Stéphanie Yared: Color and Life

Stéphanie Yared is a beautiful soul that I had the fortune to meet, not too long ago. Everything about her is inspiring and colorful, from her outfits, to her hair, and definitely her art work. Her expertise lie in art direction, illustration, and graphic design, and her work is a mix of sketches, collages, digital art, and photography. In a personal description of herself, she sums it up with this quote by Marcel Duchamp, "I have forced myself to contradict myself in order to avoid conforming to my own taste".

Here is a little chat we had...

Marilyn: The girl with the voice and the smiles

I first met Marilyn Kasparian at a gig featuring November (Zee Karkabi on guitar and vocals, and Marilyn on vocals) at Nova Club, back in 2013. That is 3 years of beautiful music I've been enjoying, and 3 years of friendship with this beautiful soul. She has evolved so much since then, musically and otherwise, and she now performs as her self-titled music project, Marilyn, alongside some great musicians, Alan Abi Sleiman, Guy Ramy, and Zee Karkabi. Marilyn's drive and dedication is admirable, and her talent is truly enjoyable. I sat down with her for a little chat about her musical work, and this is what she had to say.

Zee Karkabi: "is.it.time:yet?" in the making...

Strumming his guitar and belting out heartfelt tunes at our local watering holes, Zee is definitely an example of true talent. His talent doesn't just stop at that. With months and months of hard work, he is just about ready to release his debut album.

Roswell: Ghaith talks Roswell, Dubai, and beyond.

Roswell is one of the local Lebanese bands that I listened to during my teenage years. One of the very first rock gigs I attended was an event that they were a part of. After over 10 years, I am very proud and happy to see that they have come this far!

Ghaith El Horr, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Roswell, has been with the band from the start. Over the past 10+ years, a lot has changed for the band, from lineup to popularity. They have grown big, playing handfuls of gigs across Lebanon and the Middle East. In 2006, they released their first album, "Reflections". Their second release came in 2011 and is entitled "Out of Reach". Back in October 2012, they opened for Keane, the legendary international Rock band, for their concert at Forum De Beyrouth. Most recently, in 2015,  came their third release, "Unravelling New Beginnings".

With a vibrant history and a bright future, Roswell is definitely one of the best, most humble and loyal local bands out there. After attending their latest gig in Dubai, at the Music Room (which was awesome!), I got in touch with Ghaith. Here's what he had to say...

My Rebuttal To "Nobody wants to stay in Lebanon. It's a miserable life"

“Nobody wants to stay in Lebanon. It’s a miserable life” – This is the title of an article that showed up on my Facebook newsfeed Wednesday morning. My first reaction was sadness, because with the current political situation in the country and the region in general, many people are truly finding it hard to get by in Lebanon. However, as I clicked on the link to read more, my sadness turned into disgust and outrage. Where did Mr. Shaheen get his information? Where are the numbers, the statistics, and the hard facts?

Sarah Younes: Taking On Rome

Sarah Younes

 As a lot of Lebanese artists, Sarah relocated to  Europe in order to pursue her dreams, but she  still keeps Lebanon in her heart and in her  work.

 Her art is raw and stems from a mix of  inspirations. Starting as a Graphic Design and  Multimedia student at Notre Dame University  in Lebanon, she moved on to study at the  Rome University of Fine Arts in Rome, Italy.  There, she has made a name for herself among  the local and expat art community by  exhibiting her work and taking on several  interesting projects. 


As I am also currently living in Rome, I am happy to say I got to see one of her exhibitions, and I could not be prouder, for she is spreading the face of Lebanese talent and art abroad, instead of the face of corruption and violence which Lebanon is mostly known for overseas.

Sarah has been a good friend of mine ever since our teenage years, and I am very proud to be sharing her work and a little bit about her background.

Hello from Rome

Month #4 in the Eternal City... 

Boutique Hub: Minimal Is The New Black

Boutique Hub owner, Cynthia Chamat

Boutique Hub is home to the beautiful creations by Cynthia Chamat, self-taught Lebanese fashion designer. Her pieces are minimalist and very unique, reminiscent of a calm, serene feeling with her chosen palate of earth colors. 

As she watched and learned from her father, a fashion retailer himself, Cynthia finally took the long road through the fashion industry after pursuing Law, Politics, and Communications. Her boutique is now located in Sodeco, Beirut, and she is always ready to style you from head to toe with her very unique style. 

If you're into simple yet classy and chic fashion in every earth color imaginable, Boutique Hub is the place to go!

Check out an interview with Cynthia about her journey and work, below...

Nadine Feghaly: Vivid Color And Imagination

Nadine Feghaly by Dominika Plonska

Nadine Feghaly, Lebanese visual artist, book illustrator, graphic designer, and blogger, has been a major inspiration to me for many years now. In fact, I first started writing and blogging years back after following Nadine's blog Viola'.

Her illustrations touch on everyday thoughts and feelings that are quite relatable and are expressed in such vivid colors! Nadine's work has been featured in many exhibitions in Beirut and Barcelona as well as several children's books. She even has a collection Viola' for Sarah's Bag as well as her own set of products with illustrations on laptop sleeves, totes, jewelry, postcards, tshirts, pillows....etc.

This super talented artist now lives in Barcelona, but her thoughts and heart are always with Beirut. I am so glad to get the chance to share Nadine's work...

Youssef Nassar: The Ladder Of Success

Youssef Nassar

Lebanese/Canadian Photographer Youssef Nassar nurtured his passion for photography and film as a Radio/TV student at Notre Dame University (NDU) in Lebanon, and, since then, he has climbed the ladder, making it to the international industry and representing Lebanon with his exquisite talent.

Dark and macabre themes resonate in Youssef's photographs. Recently his work in the music video industry has taken him on a journey alongside someone who he calls his idol,  the prog rock wonder Steven Wilson (a favorite of mine too!) He has definitely made a name for himself in the local arts scene, and now, as he paves his way on an international level, he is certainly a character to keep tabs on!

I had so many questions on my mind to ask Youssef as I've been a fan of his work for quite some time now; the dramatically touching themes and general vibe of his photographs are inspired by the music he listens to and are eye catching, to say the least.

Here is the exchange we had...

Lebanon: Enough Is Enough

Although today I was planning to post an interview with Lebanese photographer Youssef Nassar, I decided instead to refrain from doing so as, in light of the current situation, I feel it inappropriate and disrespectful to speak of anything other than the current crisis our country is facing.

Picture from yesterday's protest by Patrick Mouzawak taken from Facebook

RockRing: They're Back!

As I was once a metal/rock enthusiast, the news was music to my ears: RockRing is back! After a 3 and a half year hiatus, RockRing is back with its main pillars Roy Naufal, Maher Mardini, and Elie Salloum. Their comeback event, the 4th installment of Summer Fusion, will be hosted at Mocean (Kaslik) on August 28, 2015.

Summer Fusion is one of their signature events with previous installments in 2008, 2009, and 2010. This year 14 bands of various genres and styles will take to the stage for a concert that is, without question, the biggest platform for local bands. Aside from live musical performances, your ticket will grant you access to the pool and beach at Mocean, starting 11 AM and going on into the night.

I sat down with the guys for a very fun chat (which quickly turned into a chicken wings and fried pickles feast). Here's what they had to say...

Lara Zankoul: From An Idea To Reality

Lara Zankoul by Cathy Lê Thanh

It all started by leafing through fashion photos in magazines.

Then, at the age of 21, she started splitting her time between her corporate job and her love for photography.

Since then, Lara Zankoul has risen to become an iconic piece in the Lebanese photography scene.

Nathalie J. Bandage Releases Her First Single

An amazing singer and someone who happens to be a very close friend of mine, Nathalie J. Bandage, has just let out her first single, "No Answers". This song is a heartfelt, rocking ballad that expresses feelings about a love story that never had an end. Collaborating with her on this track are Doug Kastaros and Alan Azar. So, you should definitely check it out! 

"A story that talks about a love that ended without any closure.. Dedicated to everyone who believes!"

Marilyn & Zee : An Enchanting Duo

Last Thursday, March 7, 2013, I had the pleasure of watching Ramzi (Zee) Karkabi and Marilyn Kasparian along with Patrick Khoriaty in a live, acoustic performance at Nova Club in Sin El Fil. And what an enchanting performance it was!

The event started at 10 pm with only a few people in the audience. The crowd was not very big, but that's probably expected for a week night and at that late hour. Nevertheless, the set up was great. Zee and Marilyn sang their hearts out as Zee strummed along on his acoustic guitar and Patrick accompanied him for a few songs on the bass and sometimes the guitar. Zee's voice is beyond amazing! Husky, deep, wide-ranged, passionate... his vocal skills are definitely praise-worthy as is his guitar playing. He is the front man of the much loved Lebanese band, "Linger", and therefore has experience in the field of music and performance. Marilyn looked very sweet and lady-like, sitting on the stool opposite Zee. When she first began to sing I was taken aback. I had never heard her perform before, though she has been performing for awhile as she was the vocalist of the band "Phobia". Her voice is deep, raspy, and flawless, reminding me somehow of a mix between Martha Wainwright, Amanda Palmer, and Lisa Hannigan... the best qualities in these women's voices shone through in Marilyn's voice. I was caught between a sense of envy and awe. Hands down, she is the best Lebanese female vocalist I have heard to date!

I'm not impressed, Leila...

Mashrou' Leila posted on their Facebook page, Tuesday September 4th: "we will not be opening for the red hot chili peppers on september 6 in beirut"

So, I love Mashrou' Leila and I've listened to their music, watched them perform, reviewed them, met them, interviewed them, and supported them in general for quite a long time... But I'm no fan of their decision to back out of opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert tonight. They knew what they were getting themselves into when they agreed and heavily advertised and promoted their performance. It's very unprofessional to back out last minute, even if they decided to do so due to threats or "solidarity" with whatever cause. I'm not impressed, Leila...

What do you think?

Picture: Live from the EL Hal Romancy Concert at the Hippodrome

"Take Entertainment Back"

Just sharing something I support....

Supporting some local music...

Being half Lebanese - though I actually think of myself as a "purebred" Lebanese ;) - and proud, I've created this blog in order to support and promote local talents, i.e: Lebanese talents! There are tons and tons of current talents of various backgrounds, styles, and motivations. Some express their talent in the form of music, others through film making, painting, designing, writing.... The common thread that lies between all of these wonderful artists is the fact that they are Lebanese, and for the most part, proud to be so. Those are the talents I like to support.

Roswell is a band that's been around for quite some time now. I remember watching them perform live at a university sponsored music festival (AUST, Saida) when I was just starting to build my interest in music and live events, which was years ago. First of all, their musical style is heartwarming and pleasant to listen to in a live performance. It's nothing too heavy on the ears, yet not so mellow that it becomes boring. They  have some great originals- 2 albums worth, to be exact- and own up to some great renditions of modern hits by 3 Doors Down, Creed, and the likes. This short introduction does them no justice; however, it is necessary in order for me to be able to bring to light the release of their first music video.

Like No Other is one of Roswell's original songs, and, in my opinion, it exceeds expectations, especially for the style and genre the band covers. I was really impressed when I heard the song, and accompanied by the music video, it really is mind-blowing- to think that the music, acting, directing, filming, and production were all done locally is uplifting.

Parachutes - Unlimited Art - Act 2

Presenting more photography, live music, short films, and even a poetry reading, the second edition of "Parachutes" took place on Wednesday, August 15 and was yet again proof that the arts are not extinct in Lebanon. Although a smaller group of people showed up at Nova Club to be a part of the audience, the headcount was still pleasing, and, all in all, the night was very entertaining! Roland Azar, on sound, had it all under control with the system’s set-up and maintenance. Nathalie Jeha and Rachel Maksoud were looking Rocker Chic as they presented their event and introduced the artists while Patrick Mitri snapped away with his camera.

Parachutes - Unlimited Art -

The idea is to have a once-a-week gathering of like-minded artists, performers, and talents to present and discuss what they have to offer. Organized by Nathalie Jeha, Rachel Maksoud, and Roland Azar, the first installment of “Parachutes” was held at Nova Club in Sin El Fil on Tuesday, August 7, 2012. The night presented music, short films, and photography, all courtesy of some very talented, newly surfacing Lebanese artists. The inspiration for the event came about when Nathalie decided it was time to gather as many artists as possible under one roof, in one event, to highlight their abilities and to help push them into the spotlight.