News Lebanon Music: Lebanese rock band takes center stage in freedoms debate
BEIRUT (AP) — A popular Mideast rock band known for its rousing music and lyrics challenging norms in the conservative Arab world is once again at the center of a heated debate about freedom of expression — this time over a planned concert in its hometown in Lebanon. Church leaders and conservative politicians set off a storm of indignation on social media this week when they demanded that a concert by Mashrou' Leila, scheduled to take place in the coastal city of Byblos on Aug. 9, be canceled, saying the group's songs are an insult to Christianity. The indie rock band, whose lead singer and song writer Hamed Sinno is openly gay, has been a champion of LGBT rights in the Arab world and regularly sings against controversial subjects such as sectarianism, corruption and other social problems. The band has previously been banned from performing in Jordan and Egypt, but censorship demands threatening its concert in the more liberal Lebanon — where it has performed on numerous occasions — are new. "After looking at the goals of Mashrou' Leila and the content of the songs it performs which infringe on religious and humanitarian values ... we call on authorities to suspend their performance on the land of holiness, civilization and history," a statement issued by the Christian Maronite Archdiocese of Byblos said. On Facebook, a group calling itself the "Soldiers of God" started a campaign against the concert, posting warnings suggesting it would take to the streets to prevent the event from taking place. Others weighed in, starting a hashtag that called for stopping the performance. Taken aback, the group hit back on Monday, saying it has been surprised by the "defamatory campaign." "It's very sad that some of the lyrics from our songs have been cherry picked, taken...
News Lebanon Music: Lebanese band to apologise to Christians before home gig
A Lebanese indie band is to play at a music festival in their home country next month, but only after apologising for two songs deemed offensive to Christians, organisers said. Mashrou' Leila, whose singer is openly gay and whose outspoken Arabic lyrics tackle often taboo social issues, have created
News Lebanon Music: Descendent of music legend brings nostalgia
Lebanon’s summer music festivals, set against the backdrop of its most impressive monuments like the Roman temples at Baalbak and the Crusader castle of Byblos, are an important feature in the ...
News Lebanon Music: Can His Rap Return to Syria?
The Syrian war erupted two years later, forcing his family to return to Manila. Rather than follow, Shorbaji stayed in Lebanon to focus on his music. “From the beginning, Chyno was never jealous about ...
News Lebanon Music: You Can Rent Reba McEntire's Former Lakeside Estate Outside of Nashville
Traveling to Tennessee is already lovely, but throw in the chance to rent a stunning 8-bedroom classic southern home once owned by a country music legend and you’ve got yourself a dream vacation. ...
News Lebanon Music: Not forgotten: A lifetime passion for music
Helen E. Murdock, who taught at Schuylkill Valley High School from 1968 to 1975, shared her passion for music with her students, and though she dedicated much of her life to playing the organ at ...
News Lebanon Music: NGO offers Lebanon taste of lionfish in effort to contain invasive species
REUTERS/Antonio Bronic A lionfish is seen at the Aquarium Pula, Croatia, July 25, 2018. BATROUN, Lebanon — Blaring music filled the air and the smell of the grilling fish overwhelmed the small beach. ...
News Lebanon Music: While most banks pass on marijuana money, a Lebanon County institution welcomes the business
Jonestown Bank & Trust in Lebanon, founded in 1873 ... “this-could-happen-to-you” tale of drug dealers who hold parties where jazz music plays and marijuana is smoked. Psychotropically impaired, ...
News Lebanon Music: Cocalico School District: Students honors in music, art, government
Sixteen Cocalico High School students were selected to play in the Lancaster-Lebanon Music Educators Association County Band North Festival that was held Jan. 19 at Garden Spot High School.
News Lebanon Music: Ukrainian cultural festival to be held in Lebanon in May. Video
music and fine arts. The festival aims at boosting cultural exchange between Ukraine and Lebanon and enhancing bilateral ties between the two countries. Attendants of the festival will be able to ...
