One night only! A benefit concert featuring music and artists from countries named in the U.S. travel ban – Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

The Brooklyn Nomads (NYC) will perform a two-hour musical tribute to the six countries named in the March 16 travel ban. This concert is an expression of support and gratitude towards the rich melting pot of the entire United States, which enabled this group to come to life.

Interpreting Middle Eastern folk music through cultural and musical backgrounds as diverse as Brooklyn itself, the Nomads put a contemporary spin on a traditional Arabic repertoire from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, as well music from Iran, Turkey, Uzbekistan and beyond. Brass and wind, string and vocals, tap and percussion – the Nomads create a transcendent mix of voices, rich instrumentation and innovative composition.

“The rich ecosystem of NYC permitted this group to come to life – musicians from different continents and distinct backgrounds creating a hybrid of transcendent sounds,” says Hadi Eldebek, who founded the Brooklyn Nomads in 2014 to explore multicultural music from the diverse perspective of New York City. “We perform in solidarity with those affected by the Executive Order and seek to preserve the dignity, respect, and compassion of the United States.”

Eldebek will be among the group’s members traveling to Indianapolis for this one night only performance. “We hope to keep adding to the music around us and share the journey with you in Indianapolis,” he said.

This unique opportunity is presented by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church’s newly-developed Center for Faith, Justice and the Arts, and IndyFringe. “Today we struggle as a society with the basic question of hospitality: who belongs and who is acceptable?” says the Rev. John Denson, St. Paul’s Rector. “With this inaugural event of the Center for Faith, Justice and the Arts we hope, through the music of the Brooklyn Nomads, to create an experience that opens our eyes to see as God sees; which is to see that all people belong and all are acceptable.”

Tickets at indyfringe.org: $15 adults, $12 seniors, and $10 for ages 17 and under or students with ID. Group bookings available for 10 or more, please call 317.522.8099. 100% of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Immigrant Welcome Center and Exodus Refugee Immigration.

ABOUT The Center for Faith Justice & the Arts
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church created the Center for Faith, Justice and the Arts in order to fulfill the promise of our Baptismal Covenant to strive for justice and peace among all people, and to respect the dignity of every human being. To achieve this, the Center will use the arts to create community-wide experiences and conversations that raise awareness about issues of injustice and lead to faithful and transformative engagement in the community. Info at stpaulsindy.org/center or 317.253.1277.

ABOUT IndyFringe
The IndyFringe philosophy is “recruit, foster, feature.” IndyFringe produces an annual theatre festival on Mass Ave. in downtown Indianapolis, as well as a series of mini-festivals: DivaFest for women playwrights; OnyxFest for African American playwrights; Shakespeare BardFest and the Winter Magic Festival. Venues include the 100 seat Basile Theatre, base to many professional theatre companies who perform throughout the year, and the 70 seat Indy Eleven Theatre, designed for experimental works, solo performances and emerging artists. IndyFringe is involved in the community and has partnerships and collaborations with for-profit and non-profit organizations throughout the city. Info at indyfringe.org or 317.522.8099.

ABOUT The Immigrant Welcome Center
The Immigrant Welcome Center empowers immigrants by connecting them to the people, places, and resources that enable them to building successful lives and enrich our community. Recognizing diversity as one of Indianapolis’ strengths, the Immigrant Welcome Center believes if all Indianapolis residents feel empowered and valued, it will result in more new businesses stabilizing our local economy, a flourishing arts community, new voices and leadership at community meetings, and creative approaches to addressing our city’s challenges. Info at immigrantwelcomecenter.org or 317.808.2340.

ABOUT Exodus Refugee Immigration
Exodus has a long history of welcoming refugees and asylees from many countries, cultures, languages, faiths, and political opinions. Exodus began in 1981 with the mission to serve the legal needs of immigrants and Cuban refugees, who had arrived as part of the Mariel boatlift in 1980. Since that time, this organization has helped thousands of refugees establish their lives in Indiana. In 2016 alone, Exodus welcomed 947 refugees from the following countries: Burma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Burundi, Central African Republic, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Honduras, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, and Ukraine. Info at exodusrefugee.org or 317.921.0836.