Festival of the Mountains

All this week there have been nightly concerts at one of the public spaces in our town. Until last night, we weren't able to go because of our classes at the Dar Chebab, but we finally made it! Last night, the final night, was also the one that requires an invitation to attend. Conveniently for us, the association putting on the festival is based out of our Dar Chebab, so we were able to score these bad boys:

We showed up around 10 to find a mostly empty seating space, and still really had no idea what was in store. All we were told was festival and concert. 

There were a looooot of chairs:

Plus the 10 rows in front of us and full sections on the left and right. 

Before everything started, we actually ran in to the family of one of our English students. Turns out that she (along with a number of other students) were actually the back up singers for the pros!

Around 10:30 (scheduled beginning time), it filled up. Within a few minutes, all the seats were full and there was a huge crowd standing behind the entrance gate trying to get in. 

Concerts here are definitely a different show than a concert in the States. It was really more of a talk show where each guest performed one song. 

Here are some of the performers:

This dude had a lot of ladies yelling for him. 

It was an awesome night and we're lucky to have a site with these opportunities. 

In non-related news: we have asked one hanut owner enough times about cheese that he does now carry mozzarella! It's pretty expensive, but an awesome taste of home!