Five Reasons You Have To Be At the Zouk Mikael Festival
Listen, I totally get it – clubbing in White and partying at C U NXT SAT are safe. Chilling there is always going to be fun but, if you ask me, things get quite dull there only because it’s the same drill every week. Drunk, happy people and empty wallets by the morrow. There’s so much more to Lebanon – culturally, musically and entertainment-wise. It’s about time you get into new shoes and venture somewhere you haven’t been before and our advice is you hit the Zouk Mikael Festival if you’re here this month.
This festival combines two of our favorite things: music and Lebanon. And it’s where you should be. Why?
Cheap prices = happy faces (Image via Only be You) The peeps hosting this festival are all about spreading music and making it possible for musicians from all ages and walks of life to express themselves. When you understand that music is not merely a form of entertainment but also a necessity, it becomes only typical that it be made accessible to everyone. 50 dollars for a concert is not always affordable and it is for this reason that we truly appreciate the affordable tickets for the Zouk Mikael Festival.
‘Tis the City of Peace (Image via Flickr) Fifteen years ago, this town was chosen as the ‘City of Peace’ by UNESCO and compared to the beautiful cities and towns of France. Situated in the beautiful area of Keserwan, this quaint, gorgeous town definitely doesn’t get the recognition it deserves – it is a humble abode of both history and nature. For that sole reason, it is worth venturing into this town to stroll through the ancient Ottoman souk, visit the countless monasteries and the beautiful churches, and get a breath of the fresh Mountainous air. The cherry on the top is the immense, open-air roman styled amphitheater that hosts this festival.
Our favorite bands unite in one arena (Image via Beirut Open Stage) In celebration of Light FM’s 25 year anniversary, Pindoll, Mashrou’ Leila, The Wanton Bishops, Sandmoon, Loopstache and Who Killed Bruce Lee – who are some of our favorite bands in Lebanon – will all be playing together on August 2nd. Also, Loopstache just released a new album that you’ll be able to catch up on in case you missed them their release in Station Beirut last month. You no longer have to feel guilty about missing out on Jim Beams. Life is good, innit?
Bryn Terfel & Monica Yunus
Far from indie rock music and blues, this duo that will play on July 31st is opera-oriented. It is undoubtedly going to be a surreal, transcendental performance by the unbelievably talented duo, Bryn Terfel and Monica Yunus. The Welsh Bryn Terfel is a world-renowned classic who has sung roles for Mozart, Wagner and others, whilst the Monica Yunus, an American soprano singer, is also famous for her beautiful, captivating voice. However, this day doesn’t only focus on international acts – the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra accompanied by Gareth Jones will be playing along with Yunus and Terfel. The diversity of music in this festival is going to be quite breathtaking.
Naseej To be quite frank, this seems to be the most exciting act imaginable (for music lovers, that is). Naseej is a beautiful eruption of oriental music, with both simple and complicated touches of jazz, medieval and contemporary music performed theatrically. This project has gone on a “a musical journey from East to West, Medieval to Andalusian, Ancient to Contemporary, with a SUFI SOUL.” Behind this unique idea are Mike Nassey, Sary Khalife and Ayad Khalife who, particularly influenced by old Arabic poetry, have all had strong visions and profound notions of art in all forms. They have collaborated to put forward something out of the world in the Zouk Mikael Festival and I, for one, cannot wait for this experience.
