LIVONIA — The rich sights and sounds of Middle Eastern culture will take center stage August 19-22 at the 2010 Sahara Festival in Livonia as the four-day celebration returns to the Basilica of St. Mary Church in Livonia.

The Acrophobic Sherpas will play live at 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 21 at Sahara Fest.

Arabic food, original artwork, hand-made jewelry, carnival rides and other entertainment will comprise the weekend’s attractions, including a special performance from The Acrophobic Sherpas, a metro Detroit funk and jazz band.

Of course, it’s all for a good cause, as proceeds will go towards the building of the Mariam Center, a youth and enrichment facility in Livonia, for both the city and the surrounding Wayne County and Detroit communities. Festival Chairperson Fred Sackllah said that the building of the center is the main goal of the festival.

Chris Carden, the band manager of the Acrophobic Sherpas, added that the group is excited to provide support for the vision of Sackllah and the rest of the festival’s organizers.

“This is the second year that we have been able to play at the Sahara Fest, and we’re really grateful to be able to come back and bring awareness to their cause,” he said.

The 30,000 square-foot facility will host outreach, counseling, self-improvement, cultural awareness, and educational programs from age groups ranging from toddlers to adults along with day care and sports programs.

The Acrophobic Sherpas will play live under the main tent at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 21st at the 2010 Sahara Festival.

Habib Chahin, the committee chair for music and vendor procurement at the festival, talked about the sound the group will bring to the table.

“The Acrophobic Sherpas are on the right track to bring a new voice to Motown,” he said. “They bring a fresh, contemporary accent to music with their fusion of different ethnic styles with Western music. In a way, we see it as the music of the new generation, of what America is tomorrow.”

Their unique original compositions cross genres with touches of Arabic, Indian, and African melodies along with reggae and classic rock.

“As an ethnic community,” Chahin said, “we do consider ourselves Americans as well as Arabs. Our children have a chance to get the best of both worlds without the detriment of one to the other. So, in that context, while we cherish the music of the homeland, we want our kids to realize that we also appreciate the music of our new homeland. The Acrophobic Sherpas bring a new style and good mix of musical genres that are a great fit to ourcommunity.”

Other artists at the festival include The Bahu Brothers, Joseph Bishara, Usama Baalbaki and Nasser Deeb. Live DJ’s spinning popular Arabic and American music will also be present to fill in the gaps.

The festival takes place from August 19 – 22, at the Basilica of St. Mary at 18100 Merriman Road in Livonia. More information can be found at www.saharafest.com.