📬 Issue 14 — Here’s what’s inside:
Love in the Time of Shadia & Layla Murad concert by Sounds from Damascus: Ruba Zouzou, Tamadur Alkhatib, Nour Khedder, with guest Hadia Kamal | Sept 14, 2025, Peoples Theatre, Markham, Ontario | Photo: khamsa
👋🏽 Ahlan / Hello
I went to one of the events I shared in issue #13 — Love in the Time of Shadia and Layla Murad — and it was such a treat. If you’re into Egyptian movie musicals from the 1940s–60s, this one was pure magic.
Looking ahead, the Toronto Palestine Film Festival kicks off on Wednesday. Their full schedule is coming in next week’s newsletter, but I’ve included the Opening Night film in this week’s lineup so you don’t miss it.
You’ll also notice a small but mighty tweak to the events list: you can now add events directly to your personal calendar. Just hit the button at the end of the newsletter to check out the full list and try it out. This is the first of a few features I’ve been working on that many of you have asked for.
And one last thing (wallahi!). A big shoutout to 1440 Media newsletter for sponsoring issue #14 with a paid ad. Support from community partners like them makes it possible to keep khamsa going strong. I’ve subscribed to them, so check them out as well when you have a minute.
Nassar
Chief Culture Guide — khamsa🖐🏽
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🖐🏽 Five Events Worth Checking Out
🎭 What if? (ماذا لو؟) — Arabic Comedy Play
Step into a hilarious journey exploring marriage, relationships, and life’s daily “what if” moments in this feel-good Arabic social comedy. Rania El Helou and Karim Hamdy bring big laughs and warm storytelling to Toronto for one night only!
🌟 Rania El Helou & Karim Hamdy
💬 Arabic
🗓️ Friday, September 19⋅8:30 – 10:00pm
📍 Maja Prentice Theatre⋅3650 Dixie Rd, Mississauga, ON
🎟️ Paid tickets
🖐🏽 Five Events Worth Checking Out
🎶 Hikaya presents: Arabian Fusion حكاية خليجية
Experience a night where the music of the Arabian Peninsula fuses with Toronto’s vibrant jazz scene—Hikaya Band reimagines Gulf sounds, joined by top local talent for an evening of storytelling and culture.
🌟 Hikaya Band with Illarra, Rima Telmun (vocals), Brenna McLane (viola), Hiro Suzuki (guitar), Kareem Eltyeb (percussion)
💬 Arabic / English
🗓️ Saturday, September 20⋅8:00 – 11:00pm
📍 DROM Taberna ⋅458 Queen St W, Toronto, ON
🎟️ Paid tickets
🖐🏽 Five Events Worth Checking Out
🎶 The Grand Arabic Jam Vol. 9: Ziad Rahbani Tribute
Toronto’s legendary Arabic jam night returns with a special tribute to iconic Lebanese musician Ziad Rahbani. Celebrate Rahbani’s legacy at this vibrant, community-driven fundraiser, uniting musicians and fans in support of the Lebanese Red Cross.
🌟 Grand Arabic Jam crew, featuring Toronto’s Arabic music community
💬 Arabic / English
🗓️ Sunday, September 21⋅6:00 – 10:00pm
📍 DROM Taberna ⋅458 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A8
🎟️ Paid Tickets
🖐🏽 Five Events Worth Checking Out
🎭 Venus in Fur: Toronto Debut (2 Shows)
The internationally acclaimed play "Venus in Fur" makes its Toronto debut, brought from Beirut for a one-night performance in Arabic. Experience an award-winning story of power, passion, and intrigue, directed by a brilliant theatre team.
🌟 Badih Abou Chakra & Rola Beksmati
💬 Lebanese Arabic
🗓️ Tuesday, September 23
📍 Maja Prentice Theatre ⋅3650 Dixie Rd, Mississauga, ON L4Y 3V9
🎟️ Paid Tickets ⋅ 2 Shows
🖐🏽 Five Events Worth Checking Out
🎬 TPIFF Opening Night: Once Upon a Time in Gaza
The Toronto Palestine Film Festival kicks off with a moving double-bill from Palestine: the award-winning feature “Once Upon a Time in Gaza” follows two friends hustling through life’s hardships in 2007 Gaza, while “Sounds of Gaza” captures the raw sights and sounds of daily survival under siege. This special night spotlights resilience, heartbreak, and the power of storytelling from Gaza to Toronto.
🌟 Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser (feature), Ahmad Ghrouz (short)
💬 Palestinian Arabic with English subtitles
🗓️ Wednesday, September 24⋅7:00 – 9:00pm
📍 TIFF Lightbox ⋅350 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5
🎟️ Paid Tickets
🌡️ Weekly Vibes Check
🗓️ Full List of This Week’s Events
Don’t miss out on 16 events this week! With the new full week events listings, you can add an event to your calendar, share a link with a friend, and get driving instructions from where you are. I think you’ll love it!
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🗓️ Full List of This Week’s Events
That’s it for this week.
❌ Spotted an error or want your events added in future issues? I’ll take care of it right away. Just email me.