In the early 20th century a wave of immigrants from present day Syria migrated to Northern Mexico/El Paso region. They influenced food, economic growth, architecture, and even film, but what about the music?

Musician and researcher, Amanda Ekery worked with Middle Eastern scholars, interviewed her family and other Syrian immigrants, and studied the work of ethnographers to write new music influenced by this research. The Árabe Exhibit at the Doris Van Doren Library will feature Amanda’s new compositions as well as the historical content behind each musical piece. There will be interactive stations, videos, pictures, instruments, and of course music that express Syrian life in El Paso.

Árabe Exhibit will be open 2 – 5pm on November 30th and visitors can come for any length of time.