In case you missed it, “Music Is My Religion” was an event with a somewhat heavy media campaign (got some TV exposure) which was advertised as “The Largest Gathering Of Musicians In Lebanon”.
12 bands played their 10-15 mins with a relatively good sound setting, with live on-stage footage displayed on screens throughout the location. The bands played various styles like Alternative Rock, Disco, Blues, Funk among others. It was all good for a “free” event, eventually ending up with staff requesting people to order (the standard procedure at free events).
Now one might ask what kind of venue hosted the event? According to Time Out Beirut, “Harbour 201 is a trendy restaurant-lounge”. Many musicians did not attend for their own reasons or else the place would have been over crowded. Almost 200 person were in Harbor 201 but unfortunately divided between band members and regular pub customers. At the beginning of the event, the Lebmetal.com staff had the table at entrance next to the host ,but later we were forced to move inside and display what we were promoting on a small low table without a chair.
Aside from that, it was clear that the usual Harbor 201 goers had no idea that an event was held that night, and they were shocked to see rock/metal bands at their favorite restaurant. It was a real clash of cultures, and it was evident that the venue shouldn’t have accepted reservations of people unwilling to see live bands and planning to have dinner.
I applaud the efforts of Ms. Natalie A.Safy for setting up such an event, but we know the second event will be better planned and organized with more support, and hopefully be located at an open air venue which can allow for more attendance.
All photos are taken from Beiruting.com. You can view this event’s photo gallery HERE.
