The Lebanon American Club of Danbury and the Middle Eastern Dance Academy of West Haven,CT are co-hosting a Benefit Musical Concert 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. It is expected to be a variety music and dance program. Save the date for both Sat. Jan 25th, 7:30pm Show, with a snow date of Sun Jan. 26th 2pm Show.
This is a great cause to support the first responders on the front lines providing humanitarian services to those impacted by the ongoing conflict. Hope you will be able to join us.
The Musical Concert will depict the story of a Lebanese family making the hard decision to leave the homeland that they cherish, to America. Although they had many challenges in assimilating in the new world, and missed dearly their homeland, they discovered by keeping faith and traditions, they were able to keep Lebanon in their hearts.
- For reservations, please visit the WCSU Ticketing Site link below or use the LAC QR Code: Tickets-musical-performance-benefit-for-the-lebanese-red-cross . Deadline for early reservation is 1/20/25. Late Reservations including at the door purchase, can see $5 to $25 increase per ticket.
- For Sponsorship to be included in the program book or if you wish to make additional donations to the Lebanese Red Cross, pls. use this QR Code or you may make a check to the Lebanon American Club. noting the Lebanese Red Cross Benefit 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 sign up for sponsorships Deadline for ad submission - 1/17/2025. List of major sponsors (of $100 or more) to be also shared on this page.
* A small ad 2x2 inch for a Business Logo - $100 . (1, 2 or 4 spots can be purchased).
* List of Individual or Business Name to be placed on a single line - $60.
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If you are interested to donate directly to other NGOs providing emergency and ongoing relief , here is a list of recommended NGOs:
* Friends of the Lebanese Franciscan Sisters of the Cross (FLFS)
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, 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 talented Subdeacon at the JPII & The Immaculate Conception Church in Sleepy Hollow, NY. Originally from Hadath, Lebanon, Bchara is deeply connected to his heritage and faith. As a singer and lute player, he brings a unique blend of artistry and devotion to his performances. Known for his live performances, Bchara's music reflects both his spiritual commitment and his passion for traditional and contemporary sounds. His work in the church and on stage continues to inspire and uplift those who experience it
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 contests.
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 - Musician and Singer
Jad Najm - When I was about 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 Artists expected to join as well -
* Singer - Fr. Elias Adwan of St. Anthony Maronite Church in Danbury
* President of Lebanon American Club and Master of Ceremony - Ghassan Najm
