Zouk Mikael Festival blends Lebanese favourites and blues

By Nohad Topalian in Beirut
For Al-Shorfa.com
2010-07-13

[JOSEPH FADDOUL/Al-Shorfa] The festival features performances set in a former Roman amphitheatre.

Since its debut in 2003, the Zouk Mikael International Festival has established a prominent place among the annual festivals in Lebanon. It is held in the town of Zouk Mikael, which is 10 minutes from Beirut, perched on a hill of Kesrouan overlooking the Mediterranean.

This year's programme features four evening performances by Lebanese and foreign artists. Two Lebanese soirees are included this summer. Jazz singer Randa Ghossoub will perform at the first soiree, while the Knight of Arab Song Assi El-Hallany, will headline the other.

Al-Shorfa met with Zalfa Boueiz, the festival president, to discuss the programme.

Al-Shorfa: Why did you start the festival on July 9th, earlier than usual?

Boueiz: This is the second year in a row we are launching the festival earlier than usual because the holy month of Ramadan will start earlier.

Al-Shorfa: What's new in this year's programme?

Boueiz: The festival usually offers four events, including a Lebanese evening performance by a Lebanese artist. This year we were able to realize our goal of organising two Lebanese soirees.

Lebanese-Canadian artist Randa Ghossoub will perform the first soiree, while the second will feature a performance by Assi El-Hallany, the Knight of Arab Song.

Al-Shorfa: Can you tell us more about the programme?

Boueiz: We started off with French artist Calogero on July 9th. On July 19th it is Randa Ghossoub, accompanied by American pianist Cyrus Chestnut. She will be performing songs written by poet Henry Zgheib, accompanied by Duke Ellington's music. On July 23rd, artist Assi El-Hallany will perform, and in the same evening there will be a performance by the traditional dabkeh troupe of Baalbek.

The festival will be concluded in style with the Chicago Blues Band on July 28th. The group was nominated for a 2010 Grammy Award. And for the first time I can tell you that they will be joined by world-renowned artist Otis Grand, who is of Lebanese origin.

Al-Shorfa: You're going to do something special for the audience during the Chicago Blues evening. Can you tell us more?

Boueiz: Usually the audience would watch the performances from the steps of the amphitheater. During the Chicago Blues band performance, they will have a chance to experience a blues club. We will create a blues atmosphere by arranging tables and chairs and recreate the real mood of the blues for the audience. If it works this time, we'll do it again in the future.

Al-Shorfa: Do you have a particular type of audience in mind when you're planning the festival each year?

Boueiz: The festival's evening performances are open to everyone. For instance, the French artist Calogero's audience is open to everyone aged 15 and above. The Lebanese soirees attract the Lebanese and Arab public who are currently in Lebanon. This season, we're expecting a huge audience for Assi El-Hallany's soiree performance.

Al-Shorfa: How is attendance?

Boueiz: The number of attendees doubles each year. Last year we ran a poll during the festival and asked people questions to find out what their preferences are. Based upon the feedback we received, we were able to make improvements and offer better services.

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