Dancing, workshops, children's activities, a film series and traditional bazaar provide a glimpse into the 22 cultures of the Arab world at Safeco Insurance Festál: Arab Festival, August 1 -2, 11 a.m. -6 p.m., at Center House and Fisher Pavilion.

From mouth-watering food to traditional and contemporary music, the Arab Festival provides a place of celebration for Arabs and others alike. Deliciously strong coffee, an Arabic spelling bee, crafts and more illuminate Arab culture in our midst. Cultural information booths representing several of the 22 Arab countries will provide information and insight into the Arab World.

The Festival will feature Naser Musa and the Georges Lamman Ensemble on both days on the Mahrajan Stage in Fisher Pavilion. Author Rabih Alameddine, emerging writer Alia Yunis and the play Sahmatah: Memory of Stones will also be presented.

Did you know? Master oud player Maurice Rouman has performed at Northwest Folklife Festival, Bumbershoot, Bite of Seattle, and throughout the United States, Europe and the Middle East. He is a source of pride for many Arabs. Rouman was born in Southern Egypt in 1925 and earned a degree in music theory from the Conservatory of Milan in the early 1950s. He also studied ancient Coptic music and produced an exclusive collection in 1978. Rouman relocated to the United States with his wife and four children in the 1980s. He continues to perform at private events with his son George Sadak. Rouman is the 2008 National Endowment for the Arts lifetime award.

Join us at Safeco Insurance Festál 2009 and become a culture carrier (someone who contributes to cultural understanding through the sharing of stories, songs, music, food and family traditions). This festival is produced by Seattle Center in partnership with the Arab Center of Washington. For more information on Safeco Insurance Festál and other Seattle Center programming, click on www.seattlecenter.com.