Ahla friends,April is Arab American Heritage Month, and New York, being New York, is not being subtle about it.The city is blooming. Concerts, exhibitions, film screenings, conferences, parties, conversations, our community is everywhere this month. And we need it. Because the world outside is heavy. Lebanon, Iran, Palestine, it's a lot to carry, and many of you are carrying it while also carrying the burden of the diaspora life..Culture won't fix any of it. But it holds us, reminds us who we are, and keeps us connected to each other, and right now that matters more than we can say.So: we currently have over 85 events for April on the website with literally every category and vibe you can think of, and we're adding more every single day. Filter by category, neighborhood, and date, and add anything directly to your calendar so nothing slips through the cracks. No screenshots, no forgotten plans.The community has also been busy, new music dropping, media launches worth paying attention to, people doing things that deserve more than a group chat forward. We're spotlighting some of it below, and we will be sharing more every week. Samar THE SHORTLIST Handpicked events worth showing up forCOMEDYIsmael LoutfiApril 2d-26th Soho Playhouse, SohoWhat if your dad's deepest devotion was to God, and your deepest devotion was to making fun of him for it? Ismael Loutfi's Heavenly Baba is a one-hour comedic memoir, a roast, a love letter, and an identity reckoning moment. Funny as hell. Surprisingly moving. A great time guaranteed.Tickets at $46COMEDYFunctionApril 2d-26th Soho Playhouse, SohoSo much cool, so much mystery, so much pull around this series. An Arab, queer-rooted party that sidesteps the usual tropes. Vey fresh, Very elusive, and Very New York. Sharp, cool, New York. I feel that Im just thrwoing words right now but just check their Instagram hereTickets at $80POP-UPSabah Elkhair Pop-upSat April 4d, 7-10pm Kotn, LESSarah Elawad is bringing her label Sabah Elkhair to NYC for its very first pop-up and art show, and she wants you to show up in your pajamas, pillow in hand. Very cool vibes, all around, just checkout their website.Free eventInstagramSPIRITUALITYSufiCorner: Female Spirituality in IslamSat April 4d, 12-4pmMadison Sq Tower, Gramercy Five scholars walk into a room to talk about love, knowledge, and spiritual agency in Islam and you're invited. SufiCorner's brings together a genuinely remarkable lineup of thinkers that are all women, educated and spiritual. Virtual access available.Tickets at $45.5MUSIC-SPIRITUALITYUstad Nasseruddin & The Saami BrothersSun April 5th at 8pmXanadu, BushwickNot strictly a SWANA event, but it's been gaining traction with the community, Mamdani and his wife attending didn’t hurt. Ustad Naseeruddin Saami carries a lineage tracing back to the literal founder of Khayal, performing alongside the Saami Brothers in a single-sitting evening of Khayal (classical North Indian vocal improvisation) and Qawwali (Sufi devotional music designed to undo you a little). Expect music, improv and transcendance.Tickets at $55MUSICBad L’Bluz ft Rasha NahasFri March 27th at 8pmJoe’s pub, East VillageBab L'Bluz are making their way over from France, a Franco-Moroccan band whose sound has no business being this cohesive: psychedelic rock tangled up with traditional Gnawa and Hassani, all filtered through 60s and 70s analog warmth. And if that weren't enough, Lebanese artist Rasha Nahas joins as special guest, which is it’s own reason to show up.Fun fact: that image of Yousra Mansour, jewelry mask, guitar in hand, has become the reference (I’ve seen so often in the last year). It’s the one so many of us (myself included) end up pulling from Pinterest when we need a visual to project “cool.”Tickets at $36 COMEDYNew Pants ft Elassal, Weinberg and WakimFri March 27th at 8pmThe Secret Comedy Club, East VillageAnother edition of New Pants with Emil Wakim (SNL), Gavin Matts (Bill Burr Presents), Ahmed Weinberg (Hacks), and Malik Elassal (Adults). I know I’ve featured them already, but honestly — where else are you getting this level of talent for $15 in NYC? A sandwich at Pret is $20. Tickets at $15 THE FREE ONE One free event that got us excitedCOMMUNITYHala AlyanThur April 2d, 6-8pmAbrons Arts Center, WilliamsburgGather around an actual fire outside Abrons Arts Center with author and poet Hala Alyan, think guided meditation, generative writing, sharing, and a reading of her acclaimed work. Hosted by the Kinstillatory Fire, a nine-year-running series that’s all about Indigenous, feminist, and gender-expansive care. Come as you are. Leave feeling held and nourished by Hala’s words and the community’s love.RSVP— Want to explore more events? —menna website COMMUNITY DISPATCH People, projects, and news from across the communityFouad Of Nazareth and His Punk-Pop AlbumFouad Dakwar is a Palestinian-American writer-composer who took the messiest, most unresolvable parts of growing up between worlds: divorce, identity, the Holy Land, summer camp of all places, and turned it into a pop-punk musical. Very Arab of him. Very genius of him.Fouad of Nazareth has been years in the making, every single step has been backed and supported by prestigious organizations (that I do not know but they sound fancy), and every single show has sold out, Joe's Pub, Ars Nova, you name it (that I know). The kind of quiet accumulation that tells you something real is happening. And now, a full concept album. Twelve original songs, recorded at the legendary Power Station at Berklee NYC. Oh, and did I mention Sahar Milani is part of the cast? Girl crush very much intact, along with other very talented peeps.What I find particularly brilliant about Fouad is his refusal to reach for the expected. No dabke, no tatreez, no symbolism, in a world where everyone seems to be appropriating Palestinian and Arab culture at large, here's a Palestinian artist doing the reverse. He chose pop-punk: a form that started as British working-class rebellion, got Americanized into suburban teenage angst, and is now being claimed by a Palestinian New Yorker to talk about displacement and identity. Subversive. Ironic. Brilliant.Stream the album. Then go see the show when it comes. You'll want to say you were earlyAlbum streaming“Be The Outcast” music video COMMUNITY DISPATCH People, projects, and news from across the communityThe Key: An Unbalanced Magazine, and That’s The PointHow many times have you read a piece about Palestine in a mainstream publication and felt that familiar tightening — the false balance, the careful hedging, the endless "complexity"? Sara Yasin got tired of it too. The difference is she did something about it.The Key is a new online magazine launched by Yasin, veteran journalist, former BuzzFeed News and LA Times editor, Palestinian American, in partnership with PalFest. Its premise is almost disarmingly simple: Palestine is worth covering unapologetically, as the core issue at the heart of the modern world.The magazine it's not trying to convince anyone of anything, it's skipping the exhausting "humanizing Palestinians" mandate that has defined so much coverage and going straight to the work itself: essays, poetry, media criticism, profiles.Early days still, but worth keeping an eye on. Subscription starts at $2 a month, the door is wide open.The Key MagazineSelf Funded. No CompromiseAllowing us to stay editorially independent and guided only by our values and the community we serve. If our work resonates with you and you’d like to support it, you can do so through the link below. As always, thank you for being here. Donate This newsletter was forwarded to you? Subscribe here — Menna curates cultural content and events for informational purposes only. Event details are subject to change— Powered by beehiiv

Ahla friends,The menna website is live. Every event, every cultural moment happening across New York for those of us with SWANA roots, it's all there, searchable, explorable, yours to scroll through at whatever pace fits your life.But that's not what this note is about.With the website holding the full picture, this newsletter gets to become something else. Not just a roundup of what’s happening, but a reflection of what we genuinely believe is worth your time and attention that reflect events, projects, and news from our community.Think of it this way: The website is the archive, everything that's out there, organized and open. The newsletter is the edit and the pulse of the community. This is the first edition of this new chapter, and I won’t pretend I’m not a little nervous. As always, I’d love to hear what you think about the website and the evolving newsletter. My inbox is open, just hit reply and share your thoughts. As a small thank you, we’re giving away 8 tickets (4 pairs) to see Palestine 36 this weekend at BAM or Angelika. Share your feedback, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a pair.Here's to building something worth reading.Samar THE SHORTLIST Handpicked events worth showing up forCINEMAPalestine ‘36Now through Thurs April 2d Angelika Film Center + BAMThe long awaited theatrical release of this movie has been met with rave raving reviews. It depicts the 1936-39 Palestinian revolt against British colonial rule and rising Jewish Immigration. menna is giving away 8 free tickets. All you have to do is share your feedback on the website and/or new newsletter by responding to this email for a chance to win a pair.Tickets at $21MUSICYeller ToothSat March 28th at 7:30pmProspect Heights, BrooklynThe husband and wife duoYeller Tooth features Sahar Milani, a Lebanese and Iranian singer and actress, Sahar is truly an exceptionally talented artist. Their folky, living room-sound harmonizes Southern Soul and Middle Eastern roots. This night at Sofar Sounds will feature many artists, and is a wonderful way to explore new sounds and make new friends. Tickets at $32WELLNESSDeep Liberation: Immersive Breathwork and Sound ResetSun March 29th from 3-4:30pmReforesters Lab, Williamsburg Slow down and release with this breath and sound healing workshop led by Dena and centering deep liberation. Let’s be honest, we could all use some breathwork right now.Tickets at $55MUSICAbbie Roper Ft. Lora MounaMon March 30th at 8pmBerlin Under A, East VillageIt feels so refreshing to see a SWANA artist play outside of its sandbox, meet Lora Mouna, Syrian-American singer/songwriter, an incredible indie rock artist and definitely one to look out for-if you can’t make this show, keep your eye out for her next one!Tickets at $12MUSICA tribute to Abdel Wahab By Marwa MorganFri March 27th at 8pmSymphony Space, UWSEgyptian vocalist Marwa Morgan will perform a tribute program honoring legendary composer Mohamed Abdel Wahab, featuring songs he performed and composed for others, accompanied by an ensemble led by Ameer Armaly. Marwa is an accomplished and classicaly trained singer who has performed at venues like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. Tickets at $45 THE FREE ONE One free event that got us excitedPHOTOGRAPHYHard Feelings: Dean MajdThrough April 8thCCNY at 154 Ludlow, LESThrough April 8thCCNY at 154 Ludlow, LES Catch the final weeks of Hard Feelings, the debut solo exhibition by Dean Majd. Through photography, the Queens-raised Palestinian artist offers a sharp, intimate reframe of masculinity. Majd is very much having a moment right now, and it shows. This one’s worth seeing before it closes and such a great first date idea :)Want to explore more events?Check out menna website COMMUNITY DISPATCH People, projects, and news from across the communityWomen / النساء : The new photography book from Middle East ArchivesIf you know Middle East Archive, you already know they have an eye for what matters. This European publisher focuses on photography from the region, and their work doesn't miss.Their new book Women / النساء just came out and I love it so much. It brings together 72 photographers, archival and contemporary, and what it does differently is refuse to make women from our region into a single story. No symbols, no archetypes. Just the full, messy, contradictory truth of women's lives, how we shape families, carry culture, move through society and through our most private worlds. Each photographer gets to stand in their own voice while contributing to something much larger, richer, messier. Something as real as us.The names alone: Rania Matar, Newsha Tavakolian, Farah Al Qasimi, Tanya Habjouqa, Nariman El-Mofty, this is the kind of book that belongs on our shelf.These guys are having a NYC Launch event on March 27th, 7-10pm at 48 Ludlow StreetEvent Launch DetailsWebsite EDITOR’S PICK Products and brands worth supportingA big YES to YES FOLKS’ Kombucha I stumbled onto YES Folk by accident. I came across an event hosted by co-founder Adam Elabd, something that blended music and spirituality. It pulled me in immediately. Naturally, like we always do before featuring anything, I looked into it a bit more to see if the values aligned with our community.They did, and that curiosity led me to YES Folk, the brand he built with his wife Yiyi Mendoza. At its core, it’s a fermentation practice: kombucha, vinegars and shrubs. I started with the kombucha (haven’t fully explored the rest yet), and it’s not what you expect. Softer, more layered, with unexpected flavors like calendula, yaupon, magnolia, palo santo, and hawthorn (still not entirely sure what hawthorn is, but it’s good). the drinks feel almost luxurious in how the flavors unfold. Nothing loud or overly sweet, just thoughtful combinations and great taste.What makes it land is the intention behind it. Both Adam and Yiyi come from working on organic medicinal herb farms, and that sensibility carries through, plants chosen not just for flavor, but for their functional properties, with a real attention to sourcing and how everything is made.At the image of their product, their approach to growth is similarly considerate. No aggressive marketing, no influencer saturation. Instead, they’re building something real, quieter, community-led, rooted in education and the beautiful blend of their Mexican and Egyptian backgrounds. Much of that energy lives upstate, where they host gatherings, tastings, and workshops. There’s a real sense of authenticity and intention behind this project, it’s honestly so good to see work like this coming from within our community.I’ll report back once I’ve spent more time with the vinegars and shrubs (another term I had to Google:), but if the kombucha is any indication, they’re building something worth paying attention to.InstagramWebsiteSelf Funded. No CompromiseAllowing us to stay editorially independent and guided only by our values and the community we serve. If our work resonates with you and you’d like to support it, you can do so through the link below. As always, thank you for being here. Donate This newsletter was forwarded to you? Subscribe here — Menna curates cultural content and events for informational purposes only. Event details are subject to change— Powered by beehiiv

Hello my friends,I started menna a little informally, out of necessity. A weekly email, nothing fancy. Just me gathering things happening across New York for those of us with roots in the region, because they were always there, just scattered, tucked into small networks, passed around in group chats, never quite in one place.Somewhere along the way it became something more. A small but real window into the cultural life of our community here in New York. A place to find artists, gatherings, and people worth showing up for.And now, menna has a new home. We've built a website, and with it, a bigger vision for what this can be. As always, I’d love to hear what you think about the website and the evolving newsletter. My inbox is open, just hit reply and share your thoughts. As a small thank you, we’re giving away 8 tickets (4 pairs) to see Palestine 36 this weekend at BAM or Angelika. Share your feedback, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a pair.What the website make possible:1. Browse events anytime anywhereAll events gathered in one spot, accessible anytime (I guess that’s just how any website works but I still got excited)2. Discover a bigger selection of eventsNo Gmail limit sizing so we can add all events that we are able to source, even when they are created last minute.3. See only what you care about Filter the list based on dates, time, event category, neighborhood and price. 4. Add to calendarOne click and it’s in your calendar.No screenshots, no forgotten plans, no scattered notes.5. Plan aheadSee what’s happening in two days, in two weeks, in two months? My fellow Type A planners, I see you. I am here for you. I am one of you. The newsletter isn’t going anywhereThe newsletter will remain the heartbeat of Menna and how our community moves through the city.For those of you who don’t love scrolling, the newsletter will bring you a curated selection of events we genuinely believe are worth showing up for. It also creates room for new editorial sections, offering a pulse on the community and news on our people, our projects, and the initiatives shaping our scene.Thank you for being here and building this with us and as always, we’re always an email awaySending love Samarmenna’s website Powered by beehiiv

CONCERTHYE FrequenciesThurs March 19th from 10pm-3amMoodring, BushwickCelebrate the Spring Equinox at Mood Ring with music and community, honoring Nowruz, Kha b’Nissan, and other SWANA traditions marking renewal and new beginnings. Featuring DJs Babagamoush, MARI, DJ Vahshi, Teeyam, and Zara Dekho!Tickets at $40COMEDYMohanad ElshiekyFri March 20th at 7:30pmThe Bell House, Gowanus Mohanad is a seasoned Libyan-American comedian and a notable talent from the region. I’ve seen him perform twice and genuinely appreciate his fresh approach to comedy. There is currently a flash sale with 2 tickets for the price of one.Tickets at $32CELEBRATIONThis Land Sprouts Resistors: Land DayFri March 20th at 8pmThe Poetry Project, East VillageA night of readings and reflections on Palestine, tracing how land lives through poetry, art, and collective memory. Part conversation, part commemoration.Tickets at $10FOODWTF Food TastingFri March 20th at 5pmWhat The Falafel, GreenwichA new falafel spot in the heart of the village offering an afternoon of food tasting, music and community gathering. Try their halva shakes, they are sooo yummy! Free event.CINEMAPalestine 36Fri March 20th from 6pmBAM, Downtown BrooklynCatch the release of this new film by Annemarie Jasir. In 1936, during the Palestinian revolt against British rule, Yusuf moves between Jerusalem and his village as tensions rise and the British Empire faces a turning point.Tickets at $17EID CELEBRATIONNight of GratitudeFri March 20th from 11pm-4amSOB’s, Hudson SquareSOB’s is a New York institution, which makes an Eid event there feel extra special. A live set centered on emerging artists and real-time performance, it’s as much about the spectacle, than being present in the room….and what room!Free w RSVPFAMILYEid at Children’s Museum of ManhattanMarch 19th-20th from 10am-5pmChildren’s Museum, UWSA joyful way to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in community, with activities like watercolor painting and more.A space for cultural discovery across Muslim traditions, and for parents to connect.Tickets at $18ART GALLERYThe Cellular Burden of BelongingThrough March 21th Trotter and Sholer, LES Jude Abu Zaineh is a Palestinian-Canadian interdisciplinary artist whose work explores culture, displacement, and belonging through art, food, and technology. Drawing from her upbringing in Southwest Asia, she creates work that reimagines ideas of home and community through decolonial perspectives. Last week to catch this exhibition! PARTYLaylitSat March 21st from 9pm-4amElsewhere, BushwickThis one does not need any introductions. A cult following party that has been attracting people beyond out community. You know you love it.Tickets at $28ART CLASSRevolutionary Print MakingSat from March 21st-April 25th, 2-5pmThe People’s Forum, Midtown A printmaking workshop of 6 weeks long, focused on the tradition of political posters, combining text and image. Participants will design, carve, and print their own linoleum pieces in a collaborative studio settingClass pack $269RUN/WALKHeal Palestine 5KSun March 22th at 8am Prospect Park, BrooklynAn incredible NGO dedicated to providing critical healthcare support to Palestinian children. A deeply necessary effort, and one that truly makes a difference.RSVPDANCEShamadan: Egyptian folkloric DanceSun March 22nd at 2pmMark Morris Dance Center, Downtown BrooklynAn immersive workshop into the tradition of Shamadan, an Egyptian folkloric dance. Learn to move with light, exploring a form once performed in wedding processions as a symbol of joy and blessingTickets from $25MARKETHaza SoukSun March 22nd from 3-8pmThe Sultan Room, BushwickAn Eid gathering bringing together music, a small market, and shared moments over chai. A simple way to spend time in community and support SWANA creativesTickets at $14CONVERSATIONArtist TalksSun March 22nd from 3-5:30pm New York Irish Center, LICJoin first-generation Palestinian American artist and musician Michael Hambouz in conversation about the evolution of his work and processes spanning decades of wayfinding in the diaspora from the rural Midwest to New York City. Show&Tell Arts Talks are free to the public. Artist Rachel Jackson will also be presenting.DINNERNavrus Celebration@ Bad TherapySun March 22nd at 6:30pm Bad Therapy, FlatbushAn evening shaped by music, shared meals, and the rituals of Navruz, the Persian New Year celebrated across many countries.A moment to gather and step into the new year together.Tickets at $80TALKBefore World Literature by Dr. KeeganTues March 24th at 6:15pmColumbia University, Morningside HeightsA discussion exploring how Arabic literary traditions have been framed, studied, and sometimes sidelined.Grounded in a close reading of one of the most influential texts of the postclassical period.Free with RSVPTALKTown Hall: Culinary ArtsTues March 24th from 6:30-8:30pm Museum of Food and Drink, DUMBOA community town hall centered on culinary arts as a cultural connector across diasporas. Expect short presentations, shared food, and an open space to meet others working through culture and care.Free with RSVPMUSICSami SalloumTues March 24th at 8pm Sisters, Prospect Heights An intimate night of Arabic music led by Syrian vocalist Sami Salloum, rooted in tarab and classic repertoire. CONCERTFouad of NazarethWed March 25th at 7pmArs Nova, Midtown WestI’ll admit I’m biased, but Fouad is something special, both in talent and in spirit. With the wonderful Sahar Milani on stage, it’s one of those evenings you go to, enjoy fully, and feel good about being part of. Just go, I promise you will love it. Tickets From $18Powered by beehiiv

Thank you to everyone who took the poll and wrote in, your support really means a lot. It seems the majority of you like the idea of a website but still want the weekly newsletter, so that’s exactly what we’re going to do.We’re hoping to launch within the next few days… assuming technology and I can come to an agreement.CONCERTBenefit Concert for GazaThurs March 12th from 5-10pmPeople’s Forum, Midtown Musicians from around the New York City music scene come together for a concert raising funds for Middle East Children’s Alliance. Take advantage of the gathering of these musical talents while supporting the children of Gaza! Discounted student tickets and live stream tickets available as well. Tickets at $40MUSICGlobal Club SoundsFri March 13th at 10pmBoyfriend Co-op, Bushwick Boyfriend Co-op is hosting an evening of global club sounds featuring afrobeats, salsa, and Arabic music. Come jam, dabke, and enjoy live derbake. Tickets are a $10 donation at the door to displaced families in Lebanon!PERFORMANCEHikayatFri March 13th at 8pmBrooklyn Art Haus, WilliamsburgJoin ArteEast for the fourth edition of Hikayat—an evening of experimental, multimedia performances featuring storytelling, spoken word, live projections, and music. Into the Light will be celebrating Nowruz with the theme of maintaining hope during these dark times. Tickets at $38WELLNESSPilates and Wine TastingSat March 14th from 3:30-5:30pmBESA Movement Studio, The 3 instructors behind this studio are wonderful and with deep love for their craft and their mission. This Saturday get in a workout and a little treat after with their pilates and wine tasting experience. Class and tasting tickets are available separately, but this combo sounds perfect for the spring vibes in the air!Tickets at $55MUSICGlobal Women in MusicFri March 13th at 7:30pmSymphony Space, Upper West Side The United Nations Symphony Orchestra is celebrating Women’s History month with a concert featuring music by Women composers. Among the featured will be Iranian composer Niloufar Nourbakhsh, and Jordanian composer Ghiya Rushidat. This will surely be a beautiful evening on the Upper West Side, perfect for after dinner plans!Tickets at $31FILMAbdo & SaneyaSat March 14th at 7:10pm Cinema Village, East VillageDirected by Omar Bakri, this film tells the story of an Egyptian couple left to survive in New York City navigating language and cultural barriers as they search for the cure for infertility.Tickets at $15CONVERSATIONMessy Hearts CircleSat March 14th from 5:30-7:30Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn This Messy Hearts Circle theme is: identity and belonging in between worlds. This is a space for healing through guided conversation circles. It’s a chance for those living in the diaspora to reflect, share and listen to each other’s stories in a judgement free environment. This shouldn’t be seen as group therapy, but rather a chance to connect with others in the community who share complex experiences on identity and belonging.Tickets at $25SHOPPINGNorooz BazaarSat March 14th from 5:30-7:30Flatiron District, Manhattan A bazaar celebrating the Persian New Year. Pick up some gifts or goodies for your home to celebrate the new year!Tickets at $5WELLNESSImmersive Breath Work + Sound for Inner Child HearingSat March 14th from 4-5:30pm Reforesters Lab, WilliamsburgReturn to your inner child and release heavy energies in this breath and sound bath workshop. This is for those who are looking for a reset, perfectly timed for spring!Tickets at $50CONVERSATION & GALLERYJude Abu ZainehSat March 14th at 1pm Trotter&Scholer Gallery, LESJude Abu Zaineh is a Palestinian-Canadian interdisciplinary artist whose work explores culture, displacement, and belonging through art, food, and technology. Drawing from her upbringing in Southwest Asia, she creates work that reimagines ideas of home and community through decolonial perspectives. Join her in conversation and tour of her gallery before its closing.Suggested donation $15FILMTOGETHERSun March 15th at 2pmThe Lenfest Center for the Arts, Morningside Heights A part of the Socially Relevant Film Festival, TOGETHER is a documentary directed by Fatima Ahmed about the invisible threads that hold people together, tied with what it means to be understood and feel belonging. In Arabic with English subtitles!Tickets from $17IFTAR AND FILMMilk+HoneySun March 15th from 5:30-10:30pmBed-StuyMilk & Honey is hosting a free Ramadan gathering with a shared iftar meal, music, a screening of Al Mummia (1969), and a discussion on continuing the Mamdani momentum! An amazing community building opportunity, donations are welcome!FREEFILMMy Armenian PhantomsSun March 15th at 4:30pm Cinema VillageThis autobiographical documentary by Amara Stepanyan is about her nostalgic journey as an Armenian filmmaker, celebrating the culture that shaped her and her late fathers legacy as an actor.Tickets at $15FUNDRAISERFundraiser Concert for LebanonTues March 17th at 8pm Middle Church, East VillageCelebrate Ramadan with The Brooklyn Nomads in their new a cultural series exploring the musical traditions that shape Ramadan evenings across the Arab world. The evening will feature ibtihalat, muwashahat, and folk songs, celebrating music rooted in tradition and community.Tickets at $53FILMPalestine ‘36March 17th-22nd Angelika Film Center, SOHOCatch the release of this new film by Annemarie Jasir. In 1936, during the Palestinian revolt against British rule, Yusuf moves between Jerusalem and his village as tensions rise and the British Empire faces a turning point. One of many upcoming screenings for this film, but Angelina Film Center is one of the first to show this official selection for the 98th academy awards!Tickets at $21EDITOR’S PICKThe Zaytoun Hairpin from Nafas Concept NThere’s something quietly luxurious about a good hair accessory, and also surprisingly hard to find.We have no shortage of beautiful jewelry, but when it comes to elevated hair pieces, the options are oddly limited, or simply impractical. (I admire hair chains aesthetically, but let’s be honest, you can’t really move in those things.) So the Zaytoun Hairpin felt like such a small victory.The piece is inspired by the olive branch, “zaytoun” in Arabic. The color sits somewhere between gold and not-quite-gold, if that makes sense. It’s handmade, has a rugged, imperfect finish that I love. When gold is a less polished, it’s somehow more chic. The design itself feels organic, almost as if it grew into its shape.The craftsmanship shows. The hairpin has a satisfying weight to it, the kind that signals a piece that’s well made and meant to last. Because of that, it works especially well for voluminous or thicker hair, where it can really anchor itself. If your hair is very fine, it may be too substantial.While it’s definitely something that I have worn to cocktail parties, what I appreciate most is how effortlessly it works on those days when your hair is truly chaotic and you have neither the time nor the energy to style it. You stick the pin in, and suddenly the whole situation looks… cool. Messy bun, loose twist, half-up situation assembled in 30 seconds.I also picked up another piece from Nafas, but I need to wear it a bit more before I can properly speak to it, so I’ll report back in due time. The founder, Stephanie, is American with Lebanese roots and has truly exquisite taste. You only have to glance at the photography on the site and her social to see it, the visual world she’s created around the brand is just stunning. She’s currently at a creative residency in Mexico, and I’m very curious to see what this experience will unlock for her next. In the meantime, you can enjoy a 15% promocode on any order using “MENNA 15” or use this link with the discount automatically applied at checkoutNafas Concept InstagramPowered by beehiiv

MUSICGnawa Night with Samir LangusThurs March 5th at 8pmBarzakh Cafe, Crown HeightsRooted in Moroccan Gnawa tradition, the evening unfolds through cyclical grooves, call-and-response vocals, and layered percussion that gradually draw the room into a shared pulse. Gnawa here is not presented as spectacle, but as a living practice—grounded, immersive, and communal—henna by Kenzi.Tickets at $17CINEMAHusbands presented by Dean MasjdThurs March 5th at 8pmAnthology Film Archives, East Village You may have seen us promoting Dean Masjd’s show Hard Feelings in past newsletters.This screening of 1970’s classic Husbands is an inside look behind the inspiration for Dean Masjd’s debut photography show, Hard Feelings. At this screening, he explains how the themes in the movie compare to his body of work centering the nuance of masculinity. Tickets at $17ARTTepe GawraThurs March 6-18th from 10am-6pmBortolami, Lower Manhattan Bortolami presents Tepe Gawra, the first solo show of Iraqi-American painter Vian Sora. Her vivid, expressive works blend color, figuration, and text to explore mythologies and histories from Iraq and beyond.CINEMAInventing CinemaFri March 6th at 7pmBAM, Downtown Brooklyn‘Inventing Cinema’ explores the global birth of film through the imaginative innovations of Georges Méliès and Alassane Moustapha, showing how parallel discoveries in France and Niger shaped the magic of modern cinema. A collection of his silent films with French and English inter-titles. Tickets at $17VIGILNowruz VigilSat March 7th at 6:30pm NYU Rosenthal Pavilion, Greenwich VillageJoin the NYU Persian Cultural Society for their annual Nowruz Vigil. This is a space for reflection and solidarity. Honor lives lost in Iran and celebrate hope, resilience, and new beginnings. Open to all (no NYU affiliation needed) with guest speakers and opportunities to perform or share artwork.Free RSVPCONVERSATIONTatreez with Wafa GhnaimSat March 7th from 6-7 Brooklyn Museum, Prospect HeightsCelebrate Women’s month at the Brooklyn Museums First Saturdays exhibit with works by women and gender nonconforming artists! Inspired by Everyday Rebellions: Collection Conversations, the day will be filled with talkbacks, special exhibitions, and this conversation with Wafa Ghnaim explaining the significance and history behind the Tatreez in the gallery. A chance to get an experts explanation of the art of Tatreez! RSVPTHEATERmother tongue: a night of readingsSun March 8th at 7:30pm Participant Inc., Little ItalyAn evening of readings from the minds of Adam Hajyahia, Hussein Omar, Rand, and Hamed Sinno. This night at Participant Inc. art gallery, promises great connection and community over fresh new writing. MUSICAbu ZeynSun March 8th at 8pmBarzakh Cafe, Crown HeightsExperience Abu Zeyn in his NYC debut. His music weaves live bass, clarinet, and vocal loops into soulful, improvisational rhythms. Inspired by the Nile and the Arabian Desert, his music blends Sufi and Pharaonic spiritual traditions.Tickets from $17FUNDRAISERHearts of Mercy Iftar FundraiserSun March 8th at 6:30pmLocation after RSVPA special Iftar supporting Hearts of Mercy Foundation - Young Hearts for Syria. Tickets include dinner from Lava Shawarma and goes towards helping rebuild Syrian communities with housing, medical care, meals, and mental health support.Tickets at $65CLASSIslamic History: From Muhammad to Modernity Sun March 8th-29th from 1-4pm OnlineExplore the early history of Islam, from Muhammad to the Abbasid Caliphate, and discover its rich cultural, legal, and spiritual traditions. Learn from key texts and scholars to understand how Islamic thought developed and continues to shape the world today.Registration at $335CONVERSATIONI Found Myself…Conversation with Hisham and Diana MatarTues March 10th from 7-8pm 192 Books, ChelseaEnjoy a conversation with master storyteller Naguib Mahfouz and translator Hisham Matar of “I Found Myself…The Last Dreams”. This talk will be accompanied by a presentation of Diana Matar’s photography. A great night for book lovers looking for new inspiration!WORKSHOPSomARTicaTues March 10th from 7-8:45pm Reforesters Labaratory, aSomARTica is an evening of meditation, movement, and playful art led by Iranian somatics professional, Nasimeh Be. Leave your performance anxiety at the door, this evening is all about letting your creativity and mind body connection flow. Registration at $35CONVERSATIONLebanon with Anissa HelouTues March 10th from 7-9pm Museum of Food and Drink, DUMBOCelebrate and be in conversation with James Beard Award–winning author Anissa Helou (Lebanon). This conversation will also feature food writer Ligaya Mishan, as they explore Lebanon’s culinary history, regional cuisines, and family stories. Tickets include Street Food City access, mezze from Sahadi’s, and refreshments.Registration at $30A LITTLE NOTEWith the world quite literally burning and no sight of better days, I’ve found myself overwhelmed, defeated and unable to think straight…so this is me reaching out for some help.This is Coco, menna’s Head Of Emotional SupportSince launching this newsletter, I’ve had the chance to connect with many of you in real life and I know that you are vested in this little project of ours, so today Im reaching out for your guidance. Over the past few months, I’ve been quietly working on something that took far more time, energy, and emotional bandwidth than I anticipated: menna website.For the first time, you’ll be able to:• browse events anytime in one spot• filter based on your preferences• discover a bigger selection of events • add events directly to your calendar• buy tickets seamlessly• and most importantly: plan ahead: see what events are happening in 2 weeks, in a month, in 6 months even (my Type A people, I see you, I am one of you)This launch changes the role of this newsletter…and I want to shape that evolution with you. If you have 3 minutes, I’d really love your input. This journey has been quite lonely (despite Coco’s presence) and having your guidance would mean the world right now. pls select the appropriate answer, it will take less than a minute to complete.Anything else you’re craving? or wanna share?Just respond to this email, we read every word. I promiseThank you for being here and building this with us 🤍 I hope you’re all hanging in there.SamarPowered by beehiiv

CINEMACalle MalagaThrough March 5thFilm Forum, Greenwich VillageSet in a Spanish-speaking enclave of Tangier, the film follows Maria, a widowed woman deeply rooted in her vibrant neighborhood and longtime home. When her daughter, facing divorce and financial strain in Spain, pushes to sell the apartment, Maria is forced to confront an unwanted future Tickets at $19 WORKOUTBesa PilatesFeb 26th & March 1stFlatironBESA is a new pilates pop-up experience that goes beyond a workout. The 3 instructors behind the brand are wonderful and with deep love for their craft and their mission. They’re in Flatiron for 4 pop-up classes, catch them while you can. I will be there on Sunday. Tickets at $47 PARTYBetween 2 WorldsFri Feb. 27th at 11pmPurgatory, BushwickSheDay is the rhythmic and creative identity of Shideh Almasi, a nyc-based house and global dance music DJ known for her bright energy and feel-good sets. Tickets at $11 CINEMAFangs (Anyab)Fri Feb. 27th at 7:30pmSpectacle, WilliamsburgAnyone in the mood for some Arab Disco Vampires? In this love note to THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, Director Mohammad Shebl sets the scene in contemporary 1980’s Egypt with the backdrop of black magic, singing and dancing vampires, campy fog machines, and Egyptian pop cameos. This movie is a novelty-a guaranteed good time!Tickets at $7COOKINGAfghan Cooking Class @ Atelier JolieThurs Feb. 26th from 6:15-9:15pmAtelier Jolie, LESJoin culinary artist Basil Shakeri in this Afghan cooking class. Expect a hands-on demonstration on making Mantu dumplings, cultural stories and explanations behind Afghan hospitality, and experience communal cooking and dining. Tickets at $130IFTARSilsila: An Iftar for QueersFri Feb 27th at 5:45pm ManhattanAn Iftar tailored to the Queer Muslim community! Dinner will be provided followed by room for prayer, and a screening of The Radical, honoring the life of Imam Muhsin Hendricks. The evening will end in conversation about the importance of affirming queer and trans lives within Islam, and the parallels between apartheid, queerness, and liberation. Tickets at $35PARTYAM!R & 1-900Fri Feb 27th 9pm-4amCiao Ciao, WilliamsburgThe Egyptian-American artist AM!R, and longtime collaborator 1-900, return to their DJ roots with a fresh installment of DISCO DELUXXE. The Grammy-nominated duo dig deep into global disco, boogie, and soul—rare grooves, modern edits, and dance-floor burners from every corner of the world.GAME NIGHTQueer BackgammonThurs Feb 28th from 1-4pmBoyfriend Co-op, Bushwick This is your chance to finally learn backgammon at the beloved Queer hotspot, Boyfriend Co-op! All are welcome for this evening of playing, learning, and spectating backgammon to the soundtrack of Turkish psychedelic rock. Sure to be a cozy, engaging afternoon (and the perfect distraction from fasting!)WELLNESSMessy Hearts CircleSat Feb 28th from 5:30-7:30pmBrooklyn, Bed-stuyMessy Hearts Circle is a space for healing through guided conversation circles. It’s a chance for those living in the diaspora to reflect, share and listen to each others stories in a judgement free environment. This shouldn’t be seen as group therapy, but rather a chance to connect with others in the community who share complex experiences on identity and belonging. Tickets from $25 CLASSArabic for Social JusticeBegins March 1stVirtual or at The People’s ForumA chance to learn Arabic through culture, conversation, and everyday use. There are levels within the beginner and intermediate offerings depending own your desired learning focus. With opportunities to learn through films, song, and literature, these classes have much to offer. In-person and virtual options available with sliding scale tuition prioritizing BIPOC, queer, and heritage speakers.Sliding scale from $300PHOTOGRAPHYHard FeelingsOngoing through April 2ndBaxter St at CCNY, LESThis debut solo exhibition by Dean Majd is a curation of photos documenting his point of view as a Queens raised Palestinian artist. This exhibition portrays grit, and nuanced view of masculinity. Open through April 2nd and closes at 6pm daily. CINEMACutting Through RockMon March 2nd at 6:45pmNikehawk Cinema, Prospect ParkThis Sundance Film Festival winner tells the story of an Iranian councilwoman as she risks her life to liberate young girls in her village by teaching them to ride motorcycles and by stopping child marriages. This film will be followed by a Q&A with directors Mohammadreza Eyni, and Sara Khaki. Tickets at $15COMEDYNew PantsMon March 2nd at 6:45pmTop Secret Comedy Club, East VillageA new month means another New Pants show! Featuring Emil Wakim (SNL), Gavin Matts (Bill Burr Presents), Ahmed Weinberg (Hacks), and Malik Elassal (Adults), this show feels like a living room hang out sesh with your silliest bros. Also featuring surprise guest appearances-you never know who might show up! Tickets at $15CINEMAThe Prince of Nothingwood at BAMTues March 3rd at 7pmBAM, Downtown Brooklyn“Prince of Nothingwood”, directed by Sonia Kronlund, follows a crew of eccentric outcasts in their chaotic pursuit to make a movie in Afghanistan. Presented at BAM and co-produced by Arte East, this film is perfect for a light hearted evening in downtown Brooklyn.Tickets at $17PHOTOGRAPHYPalestine Solidarity ArchiveThrough March 8th from 2-6pmBAM, Downtown BrooklynA collection of signs, stickers, graffiti, and photographs displaying Palestinian resistant and solidarity. Open weekly and running through March 8th, this is a great walk through and a strong display of community and solidarity. CINEMAThe Voice of Hind RajabThur March 4th at 7:30pmCobble Hill Cinemas, Cobble HillAnother opportunity to catch this powerful film presented by The Friendly Strangers film club and Willa. All proceeds go to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society. Not only a night of Arab cinema excellence, but also a chance for community building. Tickets at $23RAMADANRamadan Night MarketWednesday March 4th from 6-10pmSteinway Street, AstoriaBe surrounded by community, culture, and halal street food at this Ramadan night market in the heart of Little Egypt. Tickets include an entry in their raffle.Tickets at $15EVENT HIGHLIGHT30 Days Relationship ResetA virtual program from March 16th to April 15thI met Meriam last summer. We met over matcha (I don’t even like matcha), and what was meant to be a quick 45-minute meeting turned into a 2.5-hour hang. Meriam is a very solar being — the kind of person who radiates warmth without trying. There’s a softness and abundance to her presence that feels increasingly rare. She now works as a feminine energy and relationship mentor, and spending time with her, it makes complete sense. Some people grow into a role — with her, it feels innate. Even without a title, she would probably still embody this work. So yes, I’m coming into this from a place of genuine admiration. And with that said, here’s what she’s buildingHer upcoming program is centered around understanding your emotional patterns and breaking generational cycles. It’s about learning how to love, and receive love, from a place of wholeness rather than fear. Aside from being highly relevant to our shared cultural background, this kind of work feels especially relevant right now. So many people feel disconnected, caught between a challenging dating culture and their deeper values. Meriam created this program for women who want to reconnect with their worth without losing their softness.To love freely, but not blindly. To be strong, but not guarded.It’s a guided reset that’s designed to fit into real life, not take it over.A structured container with short videos, live sessions, and practical exercises you can actually integrate. The program span across 22 days and unfolds in three phases:Self-connection & emotional resetRising in self-worthAttracting the right relationshipIt runs from March 16 to April 15, a 30-day relationship reset for anyone feeling ready to unlearn, recalibrate, and start again with more clarity.Program cost: $109 Language: EnglishMeriam’s Instagram pageLearn moreYou can DM her directly if interested Have an event or a project to share?  EMAIL US This newsletter was forwarded to you? SUBSCRIBE HERE — Menna curates cultural content and events for informational purposes only. Event details are subject to change— Powered by beehiiv

CINEMAThe President’s CakeFeb. 18th-26thAngelika, SohoThe story of a young Iraqi girl navigating life under Saddam Hussein, where even baking a cake becomes a matter of survival. A deeply human film that captures innocence, tension, and the strange weight of growing up under authoritarian rule.Tickets at $21CONVERSATIONHard FeelingsThurs Feb. 19th from 6-7:30pmBaxter ST at CCNY, LESJoin photographer Dean Majd and textile artist Sabri Sundos for a conversation about what it means to be a Palestinian artist in NYC. This event will be held at Majd’s debut solo exhibition “Hard Feelings”, a photo gallery capturing a nuanced portrayal of masculinity through his hometown graffiti crew in Queens. Dates and tea will be served at the start of the event for Iftar.RSVPWORKSHOPBelly Dance WorkshopThurs Feb. 19th from 6-7:30pm Barbes, Park SlopeCreated by Dilara Akpinar, The Wild Woman Series presents “The Rhythm of the Hips” Bellydancing workshop. All are welcome to this evening of exploring the depths of divine feminine energy through this timeless art form. You’re encouraged to bring a shawl or scarf to adorn your hips!Tickets at $23ARTThe Cellular Burden of BelongingThurs Feb 19th 5-8pmTrotter and Sholer Gallery, LESIn her NYC solo show debut, Jude Abu Zaineh uses hand bent neon, archival screen printing, and images of living matter grown in Petri dishes to explore the intercellular experience of culture, belonging, and displacement. A Canadian-Palestinian, Zaineh expresses themes of physical space and homeland connections through an artful, scientific lens- a really fresh combination of mediums! This gallery will run through March 21st.CINEMAHow We GrieveThurs Feb 19th and Sat 21st 10pmAsylum NYC, Gramercy The sibling filmmaker duo, Justin and Meghan Ross, is premiering the pilot episode from their docuseries “How We Grieve” at the New York Comedy Film Festival. This “traumedy” explores how grief is processed across cultures and the universal ways we find humor in the darkness.Promocode: 50% OFF NYCFFASYLUM26 Tickets from $34 MUSICRamadan Qawwali with The Saami BrothersFri Feb 20th at 10pmBarzakh Cafe, Crown Heights End your first week of Ramadan by stopping by the beloved Barzakh cafe for an evening of Qawwali: Sufi Islamic spiritual music. Brothers Rauf, Urooj, Azeem, and Ahmed are carriers of this traditional music which guides listeners into deep spiritual states. These songs span multiple languages including Urdu, Punjabi, and Persian reflecting the rich diversity of South Asia. An evening for collective prayer! Tickets from $58 CONVERSATIONThinking Through Social Club: LoveSat Feb 21th from 4-6pmA Space Gallery, Bushwick Led by Columbia professor and Turkish-American cultural entrepreneur, Dr. Ece Tekbulut, this salon style philosophical discussion asks the big questions about love. Come open hearted and open minded with stories, theories, and insight to swap! Tickets include a complimentary drink while you stir on one of life’s biggest questions: what is the meaning of love? Tickets from $38 MUSICLaila Amira Sat Feb 21st & 22dHoneys, Bushwick Laila Amira is back this week with more parties! She is also the host of Made In The Club (M.I.T.C) on Newtown Radio, where she discusses parties, people, and records that influence the dance music landscape todayCINEMAPut Your Soul On Your Hand And WalkWed Feb 25th from 8-10:30pmCobble Hill Cinemas, Cobble Hill If you’re looking for a direct way to support Palestinian families, look no further than the curated screenings hosted by The Friendly Strangers. Funds gathered from this screening of “Put Your Hand On Your Soul and Walk” will go directly to Fatma Hossna’s family. the screening will start with a short called Burqa City. Tickets at $23 WELLNESSHouse of Leyli: Persian Tea MeditationWed Feb 25th at 8:30pmVirtualBack by popular demand, this grounding meditation series offers a moment of stillness and reflection. Led through Persian poetry and song, this circle is the perfect for intentional self care while holding space for community, and solidarity with the people of Iran. This is your sign to slow down and give your heart some attention! Tickets at $15 FOODHuda IftarFeb 25th, March 4th & 11thHuda, WilliamsburgSpecial Iftar at Huda!You know the drill peopleCREATIVE The Mouth Of The Sun Application by March 1stVirtual A creative incubator program focused on Muslim women and gender-expansive folk. This creative writing incubator is led by author and cultural organizer, Roohi Choudhry. Program for May1-3 and over the Summer. Info + Application EVENT HIGHLIGHTA Creative Retreat In The Heart Of The MediterraneanA six days retreat from April 13 to the 18thSoraya Hosni at The New Medina, SousseI’ve been sitting on this one for a while because it’s not happening in NYC, but let’s be real even the most hardcore New Yorkers of us sometimes need some distance. This is a creative retreat happening April 13–18 in UNESCO listed Sousse, Tunisia. A layered one. A retreat designed to help you slow down, reconnect with yourself, and think more deeply about your story and where you’re going.This journey is led by Dr. Maytha Alhassen, a writer, scholar, and storyteller whose work focuses on how stories shape identity, belonging, and even social change. But this isn’t an academic setting. Her approach is very human. The idea is simple: when we learn to understand and reshape our own narratives, we gain clarity, emotionally, creatively, and even politically. So the benefit here isn’t “learn how to write better.” It’s: understand yourself better. Find language for things you’ve been carrying.There’s also a strong embodiment layer. Think storytelling circles, reflection sessions, trauma-informed yoga, and real conversations. Moments that don’t usually happen in everyday life.The retreat is curated and co-hosted by Soraya Hosni, an anthropologist and cultural healing practitioner who is deeply rooted in Tunisia. That part matters. You’re being welcomed into a place through someone who actually holds the culture and the land with care. Through her lens, the experience becomes immersive: historic walks, olive oil tasting, shared meals, private chef, catamaran tour, hadhra gathering (spiritual collective rhythmic experience)…special moments curated by a local. The structure feels intentional but not rigid. There are guided storytelling sessions, conversations around memory and identity, guest speakers, but also space to rest, think, and just be.I know that it’s just Feb but this year of the fire horse has been quite intense so far, so wouldn’t mind a few days to step away and reset. It’s intentionally small and intimate so if this is calling your name, secure your spot via this linkNew Medina InstagramHave an event or a project to share?  EMAIL US This newsletter was forwarded to you? SUBSCRIBE HERE — Menna curates cultural content and events for informational purposes only. Event details are subject to change— Powered by beehiiv

FOODThe Art of Tasting Olive OilThurs Feb. 12th from 6-7pmAYOON, Carroll GardensRefine your taste and learn what to look for in this Olive Oil tasting masterclass. Led by certified Olive Oil sommelier, Yale World Fellow, and founder of Clever Harvest- Soraya Hosni. Event is free and it’s held in one of the cutest SWANA-owned store of NYC.RSVPMUSICAbu ZeynThur Feb. 12th at 9pmBarzakh Cafe, Crown HeightsAn NYC debut! Through live bass, clarinet, and soulful improvisation, Abu Zeyn takes you through his original set of Sufi and Pharaonic spiritual compositions. A layered experience that truly nourishes the soul.Tickets at $17CINEMAGaza Mon AmourThur Feb 12th at 7pmMayday Space, BushwickPregame Valentines Day weekend with this Palestinian rom-com! Homemade Palestinian hummus by Johnny Hummus. All proceeds will go to providing Ramadan food baskets for families in Gaza and Khan Younis through Gaza Mutual Aid. Tickets at $15MUSICThis Time’s QuartetFri Feb 13th at 7pmChurch of St. Mary the Virgin, Midtown This Time’s Quartet will be featured in the performance series “Offerings” at a giant church in Midtown! This dynamic Lebanese led quartet takes you on a multi sensory experience featuring music and violin by Layale Chaker, Puppeteering by Elsa Saade, and live illustrations by Tracy Chahwan. Tickets from $15 PARTY(Anti) Valentine’s Day Dance PartyFri Feb 13th 10pm-3amFunoon, GreenpointBring your Anti-Valentines energy and party to the best heartbreak anthems from the Arab world and beyond. Sets by Fatin, Fursa, and Farah with a B2B2B DJ battle ending the night! Tickets at $20 COMEDYMarriage UnarrangedSat Feb 14th at 7pmLittlefield, Brooklyn HeightsAbdallah Jasim’s Valentines Day stand up special about being single, Arab, and in your 30’s. Come ready for anything at this night of comedy, live music, live matchmaking, DJ’s and Dabke! Tickets at $25 MUSICVenus RisingSat Feb 14th from 5-10pmSaturn Road, Carroll GardensHang out at the cozy and intimate Saturn Road featuring DJs YAS11, and Sitna Miriam bringing out your heart eyes and good vibes all evening. The perfect set up for girls night, lowkey V-day date or situationship hang!PARTYYalla!LoveSat Feb 14th 10pm-2amBrooklyn Art Haus, WilliamsburgSpecial addition Yalla! Party here, starting with a meet-cute singles happy hour, followed by Malice of Wonderland and Kofta spinning Y2K Arab love songs and sing-along bops all night! Featuring a secret admirer note station, you’re sure to leave the night with something (or someone;)). Tickets at $18 THEATER“About My Mother”Sat Feb. 14th at 1pm and 4pmIRT Theatre, West VillageCatch “About My Mother”, a collection of 3 solo shows performed by their writers: Lama El Homaïssi, Achiro P. Olwoch, and Yasmeen. These pieces directed by Imani Pearl, discuss homeland, exile, queerness, and survival. For one day only, matinee and evening performances available. Tickets at $24 MUSICValentines Night at Russian Samovar Sat Feb. 14th Doors at 9 pmRussian Samovar Restaurant, Theatre District After dinner, head to a cozy, tucked away jazz show upstairs at Russian Samovar. Featuring the vocals of Faith Lynch and Lebanese singer Joey Josephs (otherwise known as “The Soul Prince”), this is meant to feel like an immersive, intimate, living room experience by candlelight. Tickets at $45 for singles and $77 for couples LITERATUREEman El Gamal: iPartneringSat Feb. 14th at 6 pmHealing Bean Cafe, Bay Ridge Dr. Eman El Gamal is a child and adolescent psychiatrist, relationship expert, and author specializing in attachment, emotional health, and resilient partnerships. With iPartnering: The Resilient Way to Find Lasting Love, she challenges common relationship myths and offers practical tools for building secure, meaningful connections. The reading will be followed by an intimate conversation. OPEN MICAl-Bait BaitkomSun Feb 15th at 7:30pmBarzakh Cafe, Crown Heights After a successful first show in January, Al-Bait Baitkom is back for round two! Support your local Sudanes artists in a night of music, poetry, and comedy at the beloved Barzakh Cafe. Tickets at $7 PHOTOGRAPHYCan I Come Over And Take Your Picture?From Feb 16th-18th 8pmSlip House, East VillageClémence Polès Farhang is a buzzy Franco-Iranian photographer recently published in Vogue and New York Magazine. Her newest gallery is a visual and oral archive of more than 300 women’s portraits across New York, London, Paris, and Los Angeles. This show shines a light on the complex and unifying interior lives of women from around the world. Running for a few days, but catch the opening reception on the 17th from 6-8pm!PROJECT HIGHLIGHTWalls of Tears: 50ft Brooklyn Mural Pays Tribute To Children In GazaThrough Feb 15Photo credit: HyperallergicWall of Tears is a massive art installation in Brooklyn, created as a tribute to the 18,457 children who have been killed in Gaza between October 7, 2023 and July 19, 2025. The mural stretches about 50 feet long and 10 feet tall, in this quiet sand color. Up close, you realize it’s covered entirely with the names of children, listed in the order they died. Phil Buehler, a Bronx-raised photographer, created it with the nonprofit Radio Free Brooklyn. He chose to open it on the anniversary of Hind Rajab’s death, she was just five years old, left bleeding in a car surrounded by her family after it was targeted. Powerful timing. However, the piece was already outdated the moment it opened, because the data only goes through last July. Since then, more children have been killed even through the current fictif ceasefire.If the artist’s name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s known for these large, confrontational public works, murals that force you to stop and look. But this one feels different. It’s quieter, heavier. Less about shock and more about remembrance.It’s installed on 12 Grattan Street, right next to a bar. Life going on around it, people passing by, and this enormous reminder asking you not to look away. I hope that people will go see it and not look away.Have an event, a brand or a project to share?  EMAIL US This newsletter was forwarded to you? SUBSCRIBE HERE — Menna curates cultural content and events for informational purposes only. Event details are subject to change— Powered by beehiiv

WELLNESSAn Offering for the HeartThur Feb. 5th 5-6pmLocation revealed after registrationStart off your February with a grounding Persian tea meditation. This intimate event will feature Persian classical music and poetry while finding personal and community connection through prayer and reflection. Proceeds go to The Center for Mind, Body, Medicine to support Iranian trauma relief programming.Tickets at $10CINEMASecret Valentine’s ScreeningThur Feb 5th at 6:30pmBoyfriend Co-op, BushwickThe Garod Collective is hosting a surprise movie night. Hint: romantic misadventures with an Armenian man… Intrigued? RSVP!FreePARTYDisco Tehran Thur Feb 6th from 8pm-lateBaby’s All Right, WilliamsburgDance in solidarity with the people of Iran with Mountain Lions, Rhythm &Space, Mirza, and Sticky Dojah! This party’s proceeds will go towards providing internet access to people in Iran. RSVPWELLNESSHabayeb Movement RitualFri Feb 6th, 7:30-9:30pmReforesters Laboratory, WilliamsburgThis guided movement ritual sets out to awaken a deeper presence and release trapped energy. Expert Sara Awada will guide you through somatic practices while Hatim Belyamani, aka HAT, will facilitate an immersive sound and DJ experience. Come early to enhance your experience with adaptogenic foods and teas at the cafe. Tickets at $45 FILMThe President’s CakeBegins Thur Feb 5th Angelika Film Center, SOHOThis highly anticipated film is finally hitting the theatres! Selected as the Iraqi entry for Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards, this film takes place in 1990’s Iraq and follows a young girl who’s been picked to bake a mandatory birthday cake for the president. Tickets MUSICMdou MoctarFri Feb 6th at 7pmUnion Pool, WilliamsburgEnjoy the warmth of Saharan music by Mdou Moctar and special guest Ryan Sawyer. The perfect event for these cold Friday nights! Join Waitlist ARTSilent CurrentsFri Feb 6th 6-8pmTribecaA showcase of Iranian interdisciplinary artist Anahita Bagheri and Stefano Caimi’s latest sculptures of female rage and expression. The gallery opens on Feb. 6th and runs through March.DANCEThe Pulse of PassionSat Feb 7th at 3pm and 7pmNew York Live Arts Theatre, FlatironA professional student showcase is a celebration of this rich storytelling that transforms movement to meaning. Virtual tickets available as well. Tickets at $34 WORKSHOPValentine Craft PartySat Feb. 7th at 5-7pmBoyfriend Co-op, BushwickYou’re invited to Fun House’s V-day Craft party! Come on your own, with a friend or a lover and make your own bag charms and bedazzle an item you bring. Tickets at $25 MUSICLour: Maladaptive Live!Sun Feb. 8th at 8:30pmJoe’s Pub, SohoFresh off her Off-Broadway debut, Lour returns to the stage for a first listen of her upcoming EP Maladaptive! expect wit, dark humour and a lot of good energy. Also, you may or may not find yourself featured in a major global cultural media platform. Tickets at $30 FOODBake Sale for PalestineSun Feb 8th 11am-3pmLand to Sea, Williamsburg Sweet treats for a cause. Look out for Arabic Coffee Tiramisu and Baklava Cookie Bars! All proceeds will to towards mutual aid efforts in Palestine.SHOPPINGEl Souq Eid Pop-upSun Feb 8th 11am-6pmWest 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. Tickets at $7 MUSICKedmah & Ahavat HadassahSun Feb 8th 8pmBarzakh Cafe, Crown HeightsA concert of sacred Jewish songs from all over the Arab world featuring Yoni Avi Battat, Yosef Ya’ish Goldman, and Anat Halevy Hochberg. Tickets at $22 FOODPeople of Iran Benefit DinnerMon Feb 9th at 5pmRhodora Wine Bar, Clinton HillA delicious evening celebrating Iranian cuisine. Proceeds from this dinner go to Sobh-e Rouyesh NGO for underprivileged children in Iran. Stop by for some natural wine and a tasty Monday night dinner while supplies last!CINEMAAfter The Hour of LiberationTues Feb 10th, 6-9pmFirehouse Cinema, ChinatownThis program will feature documentaries from the archives of ArteEast. Curated by Dina Ramadan, these films documents the afterlives of revolution; each revisits a resistance movement and centers the women, some infamous, others overlooked, who were at the forefront of these anticolonial struggles.Stay for a talkback with Dina and award winning scholar, Samah Selim. Tickets from $5 CINEMAAfter The Hour of LiberationTues Feb 10th, 6-9pmFirehouse Cinema, ChinatownThis program will feature documentaries from the archives of DCTV-NY. Curated by Dina Ramadan, these films center the afterlives of revolution. Stay for a talkback with Dina and award winning scholar, Samah Selim. Tickets ARTPour Toi Paint & SipWed Feb 11th 6:30-9pmApartment 5, LESCelebrate the season of love with this mystery paint and sip class. Perfect for date night, girls night out, or to meet new people! Drinks and light bites begin at 6:30 and painting starts at 7. Tickets at $38 EVENT HIGHLIGHTA meditative experience centered around teaI’ll be honest. I’m drawn to elevated products. House of Leyli fits the bill. The jar is solid and made of thick dark glass, simple design, nothing flashy yet considerate. When you open it, the smell is immediate. The cardamom, rose and tea are strong and fragrant. You can clearly see the ingredients. Pieces of cardamom, rose petals, loose tea. I really appreciate when ingredients are not just listed on a label but visible and tangible.The quality comes through before you even taste it, and the taste follows. The tea is flavorful without being overwhelming. Everything feels balanced. You can taste each ingredient and smell it as you drink.I drink tea every day. Most of the time it’s lemon verbena from my grandmother’s garden that my mom sends me. Tea is part of my routine. This one feels different. It might be the fact that it’s Ceylon tea, so a full body one. This is not a tea you drink quickly or take on the go. It’s the kind you sit with. It encourages you to slow down and actually enjoy the moment.Knowing that Hediya, the woman behind House of Leyli also organizes ceremonies and meditative circle makes sense. The tea feels connected to that work. It feels intentional and grounded and part of a true ritual.I love it when I come across a well made product that I can work as a gift as well to share the culture. It’s something you can share and feel good about, both in quality and in spirit.Next Leyli event: An Offering Of The Heart: A Persian Tea MeditationFebruary 5th, 5-6pm (first event we featured in this newsletter)WebsiteInstagramHave an event, a brand or a project to share?  EMAIL US This newsletter was forwarded to you? SUBSCRIBE HERE — Menna curates cultural content and events for informational purposes only. Event details are subject to change— Powered by beehiiv

MUSICGol-E-RagaThur Jan 29th at 8pmBarzakh Cafe, Crown HeightsA night of Hindustani Raga music & Persian Dastgah’s modal and folk affinities. Enjoy the fusion of these atmospheric melodies from the Northern Indian and Persian classical worlds-featuring Roshni Samlal, Jake Charley, and Mehran Rastegarimention. Concert followed by an open jam session open to all! Tickets at $27 MUSICFaraj Abyad, Tarab Sing-Along Night Friday Jan 30th at 8pmDrom, East VillageAn Arab classic hits sing along! Expect Oum Kalthoum, Fairuz, and Sabah Fakhri. Lyric sheets will be provided so anyone can join in. An intimate and heartfelt evening sure to leave you with tarab. Tickets at $25PARTYHYE FrequenciesFri Jan 30th, 10:30pm-2amCassette, Ridgewood Known for their high energy dance parties, HYE Frequency is an Armenian DJ collective that gathers the diverse diaspora of the SWANA community through Armenian music and culture. Find Audrey Peshkam (DJ Vahshi), Elina Arbo (Mari), Erik Nidal, Mariam Saprichyan (Babamagoush), and Jaeku spinning all night!Free RSVPFUNDRAISERKan Yama Kan Sat. Jan 31st, 7pm to MidnightCastle in the Sky, GreenpointA benefit to support Kan Yama Kan’s upcoming season through a night of poetry, live drawings, tarot and coffee readings, henna, zine making, and much more! Featuring work by Danez Smith, Rotana, Melissa Lozada-Oliva, Hamed Sinno, Safiya Sinclair, Parham Haghighi, and Faraj Abyad. Performances start at 8, then DJ sets takover the night! Tickets at $45 CONCERTSounds of the Levant with Layan HawilaFri Jan 30th, at 8pmBarzakh Cafe, Crown HeightsA cozy Levantine music concert with professional Oud player and singer Layan Hawila. Her first concert of the year, Layan plays classical Arabic music to spark cultural connection and find community through sound. Tickets at $17 PARTYLaylitSat. Jan 31st at 9pmElsewhere, BushwickWhat better way to close out “Dry January” than with a midnight cheers at Laylit! Doors open at 9 and rage into the night with performances by crowd faves such as Arianna Danae, Azmito, Cardamami, Carina Ashkar, DJ Haram, DJ Vahshi, any many more!Tickets from $34WORKSHOPTatreez WorkshopSat. Jan 31st, 5pm-7pmQamaria, Midtown Theatre DistrictThis beginner friendly workshop will teach the traditional Palestinian art form of telling stories, family traditions, and connections to the land through cross-stitching! Venmo Anwar at @threads.of.tatreez to secure your spot- seats are filling quick! Tickets at $45 FUNDRAISERGaza In Our HeartsSat. Jan 31st., 11am-4pmBoyfriend Co-Op, BushwickA variety of fabulous vendors at Boyfriend Co-Op raising money for Gaza. Find work by Camille Bettina, Glitter For Good, Khalils Friends, Nina Zhou, Messy Femme, Al Badr fragrances, and many more! There will be a full service cafe and a SWANA feast for purchase.CONVERSATIONMessy Hearts CircleFri. Jan 31st. 5:30-7:30Bed-Stuy, BrooklynMessy Hearts Circle is a space for healing through guided conversation circles. It’s a chance for those living in the diaspora to reflect, share and listen to each others stories in a judgement free environment. This shouldn’t be seen as group therapy, but rather a chance to connect with others in the community who share complex experiences on identity and belonging. Free PARTYSalsa SaturdaysSat. Jan 31st 5-9pmStarr Bar, BushwickA salsa, bachata, and merengue mixer led by DJ Fatin! Proceeds from go directly to funding “The Indypendent” newspaper- a free monthly newspaper covering social justice movements in NYC. Eat, drink, and dance for a good cause! Tickets at $12 SHOPPINGRamadan BazaarSun. Feb 1st, 12-6pmILC-NYC, Greenwich VillageCelebrate the oncoming of Ramadan at the new Islamic Center of NYC! There will be of local businesses and community owned vendors as well as delicious food to enjoy with friends family and community. Tickets at $5 WORKSHOPThe Umm Kulthum WorkshopSun. Feb 1st, 6:30pmBarzakh Cafe, Crown HeightsA concert where performers play the songs of Umm Kulthum in their entirety, improvising and drawing out the melodies to achieve tarab. This workshop will feature Sami Abu Shamays, Zafer Tawil, Sarash Mueller& Ayman Asfour, Gideon Forbes, Josh Farrar, Eric Allen, Sprocket Royer, Johnny Farraj, and Nezih Antakli, with special performance by George Ziadeh performing Baligh Hamdy’s catchy song, “Hakam Alyana il-Hawa”. Tickets at $27 COMEDYNew PantsMon. Feb. 2nd, 9:30pmTop Secret Comedy, East VillageTop Secret Comedy hosts some of the most elite comedians in the world! This month check out “New Pants” featuring Emil Wakim (SNL), Gavin Matts (Bill Burr Presents), Ahmed Weinberg (Hacks), and Malik Elassal (Adults). Kick off February with your new favorite comedians! Tickets at $15 WORKSHOPAnyone Can WriteTues. Feb. 3rd, 6:30-8:30pmBoyfriend Co-op, BushwickJoin Maha Hashwy as she leads a writing workshop open to all levels. Beginners aren’t only accepted, but encouraged, as Maha believes that anyone can write! The night will consist of writing prompts and share circles, and will leave you with original stories and poems to be proud of. Tickets at $20 CINEMAZubaans of Palestine 2: Film ScreeningFri. Jan 30th at 6pmPyo Chai, AstoriaJoin Gazan filmmaker Ahmad Wuhidi as he presents two of his esteemed short films for an evening celebrating Palestinian and diasporic art. Following the screening will be a Q&A with Ahmad and Karina Ordóñez. All proceeds will go directly to funding Ahmads future projects. Tickets at $20 ARTMinnaBegins Sun. Feb 1st, 6-8pmParticipant Inc., Little ItalyCurated by RIDIKKULUZ, minna is a pop up art gallery showcasing an exciting array of SWANA artists. Bring a friend and step into the world they’ve created! Entrance is donation based, with resources going to Palestine, the AAPI community, and Manhattan’s Chinatown.WORKSHOPMaking Art that MovesSun. Feb 1st, 2-6pmAtelier Dalal, GreenpointA beginner friendly workshop and introduction to the creation of kinetic sculptures, or “mobiles”. This four hour course begins with the history of the artform, folllowed by students creating their own mobiles! Materials are provided, but you are asked to bring meaningful objects to incorporate in your design. Bring a friend and you both save $50! Tickets at $150 Have an event to share? a project to launch? a product you love? an artist you cherish?EMAIL USWas this newsletter forwarded to you?SUBSCRIBE HERE— Menna curates cultural content and events for informational purposes only. Event details are subject to change— Powered by beehiiv

COMEDYRamy YoussefJan 22d & 23d at 7:30pmBell House, Park SlopeRamy is back! and I truly wished he could give us more notice :)Tickets at $47POETRY30th Showcase ReadingThur Jan 22d at 7:30pmPoets House, Battery ParkAn evening dedicated to poetry that addresses and responds to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Ahmad Almallah, Mandy Shunnarah, Fargo Nissim Tbakhi, and Lena Khalaf Tuffaha’s work bears witness, speaks truth, and offers space for grief, resistance, and solidarity. Donation based MUSICTurkish American Orchestra: DisplacementSat Jan 24th at 7:30pmSymphony Space, UWSQuickly establishing itself as a cultural ambassador of Türkiye in the United States, the orchestra continues its tradition of bringing western classical, Turkish classical, and beloved popular songs into one shared space. Expect Oud, Darbuka and 9anoun.Tickets from $54PARTYNefertitties: Ana MasreyaSat Jan 24th at 10pmThe Sultan Room, The queen Ana Masreya, the incredible Egyptian drag artist, is back with a long-awaited party. With eight different DJs and an unforgettable return, this is a night that promises not to disappoint.Tickets from $49CONVERSATIONIsraeli Violence In The West BankSat Jan 24th, 7-8:30pmSt Nichola’s Orthodox Cathedral Jasper Nathaniel recently documented Israeli settler and state violence, including a report that went viral and was later covered by mainstream media and discussed on the Senate floor. The event will be moderated by NYC activist and former news producer Eman Rashid, and will include a short film on the murder of activist Awdeh Hathaleen.Tickets at $25FUNDRAISERImal Gnawa Sat Jan 24th, at 4pmThe People’s Forum, MidtownAn immersive Sudanese cultural experience around food and sound. Tickets at $15 MUSICQueer Backgammon Sat Jan 24th, 1-4pmBoyfriend Co-op, BushwickThe Boyfriend Co-op are on fire with their event programming, and this time they’re hosting a regional backgammon afternoon dedicated to play and community. Tickets at $22 CINEMACan YasarSat Jan 24th at 7pmPangea, East VillageTurkish actor, writer, and musician known for his work in theater, cabaret, and original performance pieces. His work often reflects his experiences as an immigrant and queer artist in the U.S., and he has been recognized with awards and support in the NYC performance scene. Tickets at $20 SHOPPINGEl Souq: Ramadan & EidSun Jan 25th, 11am-6pmWest VillageNew 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. Tickets at $7 CINEMAPut Your Soul On Your Hand And WalkSun Jan 25th at 8pmCobble Hill Cinemas, Cobble HillThe film centers on Sepideh’s connection with Fatima Hassouna, a young journalist surviving under bombardment in Gaza, who becomes her eyes on the ground while documenting the war. Over more than 200 days, the two sustain a lifeline between Gaza and the outside world, exchanging fragments of images and sound that ultimately form the film itself. All proceeds will be donated to Fatima’s family. Tickets at $23WORKSHOPKnafeh MasterclassSun Jan 25th at 2pmAyat, AstoriaThis hand-on masterclass will be brought to you by Sitti house for a fun and educational afternoon of knafeh making. Tickets at $82 WORKSHOPAnyone Can Write By Maha HashwiWed Jan 28th, 6:30-8:30pmBoyfriend Co-op, BushwickBring your honest self, your regrets, your resolutions, and a pen. This workshop will strive to hold a mirror up to who you’re becoming. All writing levels are welcome.. Tickets at $20 MUSICThe Secret TrioWed Jan 28th at 7pmDROM, East VillageThis ensemble offers a distinctive musical experience that brings together Middle Eastern and Balkan traditions with elements of jazz improvisation. Featuring Ara Dinkjian on oud, Ismail Lumanovski on clarinet, and Tamer Pınarbaşı on kanun. Tickets at $25 MUSICSouren Baronian QuartetWed Jan 28th at 9pmDROM, East VillageSouren Baronian is an Armenian-American musician and composer, best known as a master of the oud and a specialist in Middle Eastern and Armenian classical and folk music. This is serious stuff! Tickets at $20 EDITOR’S PICKZiba Brightening and Hydrating MaskClean ingredients we love, made to calm and brightenI discovered Ziba by accident. I wasn’t looking for skincare, but I stopped when I read the ingredient list: rose water, olive leaf, saffron. Ingredients that feel familiar, almost domestic. The kind I associate with care that’s been passed down, not trends.The packaging caught my eye too. It’s thoughtful and elevated, and the scent is genuinely beautiful, soft and rose-forward, but not overpowering. More comforting than perfumed. From the start, it felt good to see a product made by someone from the community (Persian and Woman owned brand) that felt well-made and considered.Right now, my skin isn’t in a great place. It’s inflamed, reactive, and struggling with almost everything. I was advised to use the mask sparingly considering my skin highly sensitive nature, but it felt gentle from the first use, and I found myself reaching for it more often than I expected.The first time I tried it, my skin calmed down. Not in a dramatic way, more quietly, like it had finally exhaled. After each use, my face felt soothed, fresh, and noticeably brighter. I do still need to moisturize afterward as the mask is not enough for me especially with this weather, but the mask creates a really good, calm base for the rest of my routine. Another thing that made me stick with it: it only takes 10 minutes. That matters to me. I’m not someone who commits to overnight masks or elaborate rituals. I hope they eventually expand the line to include a moisturizer, it’s something I’d genuinely be excited to try, especially given how clean and thoughtful their ingredient list is.With so many skincare and makeup brands we can no longer support, it feels especially meaningful to find high-quality products created by people from our own community. I hope we can continue discovering more of these brands together.Website: https://ziba-skincare.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zibaskincareco/?hl=enHave an event to share? a project to launch? a product you love? an artist you cherish?EMAIL USWas this newsletter forwarded to you?SUBSCRIBE HERE— Menna curates cultural content and events for informational purposes only. Event details are subject to change— Powered by beehiiv

MUSICNoryThur Jan 15th at 7pmNightclub 101, East VillageNORY take over Night Club 101 in NYC for an evening of hip-hop and rap energy you won’t want to miss. Nory is of Saudi decent and will be performing his latest album “Fuck That, This Is The Rhythm” and it’s good! Tickets at $23CINEMAThe Kite RunnerThur Jan 15th at 5:30pmAdam Street Library, Brooklyn HeightsA novelist returns to Afghanistan years after fleeing as a child and uncovers the fate of his childhood friend, set against decades of political upheaval, from the fall of the monarchy to the Taliban era and the Afghan diaspora.More infoWORKSHOPTatreez & The Art Of ResistenceThur Jan 15th, 7-9pmAtelier Dalal, GreenpointA Palestinian embroidery art workshop led by Palestinian-American artist Sabri Sundos. In this 2 hour course, students will be provided with all needed material. Through the lens of Palestinian resistance and storytelling, students will walk away with a greater understanding of not only a new skill but of a people’s fight for liberation. Tickets at $125 PARTYPregame ft Zayd & Armii1nThur Jan 15th at 9pmSignal Opening the night b2b are Zayd and Monk, with Zayd bringing Beirut-rooted sensibilities into deep, minimal house shaped by NYC. Later, Pregame founder Armii1n goes b2b with Choukroun, drawing on years of global travel and diasporic listening to move fluidly across genres and geographies.Free, RSVPMUSICThe Arab BluesFri Jan 16th, at 8pmDROM, East VillageThe Arab Blues returns to New York in celebration of their new album ‘Deserted.’The band explores the world of maqam through the propulsive grooves of West African blues. Tickets at $20 MUSICLaraaji & Samer Ghadry Fri Jan 16th at 7pmPublic Records, Boerum HillsDREAM ROOM brings together music and sound therapy disciplines into long-form acoustic experiences designed to open the mind, heart, and ears. Public Records and Samer Ghadry continue their partnership, which took root through morning community sound meditations, now moving into collaborative evening concerts that blend Samer’s sound healing practice and percussion background with some of NYC’s best musical improvisers. Tickets at $27 PARTYDisco TurcoSat Jan 17th at 10pmDROM, East VillageA psychedelic journey into funk, disco, rock, and more at this popular, long-running, multicultural dance party Tickets at $12 MUSICMohamed RamadanSat Jan 17th at 8:30pmMadison Sq Garden, Midtown Mohamed Ramadan is an Egyptian actor and singer known across the Arab world for his dynamic screen roles and hit music, blending pop, rap, and cultural flair with massive digital and concert reach. Tickets from $60 PARTYCapricorn RisingSat Jan 17th at 6-10pmSaturn Road, Cobble HillGrounded, smooth, and a little sensual, leaning into chill grooves, alt R&B and neo-soul. Event is free and no RSVP, you can just show up.WORKSHOPWriting Workshop By Bushra RehmanSat Jan 17th, 11am-2pmOnlineA workshop by the naming of Furious Blooming: Writing into personal and collective grief. Bushra is is a fearless literary voice examining what it means to belong, rebel, and survive between worlds. Apply CINEMAForeign Body By Raja AmariSun Jan 18th at 1pmColumbia University, HarlemAfter the Tunisian revolution, Samia escapes to France seeking safety and a fresh start. She meets a young man, Imed, and soon finds work in the employ of the elegant Leila. But her presence in Leila's middle-class household triggers a shift in its dynamics, and soon Samia is enmeshed in a web of sexual tension. Tickets at $15 MUSICOmar Offendum: Neo-Hakawati NightsSun Jan 18th at 6pmJoe’s Pub, East VillageIf there’s one event to catch this month, make it this one. Omar, poet and rapper, delivers a powerful performance that weaves Syrian/Arabic hakawati tradition with contemporary rap and poetry. Singular, layered, and unforgettable, this is a rare show by a truly unique artist. Tickets at $36 WORKSHOPAnyone Can Write By Maha HashwiTue Jan 20th, 6:30-8:30pmBoyfriend Co-op, BushwickBring your honest self, your regrets, your resolutions, and a pen. This workshop will hold a mirror up to who you’re becoming. All writing levels are welcome. Tickets at $20 CINEMAAs I Open My Eyes By Leila Bouzid Wed Jan 21st at 7pmNitehawk Cinema, Prospect ParkAs I Open My Eyes depicts the clash between culture and family as seen through the eyes of a young Tunisian woman balancing the traditional expectations of her family with her creative life as the singer in a politically charged rock band. Director Leyla Bouzid’s musical feature debut offers a nuanced portrait of the individual implications of the incipient Arab Spring. Tickets at $30 EVENT HIGHLIGHTEl Souq, A Gathering of MakersRamadan & Eid Pop-up on January 25thEl SouqIn just a few years, El Souq has become a fixture in the SWANA pop-up scene. Behind it are two forces Hanan and Dania, who have quietly built something people genuinely look forward to.The pop-up always takes place in the same beautiful space: a large, light-filled venue with high ceilings, tucked into the heart of Greenwich Village. For one day, it becomes a gathering point, bringing together SWANA and South Asian vendors across fashion, jewelry, art, food, and more. It’s as much about meaningful shopping that it’s about wondrous discovery.I always leave with something unexpected. Last time, it was a gold-plated ring made from real peppercorns, an instant conversation starter that still gets noticed. But beyond what I buy, I get to meet SWANA designers and genuinely beautiful souls. More than shopping, El Souq leaves you with a quiet but powerful feeling of presence, that we exist, together, in this city.Their next pop-up is happening on January 25th from 11am to 6pm, tickets hereHave a brand to showcase? vendor applications are still open here Have an event, a brand or a project to share? EMAIL US Was this newsletter forwarded to you? SUBSCRIBE HERE — Menna curates cultural content and events for informational purposes only. Event details are subject to change— Powered by beehiiv

Editor’s NoteA Small Birthday WishSamar in a festive modeFounder | mennaMenna aims to make space for our culture, for our people, for the ways our community live and create in this city. It’s a project built with sooo much care and a lot of love.If menna has brought you something good, connection, discovery, a sense of home, sharing it with a friend would be the sweetest birthday gift.Thank you for sharing and being part of this. Here is a link to share with a friend or two DANCECompany Herve Koubri, What The Day Owes The Night Tues Jan 6-11thJoyce Theater, ChelseaThis show is exceptional! Thirteen bare-chested dancers from Algeria and Burkina Faso take the stage, weaving capoeira, martial arts, and contemporary dance into a charged meditation on belonging. Named after Yasmina Khadra’s novel, the piece reflects Hervé Koubi’s own return to his Algerian roots, tracing the tensions of heritage, identity, and being shaped by more than one world. Show might be sold out, the venue will be releasing more tickets this week.TicketsCINEMAThe Voice Of Hind Rajab Thur Jan 8th at 6:50pmFilm Forum, MidtownThe Venice Silver Lion–winning film and an Oscar shortlisted movie, blending real recordings and reenactments to recount the death of Hind Rajab and the rescuers who tried to reach her. Such an important movie. Free eventRSVP: club@passerbymagazine.comMUSICMoustafa AmarFri Jan 9th at 8:30pmMelrose Ballroom, QueensMoustafa Amar is an Egyptian singer associated with late-1990s and early-2000s pop, known for melodic, restrained songs that became staples of that era’s mainstream soundTickets from $80PARTYOmar’s World: Birthday EditionFri Jan 9th, 11am-4pmSultan Room, BushwickOmar is celebrating his 32nd birthday Expect music from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, the Americas, and beyond all night. Featuring him and special guests. Tickets at $23 CINEMAAll That’s Left Of YouFri Jan 9-15thMultiple locationsIn the moments before a Palestinian teen is confronted by Israeli soldiers at a protest in the West Bank, his mother recounts the series of events that led him to that fateful moment, starting with his grandfather's displacement from Jaffa in 1948. The movie is an epic historical drama chronicling the story of one family over three generations and examining the passage of trauma to each. This movie is Oscars shortlisted. Tickets at Roxie Tickets at The Angelika PARTYRangarang Act V: AroosiSat Jan 10th at 6pmSultan Room, BushwickA reimagined Persian wedding where the dance floor becomes the ceremony and the crowd becomes the family. Expect nostalgic wedding classics, playful drama, open-stage moments, and prizes. Guests are encouraged to dress in full aroosi spirit: bold, bejeweled, dramatic, because more is definitely more. This one feels so special! Tickets at $20 WORKSHOPThe Art of Illumination Sat Jan 10th, 10am-5pmThe Old American can factoryA one day workshop exploring the meditative art of Islamic Illumination, tazhib, with recognized Iranian-American artist Behnaz Karjoo. Tazhib is a classical Islamic art form that decorates manuscripts, especially Qur’ans and poetry, using gold, floral motifs, and geometric patterns to honor and frame the text without depicting figures. Tickets at $155 MUSICWinter Marathon Jazzfest Ft Saha Gnawa Sat Jan 10th at 7:15pmBrooklyn Bowl, WilliamsburgSaha Gnawa is a New York-based collective dedicated to preserving and reimagining Morocco’s centuries-old Gnawa musical tradition, blending trance-like rhythms, deep spiritual roots, and contemporary influences. The show is part of The Winter Jazzfest and admission will give you access to more than 35 artists. Tickets at $85 DANCEYa Samar! Dance TheaterSat Jan 10th at 6pmNew York Live Arts, ChelseaA Palestinian-American dance company currently celebrating its 20th anniversary season, will present a new work in progress. Shabaab celebrates the intimacy, beauty, and tenderness of Arab male friendship. Using puppetry and text interwoven with a playful and explosive movement score, Shabaab is a visceral embodiment of love, friendship, and the impossible weight of a lifetime spent under siege.Tickets at $24DANCEWith Ourselves and Each OtherSat Jan 10th at 1pmNew York Live Arts, ChelseaSet in a karaoke-funeral-lounge, Maree ReMalia’s show welcomes audiences into an evening-length solo blending dance, text, and pop music as a way to grieve a parent who raised her and a parent she never met. Co-directed by theater artist Adil Mansoor. Tickets at $24 EXHIBITArt Exhibit For PalestineJan 10th, 3-9pm & Jan 11th, 1-7pm119 Hester st, LESA two-day exhibition uplifting the voices, visions, and lived realities of Palestinian artists from Gaza and across the diaspora. Strings of Stories brings together zines, drawings, paintings, photography, and visual narratives that reflect everyday life, resistance, grief, joy, and the unbreakable spirit of Palestinians.Free, RSVPMUSICDavid Chorowski & Syrian Rue Sat Jan 10th at 8pmJalopy Theater, Carroll GardenDebuting from Brooklyn, Syrian Rue is a band that blends various musical traditions from around the world with jazz chords and progressive rock influences. Combining eastern and western instruments and practices. David Chorowski is a multi-instrumentalist Oud player from New York specializing in folk and classical musics from, but not limited to, the Eastern Mediterranean, MENA, and Medieval Europe. Tickets at $20 MUSICGlobalFest Ft Nour Harkati & The Naghash EnsembleSun Jan 11th at 7pmDavid Geffen Hall, UESGlobalFestl fills the entire venue with back-to-back performances in one night, a vibrant celebration of global music and cultural exchange. This year they will be featuring Tunsian artist Nour Harkati and Armenian bank The Naghash Ensemble along with a plethora of other artists. Tickets from $80LITERATUREThis is Where the Serpent LivesTues Jan 13th at 8pmIn person & onlinePulitzer Prize and National Book Award nominee Daniyal Mueenuddin celebrates the launch of his debut novel This Is Where the Serpent Lives, a sweeping portrait of modern Pakistan that moves between its turbulent cities and feudal countryside. Through interconnected lives marked by love, violence, and ambition, the novel offers an intimate yet expansive meditation on class, loyalty, family, and fate Tickets from $25 So, who are the two lucky friends you’re sharing this newsletter with? SHARE THIS LINK & MAKE MY DAY! — Menna curates cultural content and events for informational purposes only. Event details are subject to change— Powered by beehiiv

Happy new year and thank you for being part of menna, for reading closely, for believing this kind of cultural gathering matters, for sharing, replying, showing up and especially for trusting this space and letting it evolve with you.Sending so much love … and as always, our door and inbox is always open- SamarFUNDRAISERZohran Inauguration PartyThur Jan 1st at 6pmParagon, BushwickOn New Year's Day, New York City will swear in our new mayor, democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani. Event proceeds go to NYC-DSA as we continue to build a winning socialist movement that can deliver an affordable New York and prove a better world is possible.TicketsPARTYZohran Inauguration PartyThur Jan 1st at 8pmC’mon Everybody, Clinton HillAnother party for Zohran here! Shows by Miss Ma'amShe & Roque and sounds by DJ Sean McMahill.Free, RSVPPARTYChillville New Year’s Day Thur Jan 1st, 3-7pmSaturn Road, Cobble HillAn afternoon of downtempo favorites and $10 mimosas in the company of SWANA Djs: Sitna Mariam and YasCINEMAPut Your Soul On Your Hand and WalkFri Jan 2d, 7:30-10pmFirehouse: DCTV’s Cinema An intimate perspective on life under siege in Gaza, conveyed through video calls between director Farsi and 25-year-old Palestinian photojournalist and poet Fatma Hassona. The film captures daily life during the conflict through the eyes and unwaveringly optimistic perspective of Hassona, trapped in an endless cycle of war, famine, and resistance. 100% of proceeds will go to The Sameer Project.Tickets at $20MUSICImal Gnawa Fri Jan 2d, at 10pmBarbes, Park SlopeImal Gnawa’s music is rooted in traditional Morrocan Gnawa music but adds a strong futuristic element. They use traditional instruments - sintir and krakrebs, augmented by electronic elements.  Tickets at $22 MUSICOurida Fri Jan 2d, at 8pmBarbes, Park SlopeOurida is a Franco-Algerian songwriter, singer and pianist and a Brooklyn resident. Expect urban songs mixing folk rock, art pop melodies and jazz grooves, and a mix of Algerian, American and french influences. Tickets at $22 FUNDRAISERSolidarity FestSat Jan 3d, 12:30-10pmJACK, Prospect HeightsA one-day festival across 2 sessions, that brings together artists and cultural workers to connect Palestine with broader social justice struggles. Through panels, workshops, and performances, it centers culture as a tool for collective action and change. The event is also a fundraiser for Palestine relief efforts, with sliding-scale tickets to ensure accessibility.Tickets from $20WORKSHOPFemme & FormFri Jan 3d, 5-7pmBoyfriend Co-op, Bushwickan evening of figure drawing, where you’ll be invited to be both muse and artist. You’ll start with a few short 2 minute poses, gradually moving our way to long 15 and 20 minute poses. This is a clothed event so wear something you’d like to be drawn in and props are encouraged. Free, RSVP SOIREEAl bait BaitkomFri Jan 3d at 6pmBarzakh Cafe, Crown HeightsA welcoming night celebrating Sudani artists as they share comedy, music, poetry, and storytelling Tickets at $12 CINEMAAll That’s Left Of YouMon Jan 5th & 6thAngelika, SohoIn the moments before a Palestinian teen is confronted by Israeli soldiers at a protest in the West Bank, his mother recounts the series of events that led him to that fateful moment, starting with his grandfather's displacement from Jaffa in 1948. The movie is an epic historical drama chronicling the story of one family over three generations and examining the passage of trauma to each. This movie is Oscars shortlisted and a Q&A to follow both screenings. Tickets from $19 COMEDYJungle Cat ComedyTues Jan 6th at 8pmHuda, WilliamsburgVenture into the jungle with hosts Abby Govindan and Ibhan Kulkarni as they bring you a stacked lineup of nationally and internationally acclaimed comedians. Amber Singletary, Salma Hindy (SWANA), Ahamed Weinberg (SWANA), Sahib Singh and Katherine Gorham. Tickets at $15 CINEMAThe Voice Of Hind RajabThrough Jan 8thFilm Forum, West VillageThe Venice Silver Lion–winning film and an Oscar shortlisted movie, blending real recordings and reenactments to recount the death of Hind Rajab and the rescuers who tried to reach her. Such an important movie! Tickets at $18 CINEMAIt Was Just An AccidentThrough Jan 8thFilm Forum, West VillageWinner of the 2025 Palme d’Or at Cannes, Jafar Panahi’s first film since his release from imprisonment is a darkly comic revenge thriller. This is truly a fabulous movie, and the story follows Vahid, a mechanic who suspects a customer with a prosthetic leg of being the man who once tortured him in prison. Driven by doubt and rage, Vahid kidnaps him and enlists other survivors to confirm his identity, setting off a tense spiral of escalating consequences Tickets at $19 ART EXHIBITNiyū Yūrk: Middle Eastern and North African Lives in the CityThrough March 8thNYPL, Bryant ParkI will post this event every month until I make sure everyone of you has seen it! Niyū Yūrk is the brainchild of Hiba Abid, this exhibit traces the history of MENA immigration to New York City from the late 19th century to today, highlighting how the city has shaped MENA communities and their contributions to culture. Featuring newspapers, books, archives, photographs, music, and film, the exhibition reflects on migration, identity, and the need for more inclusive archival practices. Learn more Have an event to share? a project to launch? a product you love? an artist you cherish?EMAIL USWas this newsletter forwarded to you?SUBSCRIBE HERE— Menna curates cultural content and events for informational purposes only. Event details are subject to change— Powered by beehiiv

PARTYDisco Tehran End Of Year PartyDec 27th at 10:30pmElsewhere, BushwickDisco Tehran are taking on two rooms at Elsewhere this year with a solid line up as usual. Expect music, live performances and great a lot of dancing. Tickets at $33 WORKSHOPPour Toi Paint + SipDec 30th at 6:30pmApartement 5, LESPour Toi is a paint + sip experience for the creatively curious, founded by designers and art school besties Sonya & Alina. It all starts with a theme and a mystery art kit full of supplies, a prompt, and a curated moodboard. Their current theme is Happy Merry.  Tickets at $38 CELEBRATIONBarzakh 2025 Farewell Dec 26th at 7pmBarzakh Cafe, Crown HeightsWitness one of the final cultural performances of 2025 iwith a line up of guest artsist and intimate perofrmnaces in the Blue Room. Tickets at $22 PARTYMamdani New York Dec 30th at 10pmSOB’s, TribecaA pop-up party the night before NYE. Celebrating the sounds & cultures that make us the greatest city in the world, in true Mamdani spirit. Free, RSVP PARTYSama AbdulhadiDec 31st at 10pmElsewhere, BushwickI know that many of you will be thrilled about this one! Sama is coming to NYC! a transcendent talent behind the decks and a leading voice within Palestine’s dance music community and Palestinian liberation at large. Tickets at $53 PARTYDJ SnakeDec 31st at 9pmBrooklyn Storehouse, WilliamsburgDJ Snake is a French-Algerian powerhouse producer and global hitmaker. He’s known for blending EDM with hip-hop and global beats, he’s a festival headliner, bringing North African roots and worldwide rhythms to the dancefloor. Tickets at $86 PARTYYalla! Party NYEDec 31st at 10pmStarr Bar, BushwickThis New Year’s Eve Yalla! Party will be dedicated to the proud immigrants that we all are, featuring an all immigrant DJ line-up (DJ Tauba & Kofta 444) and spotlighting some of the incredible local groups who work tirelessly for the cause, like Cosecha, Make the Road NY and the Queer Detainee Empowerment Project. Tickets at $23 PARTYYallah Habibi NYCWed Dec 31st at 10pmThe Dream Downtown, ChelseaThe OG of the habibi parties are back to NYC with another New Year’s Eve event in collaboration with Mad East! Tickets from $82 PARTYHuda House PartyDec 31st at 8pmHuda, WilliamsburgHuda is throwing a house party! Open bar, Levantine bites, habibi funk, dance floor, disco ball, and Arab hospitality! Tickets at $50 (EARLY BIRDS) PARTY Laziza NYEDec 31st from 6pmLaziza, BedStuyExpect a disco ball, a curated selection of Laziza’s best dishes, cocktails + wines, room to dance. The vinyl selections for the night will be brought to you by from Selly F and Johnny Panga. Prix fixe at $105 PARTY NYE: The Night We’ve MetDec 31st from 9pmBoyfriend Co-op, BushwickBoyfriend Co-op is ringing in the new year with none other than The night We’ve Met, first 26 tickets for 2026 are free. Glitter, metallics, and all your shiny slutty energy is encouraged…and free champagne toast at midnight Tickets from $6 PROJECT SPOTLIGHTDilijan BakeryA new Afghan bakery in the heart of Brooklyn Heights Sponsored Back in November, while shopping at SOS Chefs, I met Brian. We chatted about his new baby, sampled some incredible Afghan figs, and before parting ways he casually mentioned he was opening a bakery in Brooklyn Heights and invited me to check it out. Fast forward, Dilijan quietly opened its doors. At the helm are Ali Zaman, Mohamed Ghiasi (of Little Flower Café), and Brian Ford (celebrity baker, TV host) bringing with them a deep love for saffron, cardamom, pistachio, and gluten. A lineup of flavors that feels genuinely good for both the soul and the body. diljanbakeryEDITOR’S PICKSaboon MaazehA girl, a farm and her soaps I was first drawn to Saboon Maazeh because of Joy. She’s of Lebanese descent, lives on a farm upstate, and has that free spirit type of vibe. Everything on the farm is grown organically and guided by regenerative practices. Joy makes her soaps using goat’s milk from the farm, along with plant-based alternatives sourced from friends and neighbors who share the same values and care for the land in the same way. I’ve tried four of the soaps so far and I enjoyed them all. I have sensitive skin with rosacea, so I’m always careful about what I use, and these have been truly gentle, simple without compromise.Saboon Maazeh isn’t about fast consumption. You don’t place a one-off order; instead, you join a collective and receive a batch of 9 soaps when they’re released. It’s inspired by the CSA model (Community Supported Agriculture) where a community pledges support to a farm, sharing both the responsibility and the reward. What you receive isn’t just soap, but something made with intention, care, and a deep respect for people, land, and process. Dreamy! Website: https://www.saboonmaazeh.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saboonmaazeh/Have an event to share? a project to launch? a product you love? an artist you cherish? EMAIL US Was this newsletter forwarded to you? SUBSCRIBE HERE — Menna curates cultural content and events for informational purposes only. Event details are subject to change— Powered by beehiiv

SHOPPING & FUNDRAISERSecondhand For SudanFri Dec 19th, 4-9pmQahwa House, AstoriaThrift lovers & community supporters, this one’s for you! an evening of shopping, oud performance, and solidarity. We couldn’t get much info about the vendors but it’s a noble cause that needs our support. All ticket proceeds + a portion of every vendors sales will go straight to the Sudan Solidarity Collective. Free, RSVP THEATERCrossing The WaterFri Dec 5-21st at 8pmThe Brick, WilliamsburgA solo multimedia performance documenting life under military occupation. Blending live storytelling with shadow play, projections, and puppetry, it follows one family’s escape during the 1982 Israeli invasion of Beirut. Intimate and political, it reflects on survival, resistance, and collective memory, and forms part two of a trilogy on the decline of the Lebanese left. Tickets from $25 MUSICThe Brooklyn NomadsFri Dec 19th at 8pmBarzakh Cafe, Crown HeightsHadi and Andreas exploring together sounds inspired by Arabic music, Flamenco, Folk, and Jazz. You’ll hear some of their own original compositions, alongside our interpretations of songs from musical giants, like Sayed Darwish, Ennio Morricone, Sheikh Imam, and more. Tickets at $11 CELEBRATIONRedirecting The FlameFri Dec 19th. 5:45pmBarzakh Cafe, Crown HeightsA multi-faith celebration of chanukah at Barzakh, with a mystical workshop led by Haddar Cohen, a community activity led by Daniel Mate (Gabor Mate’s son) and singing by Laura Elkeslassy. The evening will include dinner & beverage and is open to people from all backgrounds. Tickets at $28 MUSICJust MyyuhFri Dec 19th at 10pmBarzakh Cafe, Crown HeightsBarzakh is booking on Friday! after The Brokklyn Nomad, you can continue the partyy with Myyur. Myyuh is the co-founder and co-curator of The Haza Party, a dance party that spotlights  Arab, African, and Southwest Asian music.  Tickets at $12 CELEBRATIONSeb-i-arus: Sema Devotional GatheringSat Dec 20th 6pm to & Sun 21th. 6amWoodburn, NYThis one is special! A 24-hour immersive gathering honoring the anniversary of Rumi’s passing, with continuous live devotional music from many traditions, including SWANA musical lineages (Turkey, Morocco, Iran and the line up is impressive) as well as continuous communal whirling. The intention is to create a connected, heart-centered space open to all faiths, supported and guided by devotional music. The team behind the event is also all of SWANA background (Egypt, Iraq, Syria). It’s truly wonderful to see this type of spiritual events from the community. Tickets on a sliding scale MUSICNour HarkatiSat Dec 20th at 7pmThe Sultan Room, BushwickNour is a North African musician and singer whose sound feels both ancient and contemporary, warm, elevated, intimate, and expansive all at once. He’s built a world distinctly his own, and this concert celebrates “Moulena”, his new album and the culmination of eight years of creation and dedication. Highly recommend this one. Tickets at $22 CELEBRATIONYalda DinnerSat Dec 20th & Sun 21th, 5-10pmWith Others, WilliamsburgWith Others Brooklyn is a cool wine bar in Williamsburg and is teaming up with Nima Jahromi (former Laziza) & Bazm for a two-night pop-up dinner rooted in seasonality and inspired by Persian Yalda traditions. This is how you celebrate Yalda in style. Book on Resy COMEDYFady RizkSat Dec 20th, 9:30-11pmEastVille Comedy Club, Prospect HeightsFady is an Egyptian New York based comedian who is starting out a comedy tour at EastVille Comedy Club in Brooklyn. Expect an interactive, high energy show. This performance will be a special live taping so that’s your chance to your 15min of fame!Promocode: Inevitable2026 for $5off Tickets at $20 WORKSHOP2026 Vision Board MakingSun Dec 21st, 6-9pmSaltwater Coffee & Wine Bar, LESDive into 2026 with clarity and intention at this vision board–making workshop, facilitated by FunHouse. This is a space to visualize the year ahead, how you want it to feel, move, and unfold. All materials will be provided, and you’re welcome to bring personal items to make it even more special. Tickets at $20 CELEBRATIONA Very Brooklyn YaldaSun Dec 21st at 5pmWhoopsie Daisy, Prospect HeightsLena is the brain (and hands) behind Bibi Bakery, named after her Iranian grandmother, and she’s hosting a delicious Yalda celebration filled with tea, ash reshteh, baklava, wine, backgammon, poetry, and all the cozy vibes. Bring your friends, your poems, your appetite, and come warm up, physically and spiritually with Lena. Free, RSVP CELEBRATIONYalda GatheringSun Dec 21st at 7pmPIT, ChelseaA listening session to DAST DAR DAST, a mixtape of folk music chronicling histories of resistance and resilience from Iran and Afghanistan. Guests may bring to share a snack, poems, or instruments if they.SHOPPINGFashion Tea Pop-upSun Dec 21st, 2-8pmTempest, RidgewoodTempest Gallery is organizing a shopping pop-up event with a few cool vendors like Nonist and Vvork Vvork Vork. learn more COMMUNITY Levant Connect Sun Dec 27th, 8:30-11:30pmLaila, BayridgeA professional networking events for people from the Levant. One drink min. Free, RSVP NEW & WORTHYWhat The FalafelIn the heart of the Village: crispy falafel & tahini shakesSponsored Greenwich Village has a new falafel spot, and yes, we’re already emotionally attached. What The Falafel just opened, serving crisp, perfectly seasoned falafel in every form that matters: sandwiches, burgers, and salads. The freshly baked pita is so good it honestly deserves its own fan club, and we really loved that it’s the kind of casual food you can enjoy without feeling greasy or weighed down after. They’re also clearly not afraid to have a little fun. Enter the tahini milkshake, made with oat milk and finished with a sprinkle of halwa, unexpected, slightly unhinged, and exactly what I didn’t know I needed.  https://wtfalafel.co/EDITOR’S PICKAnagram Mane StageAn all in one hair and brow sculpt that works beautifullyWe’re trying something new, spotlighting products we’ve actually tested and genuinely like (and no, they’re not graphic tees… we’re had enough).I came across Anagram, a beauty brand by Middle Eastern founder Christina, back in August and decided to give it a try. I’ve been using their Mane Stage for months now, and it’s officially earned a spot in my routine. It’s a 3-in-1: flyaway tamer, brow gel, and edge control, all packed into one sleek tube with two different brushes. I mostly reach for it when I’m doing a sleek bun, not really for my brows and honestly, it delivers. My hair stays in place without feeling sticky, stiff, or overly “done,” which is kind of a miracle considering my hair is voluminous, dry, and generally likes to do its own thing. It’s clean, well-made, and does exactly what it promises, quietly and naturally. I love itWebsite: https://anagrambeauty.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anagram.beauty/?hl=enHave an event to share? a project to launch? a product you love? an artist you cherish? EMAIL US Was this newsletter forwarded to you? SUBSCRIBE HERE — Menna curates cultural content and events for informational purposes only. Event details are subject to change— Powered by beehiiv

MUSICMehrnam Rastegari Album ReleaseThur Dec 11th at 9:30pmJoe’s Pub, East VillageWhere psychedelic rock meets West Asian rhythms, Mehrnam Rastegari’s debut album, Dislocated Pulse, comes alive on stage. Composer, bandleader, Kamancheh player, and singer, Rastegari presents these songs at Joe’s Pub for a night celebrating music, unity, and the energy of life. Tickets at $30 ARTHikayat: Conjuring MythologiesFri Dec 12th at 8:30pmThe Tank, MidtownThis program unites six SWANA artists whose performances draw on myth, folklore, and spiritual figures to respond to the struggles of today. From tributes to Nika Shakarami and the Iranian uprising, to reimaginings of Mullah Nasruddin, ancestral spirit beings, the goddess Anahita, and a memorial to Palestinian children, each work channels myth and memory to confront contemporary injustice. Tickets at $31 WORKSHOPKinetic Sculpture WorkshopSat Dec 13th, 3-6pmAtelier Dalal, GreenpointLed by BK-based sculptor + furniture designer Ian Scott. the 3-hour course will begin with a survey of the art form through history, paying particular attention to Alexander Calder and other 20th-century artists who popularized the medium. All necessary materials, but students are encouraged to bring small items from their own life too. Tickets at $31 COMEDYSammy Obeid Dec 13th & 14th at 8:30pmCity Winery, MeatpackingI’m such a huge fan! Sammy is a sharp, witty Arab American writer and comedian, and a former math teacher so expect some math jokes. He’s a powerhouse of content (definitely worth a follow), always on tour, and consistently delivers an incredible show. Watching him perform is a blast, I soooo soooo highly recommend seeing him! Tickets from $45 LITERATUREMakan Book BashDec 13th & 14th Storefront Of Art, NolitaMakan is an independent publishing house dedicated to amplifying voices and visual narratives from the Global South and beyond and they will be present throughout the weekend introducing new work and new books. Go say hi!SHOPPINGPomexpo Holiday Market Yalda Sat Dec 13th, 10am-6pmFlatironA vibrant pop-up bringing more than 40 SWANA and local vendors. Hosted in a stunning 7,000 sq ft Flatiron gallery, the market brings together unique holiday gifts, handcrafted art and decor, delicious Persian pastries and treats, and Iranian food, beer, and vodka, all available to take home. You’ll also find beautiful Yalda inspired displays, live music, festive vibes, and an atmosphere that’s warm, welcoming, and full of discovery. Donation based ticket SHOPPINGYalla Souk Holiday Market Sat Dec 13th, 3-7pmBK ArtHaus, WilliamsburgYalla! Souk has been centering SWANA, Women owned small businesses and BIPOC artists and designers since 2018, one of the first marketplaces to feature the special treasures our diverse communities have to offer, to encourage shopping local and supporting one anotherSHOPPINGHaza Winter Souk Sun Dec 14th, 2-6pmCafe Erzulie, BushwickJoin Haza for a winter souk with food, chai, coffee, clothing, and so much more. Soundtrack by Haza resident DJs Carmen Sandiego and Myyuh. Come ready to support local SWANA businesses this holiday season. Tickets from $10 MUSICAnnual Holidaze Show ft EverstillSun Dec 14th from 2pmMain Drag, WilliamsburgAn afternoon benefitting MightyMutts & Ollie’s Place, a New York animal rescue organization with a suite of concerts starting with Everstill band and Sara Aridi. Tickets at $20 THEATERMeet The Cartozians Through Dec 14thPershing Square Signature center, MidtownSpanning the 1920s and 2020s, this sharp, funny play follows an Armenian American family navigating identity, belonging, and the search for recognition, from legal status to online fame. A blend of historical drama and contemporary satire, it’s part of Second Stage’s new season championing bold American voices Tickets at $115 WORKSHOPHandmade Matters: Charm MarkingSun Dec 14th, 4-7pmAtelier Dalal, GreenpointThe best gifts are handmade: craft your own charms, finished with decorative paracord knots and custom beads. Tickets at $50 MUSIC & FOODMusic & Bites at Sofreh Cafe Mon Dec 15th, 6-9pmSofreh Cafem An evening of Persian-Latin-infused rhythms from Brooklyn-based artists Neena Roe and Seb Zel. Neena is the daughter of Iranian immigrants who grew up in Detroit and whose time in Latin America has heavily influenced her music. Tickets at $25 CINEMAThe Voice Of Hind Rajab Dec 17-25thFilm Forum, West VillageThe Venice Silver Lion–winning film blends real recordings and reenactments to recount the death of Hind Rajab and the rescuers who tried to reach her (1-3pm) A discussion with director Kaouther Ben Hania will follow, streamed on UN Web TV (3-5pm). Such an important movie! Tickets at $18 PARTYHoliday Hafla ft Habibi Gun, Sami Salloum & ScreeDec 17th at 8pmMain Drag, WilliamsburgThe night will start with Sami Salloum is a Syrian vocalist rooted in tarab and Arabic classics, now a rising voice in New York. Habibi Gün mixes classic Arab composers with Western influences for a rich, trance-like sound.Scree creates lush, genre-blending instrumentals shaped by global inspirations. Tickets at $25 CONCERTBreaking Sound with Suzan SadekWed Dec 17th at 7:30pmThe broadway, BushwickBreaking Sound is a project showcasing emerging talent allover the world in cool spots. For this cobcert they will be presenting 4 new artists: Suzan Sadek, Middle Monster, Meher and Shaney Morant. Tickets at $25 PARTYClub Joon x Vatan ExpressWed Dec 17th at 8pmCiao Ciao, WilliamsburgWe are celebrating Shabe Yalda, the longest night of the year. Expect Persian tradition, community vibes, and a little old school disco Tehran energy. Note that Lil Buddy will be on set and this guy always brings the energy! Free, RSVP PARTYSaffron Social Presents Yalda Happy HourThur Dec 18th at 8:30pmCiao Ciao, WilliamsburgStep into a Yalda that actually feels like Yalda. A night built for people, music, and genuine energy. Dj Lil Buddy will be spinning modern Middle Eastern sets, and the bar will be running custom mocktails and cocktails inspired by the flavors we grew up with. Bring your friends, Menna or not, and enjoy the sips, sights, and sounds of home. All are welcome! Free, RSVP This email was forwarded to you? MESSAGE US Got an event to share? email us at hello@itsmenna.com— Menna curates cultural content and events for informational purposes only. Event details are subject to change— Powered by beehiiv

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