Contact information: 413/775-1420
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Contact: Liz Carroll
Phone: 413/775-1420
E-mail: carroll@gcc.mass.edu

Media contact: Liz Carroll
Marketing & Publications
413/775-1420 | carroll@gcc.mass.edu

Release date: October 11, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Arabic music ensemble comes to GCC

On Friday, October 22 at 7 p.m., in the East Building Dance Studio, the widely acclaimed Arabic music ensemble, Layaali, will perform traditional music of the Arab world. Arabic music has a distinctive sound with unique, haunting rhythms; it has a defining structure based on ancient modes called maqams, but allows plenty of improvisation. Members of the ensemble have performed to sold-out audiences at major venues nationwide.

Their appearance is co-sponsored by the GCC Diversity Working Group. "One of our goals is to sponsor events that show different cultural perspectives,” says Sharon Arslanian. "We are excited to present Layaali as both a beautiful musical performance and a cultural event.”

"Any event that moves us to look beyond ourselves and see the richness in the diversity of human experiences prompts us all to reflect and act with compassion,” says Professor Anne Wiley, co-chair of the Diversity Working Group.

"One can truly begin to understand another people's culture by listening to their music because music is like a mirror to a country's soul,” says Layaali member Michel Moushabeck. "We all need music and stories and poetry to understand our connections to people an ocean away. We use our instruments as tools to promote diversity and cross-cultural dialogue.”

"At the end of the concert,” says Sharon Arslanian, who is also coordinator of the Dance Department, "we're going to push back the chairs and dance!”

The event is free to GCC students, with a sliding scale offering of $4 to $12 suggested for the community. Tickets are available at the GCC Bookstore and at Booklink Booksellers in Thornes Marketplace in Northampton. For more information, call (413) 775-1262. For access and special needs, call (413) 775-1812.