PRESS RELEASE / MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LEBFEST ’07 – The 2007 Lebanese Festival
A World-class Celebration of Heritage, Culture & Art

(BIRMINGHAM, MI/USA) - The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce & Lebanese Monthly Magazine in association with The Lebanese Festival Company are pleased to present The 2007 Lebanese Festival – A Vibrant World-class Celebration of Heritage, Culture & Art at Shain Park in Downtown Birmingham.

The first annual all-day event – also known as a ‘Mahrajan’ – will take place on Wednesday, July 25, 2007 from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM and feature: specialty food booths offering tasty Lebanese cuisine and American fare; Artisans, Crafters and Lebanese merchandise tents; a Children’s Fun & Play area; a live concert with Mediterranean Music, Layalina Folkdancing Troupe & Detroit Bellydance; a traditional Ethnic Bazaar & Market; and the nearby Community House Outdoor Café with fine wine & dining.

The Baalbeck-style live concert on the Paramount Bank Stage will present ‘An Evening of Lebanese Stars’ under the Birmingham skies, with a special appearance by Detroit superstar Karen Newman from the Detroit Red Wings singing the US National Anthem, and feature Jimmy A & his Rat Pack Rollers, the International Folkdance Troupe Layalina, known throughout the US & Canada, Detroit Bellydance featuring Lana, teenage singing sensation Ashley Peters, Lebanese crooner Usama Baalbaki, who will delight the audience with a medley of Lebanese Patriotic songs, and headlining the evening will be Lebanese diva Amalia Kaddo & her Mediterranean Music Ensemble. Scheduled to appear to officially cut the ribbon to open the concert is Detroit Pistons Great Vinnie Johnson.

Festival-goers will savor the sights, sounds, and tastes of Everything Lebanese! Admission is free as are the first two hours of structure parking. LEBFEST! is part of the City’s "In the Park" 25th Anniversary summer concert series. Shain Park is located in beautiful downtown Birmingham and is situated amongst Bates, Merrill, Martin, and Henrietta Streets. Guests are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket to sit on to enjoy the live concert, which begins at 5:00 pm. For more information please log onto http://www.lebanesefestival.org/.

Festival Eve will bring an exclusive Preview Party to Baci Salon & Spa in Birmingham. This star-studded event and champagne reception will include an exhibit of great new works by renown Lebanese American Artist Stephen Deeb. Patrons can expect celebrity sightings with the presence of several Detroit sports figures; dine on delicious Lebanese culinary hors d'oeuvres, courtesy of Lebanese Grill and tantalizing desserts from nearby Cameron’s & Mitchell’s restaurants; all while listening to the soothing sounds of Internationally Acclaimed Harpist Diane Dunn. Much more awaits guests as they receive a guided tour of Michigan’s hottest new upscale Salon & Spa at this VIP gathering. Guests will include Sponsors, Staff and Volunteers; Chamber Members & Associates; Michigan Business & Civic Leaders, International Diplomats, and other supporters at this By-Invitation-Only spectacular event.

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