ANN ARBOR — Despite the world’s turmoil, celebrations of culture and being together are an important part of the Arab American experience.  Last Saturday evening, the Arab American student organizations of the University of Michigan held another installment of the lively annual cultural event, ArabXpressions. 

Billed as “A Night of Comedy and Culture,” the event attracted hundreds of audience members to see top comedians, a storyteller and a UM dance troupe.  Though many in the crowd were students, community members and students’ families drove in from all over the state.

One of the organizers, Ameera David, a senior at UM, said, “I am thrilled that we were able to attract more than 500 people, many of whom were students who had never been introduced to Arab culture outside of the negative media coverage.” 

She said another reason for the event was “to instill a sense of pride in our Arab American community.”

The event was held at the Michigan Union Ballroom, where it has been taking place for many years.  This was the 6th annual ArabXpressions, making it a tradition for young Arab American students to participate in. Over the years, it has showcased performers from all over the country.

This year, it was headlined by comedian Mo Amer, of Houston, TX, who was featured on the tour, “Allah Made Me Funny.”  He told the crowd it was going to be released as a film, as well. Many of his jokes were about being a Palestinian refugee whose family was displaced from Kuwait during the Gulf War.  He and his family have waited 18 years for asylum, which they should get next year.

He also ruminated on the joys of married life, comparing it to chess.  He also told stories about his own family and his mother’s faith in the healing powers of olive oil.

“Mo Amer was hilarious, he had a good mix of post-9/11 jokes and Arab culture outside the scope of terrorism, which is always refreshing,” said Ryah Aqel, a second year student at UM.

Also featured that night was storyteller, playwright and artist, Leila Buck.  She performed her piece, “Into the Crossing.” In the monologue, Buck shared her experiences visiting Lebanon with her husband in the summer of 2006.  She told stories that illustrated the rich fabric of Lebanon’s cross-currents of ideals, cultures and politics.  Her narratives about the horrors of the Israeli assault on Lebanon and how many Lebanese survived by going about their business during it were as powerful as they were personal.

The audience was treated to a live classic, musical performance by Boston-based oud player and singer, Aboud Agha.  Agha is the lead vocalist of the Boston based Sharq Ensemble, and the Arabesque Musical Ensemble of Chicago.

Two up and coming comedians entertained and shocked the attendees.  George Saba, a UM graduate and law student, has been performing comedy shows around the metro Detroit area.  His comedy explored his identity, race, and sexuality.  While it offended some people, many were amused by his punch lines.

Ryan Jaber also came back to his alma mater for a performance.  The current medical student on the East Coast was a campus leader but came back to try his hand at a comedy routine.

The night ended with a tasteful and well-orchestrated choreographed dance. The Arabesque dance troupe performed a hybrid array of different moves from all over the Arab world.  They had performed it recently at UM’s Encompass show, the largest multi-cultural event at UM.

Though the evening was meant to highlight Arab culture and the many talents in our community, current events were on everyone’s mind. The organizers held a moment of silence to pay tribute to the Palestinians in Gaza who lost their lives in the past two weeks of Israel’s bombardment.