Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture  Al-Bustan Logo    Al-Bustan Logo
Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture
October 2009
Arab Cultural Arts in Schools
Join the Arab Music Ensemble
Concert on Dec 4, 2009
Art and Poetry
In Memory of Hilda Barakat
Al-Bustan's Arab Cultural Arts Program continues in Philadelphia Schools

Weekly instruction in Arab percussion by teaching artist HAFEZ EL ALI KOTAIN has begun in/after-school.  Other workshops in folk dance, art, and drama are to follow soon.  We are excited to be teaching students and working with administrators /educators at 4 sites thAl-Bustan Logois year:
  • Moffet School
  • Penn Alexander School
  • Feltonville Arts & Sciences
  • Science Leadership Academy
A series of Arab music demonstration were held last month by HANNA KHOURY and HAFEZ EL ALI KOTAIN at St. Peters School, Springside School, West Catholic High School, and University of Pennsylvania.
Calling Singers & Musicians to Join Us Today!

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We still welcome students to  register for the newly formed Arab Music Ensemble.  We had a wonderful start the past couple weeks and invite more people to join in this first-time ever music initiative to take place in Philadelphia.

Weekly rehearsals are held on
WEDNESDAYS at the parish hall behind St. Mary's Church, 3916 Locust Walk (UPenn campus)


Singers meet 6 - 7:30pm
Instrumentalists meet 7 - 9pm
Refreshments provided
Al-Bustan Paints a Vision of Hope in State Rep. Roebuck's Office
4712 Baltimore Ave in West Philly


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Artwork produced in Spring 2009 at the Encaustic Painting & Arabic Calligraphy workshops with TREMAIN SMITH is on display in the storefront windows of State Representative Jim Roebuck.
Stop by to see the paintings and thank Mr. Roebuck for his support of the arts!
Save the Date:
A Concert of Arab Music

December 4, 2009 - 7:30pm
Bodek Lounge in Houston Hall at University of Pennsylvania


The Arab Music Ensemble, with musicians Hanna Khoury, Hafez El Ali KotainAdeeb Refela, and guest singer will present a delightful evening of classical Arab music.
In Memory of Hilda Barakat
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The Al-Bustan community is saddened by the recent passing of a long-time friend and supporter.  See our remembrance of Ms. Barakat
Poetry from Our Students
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The two-day visit by author IBTISAM BARAKAT at camp this past July led to some creative poetry by Jabari, Lucas, Freda, Reem, Laila, and other students.  We invite you to view a selection of poems posted on our website...

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 TATREEZ Exhibit
Don't miss this exhibit curated by former Al-Bustan staff Nehad Khader
Re-opening reception and celebration, refreshments served

Friday, Oct 9, 6-8pm Philadelphia Folklore Project at 735 S. 50th St.

AFTERMATH Play
See former Al-Bustan drama teacher Leila Buck in Aftermath, a play that explores the US invasion of Iraq using through the words of Iraqi refugees. It has received much praise, and will run in NYC thru Oct 18 at the New York Theatre Workshop.  Click here for more info.

BRIDGING PEACE Concert
See violinst Hanna Khoury in performance with cellist Udi Bar-David and percussionist Rolanda Morales-Matos.
Presented by Villanova University and Intercultural Journeys
Tuesday, Oct 27, 7:30pm - Free - at Villanova Room in Connelly Center

We welcome your support!
  • Click here to make a tax-deductible donation.
  • Volunteer your time and talents with us!
  • Participate in our programs.
  • Forward this email to anyone interested in Arab arts and culture.
Al-Bustan is dedicated to educating youth in Arabic language, arts, and culture.