The Lebanon American Club of Danbury and the Middle Eastern Dance Academy of West Haven, CT are co-hosting "A Cedar Journey Musical" at the WCSU Ives theater downtown Campus. The MDA dance troupe will be joined by Peter, Paul, John an Mary Band of West Nyack,NY and several local and regional artists from CT, MA and NJ. A special music and dance production celebrating Lebanese heritage, resilience, and the immigrant experience Save the date for both Sat. Feb 21st, 7:30pm Show, with a snow date of Sun Feb. 22nd 2pm Show.
This event brings together local and regional artists in a powerful program depicting a Lebanese family’s journey from their homeland to America and their efforts to preserve faith, traditions, and cultural identity in a new world.
Proceeds from the event will support the programs and services of the Lebanon American Club in the greater Danbury area, as well as participating local and regional artists, especially for giving of their time and talent at no charge for last year's Benefit for the Lebanese Red Cross Emergency relief.
We look forward for your participation by joining us and sharing this event with family and friends. Please see further details below.
See a sneak peek Video Clips from the January 2025 performance. (TBP)
- For reservations, please visit the
WCSU Ticketing Site link or use the Scan Me QR Code.
Deadline for early reservation is 2/16/25. Late Reservations including at the door purchase, can see $10 & $25 increase per ticket for Adult General Admission and Premier Seating respectively.
- For Sponsorship to be included in the program book or if you wish to make a donation, pls. use this QR Code or you may make a check to the Lebanon American Club. noting the Cedar Journey Musical Sponsorship or Donation, and mail to the club address at 22 West Street, Danbury CT 06810.
Use this link for sponsorship info submission: Google Form to submit Sponsorship Info. Deadline for ad submission - 2/13/2025. List of major sponsors (of $100 or more) to be also shared on this page after event concludes.
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Participating Entertainers and Artists in the Musical Benefit Concert:
MDA BIO
Bridging American and Lebanese Sounds, this is a vibrant and dynamic band that fuses the best of Lebanese and American music, creating a unique blend that appeals to fans across cultures. Formed by four talented siblings, each with their own musical strengths, the band brings together the rich traditions of Lebanon with the timeless influence of American pop, rock, and folk.
With Peter on drums, Paul on bass and darbuka, John on piano/keyboard, and Mary on guitar, the band effortlessly switches between the emotive rhythms of Lebanese folk and the catchy beats of American rock and pop.
The band’s repertoire includes a mix of traditional Lebanese songs and American classics. They breathe new life into timeless hits, while infusing Lebanese folk music with modern, global sounds. Their ability to seamlessly blend Arabic scales with Western harmonies makes them stand out in the world of cross-cultural music.
Peter, Paul, John, and Mary is more than just a band; it’s a reflection of the power of music to unite cultures and transcend borders. The band mission is simple, it’s to create music that brings people together, celebrates their diverse backgrounds, and proves that no matter where we come from, music is a universal language.
Bchara Sherfan is a Lebanese-born singer and lute (oud) player whose work bridges traditional Middle Eastern music and modern expression. Originally from Hadath, Lebanon, and now based in USA, he is recognized for his compelling live performances and his ability to connect audiences to rich musical traditions through a contemporary lens.George Radi is Professional Darbuka player and instructor. He
is a graduate of the Lebanese Musical Conservatoire and a professional Darbuka percussionist who began mastering his craft at the age of 14. By 17, his talent had already earned him recognition, winning multiple talent shows in Lebanon. Georges has traveled the world, performing alongside renowned stars such as Najwa Karam, Nancy Ajram, and the iconic belly dancer Amani. He has also showcased his artistry in solo performances across Australia, Dubai, France, Geneva, and the USA. In addition to his traditional work, Georges has collaborated with acclaimed violinist Daisy Joplin, blending his Darbuka rhythms with her classical and contemporary violin artistry to create unforgettable musical experiences.
Eduardo Marques, A Professional Singer and Actor. * Born in Lisbon, Portugal. Performed for more than 3 decades in 5 languages in many events, private parties, Weddings, Casinos, Bars/restaurants, musicals and several song contes Performed as a singer and actor in the following musicals: * The Rebel’s Ship, Fame and Peter Pan Participated as a singer in “ Portugal Got Talent “ getting the 2nd place and the first among all the singers in 2010 Participated as a singer at the “Eurovision Song Contest” in Azerbaijan 2012; Received a 2nd place in a “Fado song Contest” in Lisbon 2007; Awarded in New York at the Portuguese/Brasilian Awards in 2016
Contact: e_marques3@hotmail.com, Phone: 9733926263
Lara Bhanini - In the tranquil town of Zahle, Lebanon, nestled in the beautiful Bekaa Valley, my journey with music began. As a young child, I was captivated by melodies and harmonies. It was in the local Melkite Catholic church, St. Takla, with its warm, inviting choir, that I found my voice.
Every Sunday morning, the choir gathered, filling the hallowed space with soul-stirring hymns. My mother, a devoted member, often brought me along. I remember the first time I joined in, my small voice timidly merging with the seasoned singers around me. The sensation of being part of something larger was overwhelming and profoundly moving.
At the age of 12, my family and I moved to the United States, leaving my choir days behind in my homeland. However, my love for singing persisted. Whether alone or with my family, I continued to sing both religious and non-religious songs. While I wouldn't call myself a singer, I am passionate about helping my homeland, even if it means exposing my amateur voice.
Elio Mitri is an electromechanical engineer with a passion for music. A talented keyboardist and singer, Elio specializes in singing Arabic Lebanese music. He studied music in Lebanon under a private teacher. With a unique blend of technical expertise and artistic expression, he embodies the spirit of a one-man show in his musical endeavors.
Fr. Elias Adwan - My musical journey began as a simple hobby but soon grew into a profound expression of my faith and devotion. Surrounded by the music of Fairuz, Melhem Barakat, Wadih El Safi, the Rahbani Brothers, and many others, I was deeply moved by the way their melodies bridged the spiritual and the earthly. Over time, I found myself especially drawn to Maronite music, with its rich hymns and sacred melodies that resonate deeply within my soul. The Nay, a traditional Middle Eastern wind instrument, became my spiritual voice, its soulful tone allowing me to channel my prayers and devotion directly to God. My studies in Classical and Oriental vocal techniques at the Lebanese Musical Conservatoire further enriched my musical journey, refining my craft and deepening my bond with the rich heritage of Eastern and Oriental music. I have been blessed to perform at numerous recitals on special occasions, including Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, and other significant feasts. These moments have offered me the opportunity to share my love for both sacred and traditional music, inviting others into a space of spiritual reflection and connection. Through each performance, I strive not only to honor the music that has shaped me but to offer a sacred moment of prayer and reflection for all who listen.
Jad and Jean (John) Najm - When I was aboutn two years old, my love for music, especially percussion, began to shine. I would watch my dad practice music with his friends and perform, mesmerized by their passion. I even have videos of myself as a baby, tapping rhythmically on bottles and other objects.As I grew up, I naturally gravitated toward percussion instruments, learning how to play the darbuka and other traditional Middle Eastern drums. I started performing at Lebanese festivals and eventually transitioned into playing in the vibrant nightlife scene of Lebanese clubs.
When my family moved to Lebanon, my dad enrolled me in a music school to refine my skills. For two years, I studied music theory and learned how to play properly, which deepened my passion for the craft. These early experiences were the foundation of my love for the music scene and shaped me into the musician I am today.
Dabkeh Professionals:
Samer Bou Jawde - Samer first got into Dabke around the age of 16 in Lebanon. Since then, the joy, social bonding, and cultural expression linked to Dabke pulled him to practice, teach, and lecture on Dabke despite leading a career in engineering. This love made him be part of many Dabke teams in Lebanon and Boston, managing, teaching, and organizing workshops/classes for people of different ages and backgrounds, including Boston-based Lebanese youth at the WLCU (World Lebanese Cultural Union). He has performed in different events ranging from fundraisers, cultural festivals, graduation parties, weddings… Currently with his sister Sima, they aim to spread our cultural heritage via Dabke across the community. To follow Samer’s Dabke journey, you can connect via Instagram @SamerBouDabke
Sima Bou Jawde - Sima has always been a lover of culture, art, theatre and dance-- engaging in many performances across different avenues of theatrical performances both in Beirut and Boston. Currently, she hopes to spread her culture’s richness and heritage through teaching and performing Dabke in Boston and beyond. Even though she has been performing for more than five years in universities, weddings and hennas, her true passion is leading multiple workshops teaching both Arab nationals as well as cultural enthusiasts the love of Dabke. To follow Sima’s journey in movement and dance, you can connect with her on instagram @simabujawdeh.
Additional Participants -
* Ghassan Najm - Past President of Lebanon American Club and Master of Ceremony
* Children Chorus - Talia Sherfan, Laura Younes, Emmanuel Younes and Gia Bhanini.
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