Remembering Donna Summers:

 A brilliant display of versatility

Acoustica had a gig cancelled before this one, so a chance to play to a largely artsy audience was a great break and a welcome one. The stage was set and the instruments were highlighted against a lovely backdrop that can only be seen at the Maidan Cultural center.

Richard Bushman, founder of the Ahmadi Music Group introduced the show eloquently and also gave us a glimpse of what’s to come next week.

The band started off with Natalie Imbrulglia’s “Torn”, and what a great cover it was. Serena’s dazzling voice was apparent from the offset and the band’s harmony and chemistry are undeniable.  What I loved most about the band is that everyone had a specific highlight. Taahira, known for her incredible stage presence and beautiful voice as well wooed the audience on a few tracks including Seal’s “Crazy” which I personally enjoyed because I just love Seal!

Then Adriana’s graceful yet distinct cover of Sade’s “Smooth Operator” put the audience in a soulful mood. I thought the diversity of transitions from pop to jazz to rock provided the audience with well needed flavour. And with wonderfully distinguished performances from Dejan, Ellie , Sofia and the drummer (Sorry , dont know his name!) . With the They ended with the classic “California Dreaming” by the Mamas and the Papas to massive applause. I wouldn’t hesitate for one second if I had the chance to watch Acoustica perform again.

 Watch the collage below , for performances from the event:

Picture Gallery:

Passionate, articulate, and music-driven are but a few words that described Kareem Salama, the first Muslim American country musician who’s art transcribed stories of love, nostalgia, hardship, and other life experiences.

To understand and feel the dedication in which Salama approaches his music, one must really get up close and meet the man in person and thus, this interview exist for the sole purpose of introducing the audience in Kuwait and music lovers to this wonderful individual…

Music beyond borders

Knowing the precious value of others human beings is really important and to see and recognize that value would go a long way in resolving issues of conflict amongst people, reacted the Arab-American musician to a question in regards to the problems and hardships people face on a daily-basis.

Salama touched on the importance of music in getting beyond the differences amongst people, stressing that his work was primarily focused on being civil and providing various points of views.

   “ I recognized everyone will always have differences but it does not mean that those differences should pull us apart or make us angry … if two people hate each other there is no way to start a conversation from that point. There has to be some kind of connection in the soul and the heart,” said Salama.

 

 On his music, Salama said that his love of Country, Pop, and Rock music was reflected in the songs he wrote for the Generous Peace (2006) This Life of Mine (2007), and a third City of Lights (2011) albums, adding that the process of writing a song would begin with him then he would work the material with others to bring on the final product.

   Kareem Salama along with fellow musicians Ari Mihalopoulos, and J.J. Worthen, are in Kuwait from May 15-20. They will be performing in music concerts to be held on May 16, 17, 19 at the Qibliya School, Sherton Hotel, and the Americani Cultural Center respectively.

   When asked about his experience with local Kuwaiti music, Salama said that he had heard of some music from friends and it was a hybrid of pop and traditional music but indicated that he was eager to listen to folklore songs.

“The crowds were very respective of the music,” said Salama about his previous experience in Kuwait which he visited in 2010 during his Middle East tour that also included Egypt, Morocco, Syria, Jordan, and Bahrain. The State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs organized the tour as part of a wave of cultural outreach to the Arab world.

 Salama touched on the importance of being persistent in music, saying that one will not necessarily see a result and he or she may put a lot of themselves into their music without witnessing achievements which all boils down to having a greater drive and passion for the art or the ultimate end would be “quitting.”

“Things don’t change all of a sudden,” said Salama who encouraged musicians in Kuwait to take a step by step process to let their music heard and spread around.

Though short, the meeting with Kareem Salama and company was a unique experience that showcased how many musicians strive to bring on a positive message to people from all walks of life.

More on Kareem Salama’s music can be found at his official http://www.kareemsalama.com/

To conclude this post here’s Kareem Salama’s ode to the 1980s. If you’re the child of the that period you’ll know what “1980 something” is about, cheers!

While we find this video extremely disturbing, but we find it equally important to tap into this problem and realize that these kids’ talent and energy could and should be redirected to a rapping school, where professionals supervise them and parents know what the kids are doing.

Tickets are available at Desi treat, Pizza Inn outlets, RM jewellery , Amman Bhelpuri or calll these numbers 55669322, 66330397, 97556595.

Ticket categories and fees:

• Platinum 35kd – Currently SOLD OUT
• Gold 25kd – Currently SOLD OUT
• Silver 15kd – Currently SOLD OUT
• BRONZE 10kd – Currently SOLD OUT
• 7 KD PRICE tickets are only AVAILABLE

Round 1

Round 2

Looks like the BAIA is having a summer “funshop” that will include acting, singing and dancing for 9 year olds and above. Worth a try!

Poster (Click to zoom)

This guy ‘s video appeals to guitar players of all levels I think… really simple, but still sounds great. Enjoy and rock on!