Arab Festival Explores Cultural Roots and Current Influences of the Arab World

Seattle Center Festál: Arab Festival, 12 p.m.-9 p.m., Saturday and 12 p.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, July 15 and 16, in Seattle Center Armory, vividly underscores the cultural roots and current influences of the Arab world.

Highlights at the two-day event include The Iraqi Dabke Group performing folkloric dance, 3 p.m., Saturday on the Armory Stage, and storyteller Afifi Durr in a fun and engaging, interactive workshop, 3 p.m. on Sunday. In addition, there is a full schedule of music and dance on the Armory and Mural Amphitheatre stages that includes many local cultural luminaries such as the George Sedak Trio, Dahlia Moon and Shahrazad Dance Ensemble, guitarist-singer Ghassan AlQaisy, swing guitarist Tarik Bentlemsani, Naseem Band and more.

Arab Festival features several children's and family activities including Arabic craft-making, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.; and toddler and preschool circle times, 12 p.m-1:30 p.m. and a derbekeh (Arabic drum) workshop for children, 3 p.m., on both days in the Armory Lofts. There are also shopping opportunities in the Arab marketplace throughout the two days.

Brought together following the first Persian Gulf War, festival organizers seek to showcase Arab culture and arts to showcase the diversity, talent and accomplishments of Arabs and Arab Americans to increase understanding and awareness in the broader community.

In 2017, Seattle Center Festál celebrates 20 years of global music, dance, art, crafts, history, food and insight presented through a unique partnership among community organizations and Seattle Center. Festál provides a stage and platform for them to share their traditions, accomplishments and artistic expression. Festál events captivate and enlighten festival-goers as they experience the distinct cultures that shape the character and course of our broader community.

Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on Arab Festival, visit www.arabcenterwa.org, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

About Seattle Center Festál

This illuminating series of 24 ethnic cultural festivals on weekends throughout the year seeks to connect people in ways that build understanding, dispel stereotypes and generate pride among the generations who participate in these shared experiences. Seattle Center Festál is produced with the generous support of KUOW 94.9 Public Radio, Coca-Cola, Alaska Airlines, T-Mobile, Wells Fargo, The Boeing Company, NW Folklife, 4Culture and ArtsWA. Additional support is provided by the City of Seattle and Seattle Center Foundation.

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