The ensemble Salamat, with vocalist Tarik Ibrahim, will perform a concert of classical and traditional Arabic music on Sunday JANUARY 18, 2004 at 4 pm at the FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 1555 40th Avenue NE in Columbia Heights.

Admission is by a freewill donation; the space is fully accessible. For directions call: 763-788-9653. Arabic food will be available after the performance, thanks to area restaurants.

Salamat is a seven-member music ensemble in Minnesota specializing in Arabic classical and traditional music, including the use of traditional instruments. The group’s name comes from the word Salaam, an Arabic greeting that means peace.

Salamat was founded as an opportunity to bring to Minnesota audiences the lushly rich music of the Arabic classical tradition. The members desire to share this elegant music and to help people, young and old, learn to appreciate the great beauty in it, and inspire understanding of a very positive aspect of Middle Eastern culture. Salamat's performances include explanations about the music and the unique instruments, and sometimes even audience interaction.

Arabic music includes many genres ranging from folk and popular to high classical art music. Salamat's program will include traditional works from the Ottoman court, Lebanese and Egyptian village songs, early 20th century works by the great Egyptian composer Mohammed Abdel Wahab, and by contemporary composers such as Youseff Kassab or UCLA's Dr. Ali Jihad Racy.

Salamat’s members have played and studied extensively at the Arab American Institute’s Summer Music Retreats led by virtuoso Simon Shaheen. The group includes Salah Abdel-Fattah on violin and oud, Nick Chbat on percussion, Dawn Doering on nay and flute, Miriam Gerberg on qanun and accordion, Laura Harada on violin, Tim O’Keefe on percussion and oud, & Alexis Vaubel on cello. The concert's guest vocalist, Tarik Ibrahim, is a seasoned performer with a love for traditional music. His rich, mellow voice enhances the beauty of this music and will melt any winter blues you may have.

Salamat is on the Global Arts School & Community Programs Roster run by COMPAS, and also on the Folk Arts Directory operated by the Minnesota State Arts Board. They have performed and educated at schools in north and south Minneapolis, and also in Columbia Heights.

Salamat has been heard on Minnesota Public Radio’s Word of Mouth arts program, on KFAI Radio’s Century Song program, and featured in an article in Tarab, a Chicago newsletter of Middle Eastern Music.  They have performed at St. Paul’s Landmark Center, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Community Church, Tapestry Folkdance Dance Center, Oak Center’s Folk Forum in Lake City, the Nancy Hauser Memorial Theater, in the Near East Salon concert series sponsored by Minnesota Global Arts at the Center for Independent Artists, and at the University of St. Thomas.