DEARBORN, Mich. – The Arab American National Museum is hosting its annual gala event to raise money to support the Dearborn-based museum, the only one of its kind in the country.
The museum’s grand gala is Saturday, Oct. 15, at 6 p.m., at The Henry Hotel in Dearborn.
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This year’s theme, Ayam Zaman: Once Upon a Tune, emphasizes music as a way to honor “the good old days” (ayam zaman) represented throughout the Museum’s exhibits, while looking forward to the future of the Museum, which is once again providing robust programming since reopening in Feb. 2022.
A highlight of the evening will be renowned singer, songwriter and composer Nano Raies and her ensemble. She will bring to life some of the most foundational songs in Arab music history, taking us back to ayam zaman, as well as her unique interpretations of familiar modern music and her own songs.
AANM Director Dr. Diana Abouali says, “We are eager to reconnect with friends and patrons of the Arab American National Museum from all over to country to celebrate and show support for our unique institution, which preserves and presents Arab American history, art and culture while building bridges between communities nationwide.”
Nano Raies was the first Syrian woman to graduate from Berklee College of Music and received the prestigious Professional Music Achievement award. Her singing spans multiple languages and is a fusion style of Middle Eastern Arabic, Western classical, pop, gypsy jazz, Latin, Brazilian and more. Her renditions of popular songs, such as “Prayer,” “Shar” and “Drive My Car,” along with her new single, “Thawret Shaab,” come from the depth of her faith in life, sorrow, hope and remarkable life journey.
This signature event is more than just a dazzling celebration. It’s an opportunity to support the vital work of AANM. Support of the Gala makes many AANM programs possible, including classroom visits, innovative exhibitions, award-winning educational programs, artistic endeavors and much more.
Education is among the most important aspects of AANM. Offerings range from academic to experiential, with the goal of creating a better understanding of and appreciation for Arab and Arab American history, culture and contributions to society at large. Students and educators comprise half the Museum’s annual on-site audience, while off-site programs touch thousands more.
Unique interactive educational programs—including guided tours, craft workshops, participatory dance demonstrations and traditional Arabic food—engage thousands of children each year. Among the resources offered free of charge are lesson plans, professional development workshops for educators and print/electronic publications.