venue.  More info and/or tickets at marsm.co.uk or www.shubbak.co.uk LISTEN TO PODCAST BELOW OR AT  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/shubbak Shubbak (meaning ‘window’ in Arabic) is London’s largest biennial festival of contemporary Arab culture. Shubbak has become a key moment in the arts calendar of the UK and the Arab World, bringing new and unexpected voices alongside established artists to new audiences every two years. This year’s festival takes place in London from 28 June–14 July 2019. Tickets are on sale now at marsm.co.uk or www.

Essay about the Music of the Arab Spring by Kristina Abyad

This essay was written by Kristina Abyad, a Junior at the Orange County School of the Arts, for her  AP Language and Composition class in 2019.  Published here with her permission. How Music Contributed to the Arab Spring By Kristina Abyad Beginning in the spring of 2010 and ending approximately one year later, the Arab Spring was a series of political revolts clustered among the nations of the Middle East and North Africa. These revolts were organized and enacted by Arab citizens who were protesting against their corrupt governments and leaders of a multitude of countries throughout the region. Although these titular events officially began in Tunisia, North Africa, political unrest had already been present for many years prior. Governmental corruption, censorship of free speech, and suppression of human rights encouraged Middle Eastern citizens to rise up against their inhumane leaders, and music was the medium through which they were encouraged and emboldened to finally tak

Stanford Students of Arabic Perform Fairuz Song On Stage

Watch video below or at https://youtu.be/f76AgFDYTyg At least a dozen students from Dr. Ramzi's Salti's Beginning Arabic course at Stanford thrilled the crowds on February 21, 2019 by performing Fairuz's "Nassam Alayna Al Hawa" for International Mother Language Day--an event that was organized by the Stanford Language Center and which included various performances by students in different languages.  The video below (filmed with student permission) includes segments from the rehearsal sessions ft Matt Wright and Chris Stock (no students were filmed in this part) and a clip from the actual performance (participating students have kindly agreed to be recorded). Special thanks to members of the Stanford Middle East Ensemble for making this performance possible. WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW OR AT  https://youtu.be/f76AgFDYTyg Watch video from rehearsals :  0:00 - 2:55  or skip to Performance by clicking here >  2:56 - 10:23

Arabology 13.1 Podcast (May 2019) Available

Listen at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/a131 Stanford Lecturer/Arabology Radio Host Dr. Ramzi Salti was joined by DJ Salah in presenting new indie/alternative Arabic music for the premiere of the 13th Season of Arabology --which airs on KZSU 90.1 FM (Stanford University).  The show aired on May 2. 2019 and the podcast is now available below or at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/a131 The show featured indie/alternative Arabic music (with commentary in English) and included a segment about Sudanese music and a tribute to singer Rim Banna who passed away last year. FEATURED ARTISTS ON ARABOLOGY 13.1 (MAY 2, 2019): This episode showcases songs by Lebanese group Nachaz, Hana Malhas, Nur Alf, Yusor Hamed, Jowan Safadi, DAM, Basel Zayed, The Synaptik, Rootes, Al Raseef. Also features Fairuz remixes by Weela, DJ Sotusura and a tribute to Rim Banna (with new remix). Show also includes spotlight on Sudan through the music by Nawawe and Aziza Brahim. Special thanks

Arabology Interviews Michael Malek Najjar, Director of "Scenes from 71* Years"

Listen at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/maleknajjar Stanford Lecturer/ Arabology Radio Host Dr. Ramzi Salti interviews Michael Malek Najjar, Director of Hannah Khalil's play "Scenes from 71* Years"--playing in San Francisco from April 5-May 5, 2018.  Interview was recorded by Skype on April 6, 2019. Listen below or at  https://soundcloud.com/arabology/maleknajjar For info, tickets, go to www.goldenthread.org MICHAEL MALEK NAJJAR (Ph.D., UCLA; M.F.A., York University; B.A., University of New Mexico) is an associate professor of Theatre Arts with the University of Oregon. He is the author of Arab American Drama, Film and Performance, 1908 to the Present: A Critical Study and the editor of Four Arab American Plays: Works by Leila Buck, Jamil Khoury, Yussef El Guindi, and Lameece Issaq & Jacob Kader (McFarland) and The Selected Works of Yussef El Guindi (Bloomsbury). He founded Riverside Repertory Theatre (now Tricklock Company) in Albuquerque, NM an

الدكتور رمزي سلطي يتحدث عن برنامجه الاذاعي الامريكي عربولوجي باللغة العربية Dr. Ramzi Salti Talks about His Arabology Program in Arabic

https://youtu.be/vpSCXqavnrE يمكنكم الآن مشاهدة هذا الحوار بين الدكتور رمزي سلطي ورامه شققي حول برنامجه عربولوجي الذي يُبث عبر اذاعة جامعة ستانفورد في الولايات المتحدة الامريكية وذلك عبر الرابط التالي . رامه شققي هي رائدة أعمال سورية، أسست العديد من المشاريع لدعم الشباب في الشرق الأوسط للحصول على تعليم ومستقبل أفضل . Dr. Ramzi Salti speaks about his Arabology radio show/podcast (in Arabic) as part of the “Digital Media Entrepreneurship Program” run by the VIP.fund in collaboration with Syria Revival Initiative. By special invitation from Rama Chakaki, Founder & Executive Director of the VIP.fund https://vip.fund Audio only also available below or at at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/vipfund

Video Highlights from Actor Kamel El Basha's Stanford Visit (February 2019)

Watch video at  https://youtu.be/nPpCki2ciVA I just made this video featuring highlights from actor Kamel El Basha's visit to Stanford last month where he spoke about his career + starring role in the Oscar nominated Lebanese film The Insult - قضية رقم ٢٣.  Video includes guest appearances by Zeid Hamdan. You can watch the video below or at  https://youtu.be/nPpCki2ciVA Kamel El Basha or Kamel el-Bacha (in Arabic كامل الباشا) (born in Jerusalem on 14 March 1962) is a Palestinian theater actor and director and film actor who won the 2017 Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the 74th Venice International Film Festival for his role as Yasser Abdallah Salameh in The Insult (also known in Arabic: قضية رقم ٢٣‎, translit. Qadiyya raqm 23, lit. 'Case No. 23') by Lebanese film director Ziad Doueiri. Kamel El Basha wins Best Actor at Venice Film Festival (2017) You can also listen to Dr. Ramzi Salti's full radio interview with Kamel El Basha below or at

Video Highlights: Zeid Hamdan at Stanford University (Feb 2019)

Watch full video at  https://youtu.be/lQ6IyxZnH2M This video includes 48 minutes of highlights from Lebanese musician Zeid Hamdan's visit to Stanford University on Feb 19, 2019 where he gave two lectures--one in English, one in Arabic--performed live, and visited KZSU 90.1 FM where he was interviewed by Dr. Ramzi Salti for his Arabology radio show. All video clips/music in this visit are for Educational Purposes only. You can watch the video below or at  https://youtu.be/lQ6IyxZnH2M You can also listen to Dr. Ramzi Salti's radio interview with Zeid Hamdan,below or at this link: https://soundcloud.com/arabology/zeidhamdan PHOTOS FROM ZEID HAMDAN'S STANFORD VISIT: Watch full video below or at  https://youtu.be/lQ6IyxZnH2M