#ramez ashraf

[monsandroses]

لو أنّني خُيَّرت أو كانَ لي غناء : نونا الهنا رباعيات الخيام

[minimobileconcert-blog]

Project Diaries: Day 0

In This Series , Project diaries , The Story behind the scenes and situations we faced, in pursuit of the goal of providing a useful open source of information to artists wanting to play in the streets of Alexandria , Egypt. Enjoy ! -------------------------------------- Day 0 ------

Just Got our electricity supply & sound system, so I thought of a real test to the idea & its implementation. Went to the Raml Station which is the main tramway station in Alexandria (& a big market for books too) & played recorded music for Munir Beshir - Art of oud. Feedback was amazing!! A Nice undercover Policeman (Mokhber) came , he looked so typical , i knew his profession from the first look , so did he know that i knew. He very politely asked about what i do, what i want ,then he asked about the electricity. he was surprised that we have our own electricity source but that didn't prevent him to offer that he -and he added "the police" in a form of introducing oneself - would provide electricity if i want to. I thanked him & he wished me good luck & reassure that he's willing to help then he went his way. This was the first encounter with Police Administration. Another situation is a woman wearing niqab & her friend came and asked about what this is & expressed their happiness about the quality of music & that we are not begging for money. A lot of people questions regarding this “strange move” was about politics and if we support any party or revolutionary movements; The fact & the application that we don't ,made them "passers-by" much more relaxed & accepting .

And now we're ready to play some live Music ! Next Day: Music 25 Kilos Away from Alexandria downtown & nearest theater. By Ramez Ashraf Founder & Artistic Director