The Bet Lahem Live Festival has been wonderful!
Incredible artists performed, both local and international.
Keith and I worked behind stage for part of the event. Keith apparently looks like someone who was at the event last year, who must have made a great impression on the artists, because without introduction, everyone loved Keith and spoke to him like a long lost friend.
Though, that is not uncommon in Palestine. Within our first day, we were beginning to recognize people. Even those we have never met greet us with unmatched hospitality. This is a culture of huge smiles, hearty handshakes, and slaps on the back.
The finale on the last day was supposed to be a local dance group. Everyone was excited. but the evening before, two of the groups' friends were shot in the continued search for the missing Israeli youth / collective punishment of Palestinians by the Israeli army (more on this later). So all of the international artists performed together instead.
Lots of work, but well worth it!
Star Street has been completely revitalized with storefronts open, hubs for live music and art, and cafes for congregating with friends and, of course, smoking some shisha.
5% of stores that opened for the festival last year remained open year round. We hope for even more this year!
The event kicked off with a parade from manger square to the main stage at the top of the hill on Star Street.
Incredible artists performed, both local and international.
Keith and I worked behind stage for part of the event. Keith apparently looks like someone who was at the event last year, who must have made a great impression on the artists, because without introduction, everyone loved Keith and spoke to him like a long lost friend.
The finale on the last day was supposed to be a local dance group. Everyone was excited. but the evening before, two of the groups' friends were shot in the continued search for the missing Israeli youth / collective punishment of Palestinians by the Israeli army (more on this later). So all of the international artists performed together instead.
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