Natacha Atlas Concert, Skirball - LA (July 29, 2010)

Natacha Atlas was born in Belgium to an Egyptian father and a British mother. She is one of Middle East's most celebrated singer-songwriters. Her music is a fusion of Arabic/North African music with Western elecronic music. It's great for listening and for dancing. She has a soft and lovely voice and sings in Arabic, English and French. She is touring North America with an acoustic ensemble. Iranian musician Ali Shayesteh joined the band for two songs. Three of the songs were from her upcoming album, 'Mounqaliba,' due to be released in September. Atlas complained that her Syrian-born ney player (reed flute) Louai Al Henawi was denied a US visa.

The free concert was part of Skirball's Sunset Concerts celebrating musical traditions from around the world.