Just when we thought May had given us more than enough, even more exciting events have appeared. So here we are—with one last roundup of events to close out the month in style.
As our little newsletter grows up, so does its content. This time, we’ve sprinkled in some news highlights we think are worth your time.
NB: Photography from the legendary Rania Mattar
ALBUM LAUNCH AND LIVE CONCERT
Arabe: Amanda Ekery and BandFri May 23th at 7pm
Noblu, East Village Amanda is a Syrian-Mexican-American, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and composer and this mix cant disappoint. This is a celebration of her new album: Arabe | |
COMEDY
Samosas Soulmates: Hot Girl SummerIf I was staying local this weekend, I would have probably attended this (yes I’m flexing). This show features live, unfiltered blind dates in front of a studio audience featuring singles from all backgrounds (Arabs, Africans, Desi etc)for a night of laughter and romance | |
COMEDY
In conversation with Sarah Aziza Sat May 27th at 7pm
Bedford Stuyvesant A brush with death. An ancestral haunting. A century of family secrets. Sarah Aziza’s searing, genre-bending memoir traces three generations of diasporic Palestinians from Gaza to the Midwest to New York City—and back. Sarah is in another conversation next week with Andrew Riad. | |
MOVIE SCREENING AND SUPPORT
No Other Land Screening & SupportWed May 28th at 8pm
Cobble Hill Screening details below.
In addition, the creators of the documentary are raising money to support the people of Massafer Yatta. Please donate if you can. | |
COMEDY SHOW
Ramy Youssef Thur May 29th & Jun 28th
Manhattan Ramy is everywhere these days and more importantly in NYC! | |
MUSIC CONCERT
Rana Farhan Album Release ConcertThur May 29th at 8:30pm
DROM, East Village The Queen of Persian Blues has returned. Rana’s soulful voice and hypnotic sound transcend borders, weaving the timeless words of Rumi into a rich musical tapestry. | |
MOVIE & MUSIC
Half Moon SoireeThur May 29th at 7:30pm
Buschwick UnionDocs is celebrating the region with a special outdoorsy evening that starts with a live music performance by the incredible Brooklyn Maqam followed by a screening of Half Moon, a movie by Bahman Ghobadi (Iranian Kurdistan) about an aging Kurdish musician who travels with his sons across borders to perform a final concert, facing mystical signs, political obstacles, and a banned female singer along the way…a true lyrical, dark comedy! | |
MOVIE SCREENING
Columbia University Alternative Reunion: Screening of The Encampments Fri May 30th at 6:30pm
The People’s Forum, Midtown The alumni of Columbia University and Barnard College are hosting reunion events unaffiliated with Columbia University and in solidarity with student and faculty protestors, this is one of them and this documentary couldn’t be more timely. | |
LIVE MUSIC
Clarissa Bitar & Duo Al RouhSat May 31st at 9:30pm
Joe’s pub, NOHO Part of Oud Festival and the event you name-drop when you're trying to seem intriguing. While Bitar is known for mixing genres, new meeting old, Al Rouh music is more rooted in the beauty of sorrow. | |
CULTURAL CELEBRATION
On This Land: Celebrating PalestineSat May 31st, 6-9pm
Warehouse Studios, BK An evening of cinema (2 movie screenings), conversation (panel discussion) and celebration of Palestinian cultural resistance (in addition to a dinner and a market). | |
MARKET POP UP
EL Souq Pop-UpSat May 31st & Jun 1st
West Village New York City's premier SWANA and South Asian pop-up shopping experience, this vibrant market takes place in the Village and features a diverse range of vendors—from clothing and jewelry to food and more. The atmosphere is always lively and welcoming, and I always leave with a lot of wonderful goodies. | |
MARKET POP UP
The Alchemist RecipesSat May 31st, 11am-6pm
West Village A multi-performance event honoring the legacy of renowned Moroccan visual artist and playwright Ahmed Yacoubi—this was a 7-hour marathon of cooking, readings, film screenings, design, and more. Oh, and did I mention it all took place at Atelier Jolie? Honestly, that alone would’ve been reason enough to go. | |
IN THE NEWS
We’re soooooooo proud:
Palestinian Author Mosab Abu Toha Wins the Pulitzer Prize For CommentaryHis poetry book Forest of Noise is a powerful and poignant reflection on life under occupation. It's deceptively simple but still layered with meaning that reveals itself more with each reading. If poetry isn’t your thing, just bring it as a gift next time you're invited to a friend’s dinner. Now, plz go buy it. | The Photographer Rania Mattar is celebrated at the Armory and in the GuardianThis woman is as talented as she is kind—a true gem. Her art beautifully reflects her humanity and serves as an open love letter to Arab women, shining brightly at the AIPAD Photography Show at the Armory in late April. No surprise the Guardian took notice.
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Marjan Neshat Named 2025 Theatre World Award Winner for her role in “English”You might have come across English, the Pulitzer Prize–winning play set in an English language classroom in Iran. I didn’t get the chance to see it myself, but I’m hoping it returns to the stage soon. | Watermelon pictures to launch a streaming service for Arab cinema We have been waiting for this for a long time, expect documentaries like the Encampments and Ground Zero as well as movies like The Teacher and who knows maybe even no Other Land. I’m very excited about this one. |
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…and remember, always say yes
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