Dr. Maria C. Khoury

Taybeh Oktoberfest has been the stage for new musicians to be introduced to the world.  In staying true with this tradition that started in 2005, a very interesting new band that has formed this year is Maqdess, the handsome trio from Jerusalem.

All young professionals from 25 to 29 years of age, Taha Othman plays the drums and Majd Elsheikh plays bass guitar.  Mousa Abbasi plays the most interesting instrument of all, the nai which is a type of flute.

Originally the nai has usually at least 20 pipes made of bamboo or reed.  They are arranged in a curved array, allowing a greater speed of play. Thus, this unique instrument which is a Romanian diatonic pan flute used since the 17^th century will enrich the Palestinian Oktoberfest stage.

These amazing authentic musicians who teach at the National Conservatory of Music and one is studying music at Dar Elkalema, decided to name their band Maqdess because it has a connotation of “Jerusalem.”  All three are based in this ancient city and believe Jerusalem has a lot of beauty to deliver to the world with music being an important aspect. They started the band because as musicians they wanted their own music vision to go global.

Especially since America does not recognize Palestine as a country, we can have such genuine musicians from the Holy City that give Palestine an identity in the music world. This vision sort of reminds me of our master brewer Nadim Khoury who has been given Palestine an identity in the beer world since 1994. And currently with the new boutique wines from Taybeh also giving Palestine an identity in the wine world since the Nadim label wines and Taybeh Beer reached the shelves in Boston last April.

Taha Othman who has great passion for media and music will also be the master of ceremonies for Taybeh Oktoberfest 2017.  People will recognize his unique voice from live radio shows in Ramallah & Bethlehem but for the first time on stage in Palestine they will meet his best friend Hugo the Pug.   Taha says, “Music has a big part of the Palestinian culture and it’s an honor to be recognized as part of the city’s musicians representing our people.” Such efforts and words from young adults in Jerusalem helps you appreciate how original and genuine they face the hard conditions of the unfortunate ongoing military occupation.

“Through music we hold the existence flag! Through music we can introduce ourselves to the world by adding our conversation to this global language called music,” is what Taha truly believes. We invite everyone from all corners of the world to come and experience Taybeh Oktoberfest.  It is actually the biggest party that is happening in Palestine.

Special guest at the opening is Palestinian fashion designer Edmon Imseeh from Ramallah with the vision of the first Palestinian brand going global as Edmonds Fashion. Taybeh Oktoberfest brings you everything!  It is the perfect way to spend your weekend in Palestine. September 16 th and 17^th, 1-10pm at the Taybeh Brewery. Cheers from one of the most ancient towns in Palestine!