The Smithsonian Associates and the Francophonie Committee in DC join together again to celebrate the cultural diversity of the French-speaking world. Surrounding the International Day of the Francophonie, March 20, we present a series of concerts showcasing the talents from 10 different countries.

Concerts

Leila Haddad (Tunisia & Egypt)
Wednesday, March 19, 7:30 PM
and the Musicians of Luxor
University of the District of Columbia
4200 Connecticut Ave NW - Washington DC 20008

Leila Haddad is recognized as one of the world’s premier oriental dancers, performing Raqs el Sharki, commonly referred to as belly dance. Born in Tunisia to a Berber family, and now living in France, Leila has studied many of the Arab world’s dance forms by traveling from village to village.

On The Trail of the Ghawazee, is a beautifully staged event with exquisite handmade costumes, nuanced lighting and sophisticated technical direction. Leila Haddad is joined on stage by the renowned Gypsy Musicians of Luxor (Upper Egypt) who play a variety of instruments including the rababa (two string fiddle), arghul (double reed clarinet), mizmar (oboe) and tabla (goblet drum).

Meiway
(Côte d’Ivoire)

Meiway - aka Monsieur Zoblazo or The Genius of Bassam - rules dance floors all the way across Africa. Ratcheting up zoblazo (a catchy rhythm from southern Ivory Coast), Meiway has forged his own signature style throughout a career that has spanned almost fifteen years. His zoblazo may vary from 200% to 800%, but there’s no doubt about it, Meiway is the zoblazo king forever!

Grande Fête de la Francophonie

More than 35 embassies, governments and associations present their respective cultures and shed light on the rich traditions and culinary specialties of the French speaking world.

Friday, March 14, 2008
7:00-11:00 pm
La Maison Française
4101 Reservoir Road, N.W.

Music By:
The Lafayette Bayou Boys
DJ TASS and dancers