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Program and Events 2008

American Band Holds Ramadan Concerts in Palestinian Territories

 

In the best tradition of Ramadan post-iftar fun and celebration, the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem brought an American band to Jerusalem, Ramallah, Beit Sahur, Nablus and, via digital video conference, to the Gaza Strip.  The Fuuls are an acoustic musical trio of guitars, sax, dobro, bass, and vocals who performed public concerts and conduct workshops for music teachers and students.

   

 

US Consulate Cultural Affairs Officer Stacy Barrios explains that, “American music provides a window into American culture and society in general.  Our music is a reflection of our history and ethnic cultural diversity.  Our respect for those who went before us, shows itself every time we play favorites by American country music legends like Hank Williams, for example.”  The Fuuls' playlist includes several American music styles, including country and rock.  “We are inviting communities across the Palestinian Territories to come out after their iftars and take a listen through our musical window,” Barrios adds. 



 

For their part, Fuul band members were delighted to be playing for Palestinian audiences and exchanging ideas with Palestinian musicians at workshops.  The workshops brought together music teachers and students from throughout the West Bank and Gaza to discuss different American musical styles; how they developed; what techniques they require and how they have contributed to shaping American history.  The Fuuls especially enjoyed the workshop that the U.S. Consulate organized with Gaza students and teachers via digital video conference on September 22.  Stacy Barrios again explains, “reaching out to audiences in Gaza is an integral and important part of our cultural programming.”



 

The Fuul’s kicked off the concert portion of their U.S. Consulate program by playing to a capacity crowd at a free, public concert in Ramallah, yesterday.  Their visit is part of a series of events sponsored by the U.S. Consulate during Ramadan that include book donations, quiz nights, musical and theatrical performances, and numerous iftars throughout the West Bank and Gaza.