Arabian Night Welcomes DNC To South Philly!

ELECTRIFYING rhythms of the dumbek set S. Philly locals, convention-goers dancing in the street Tuesday night. Photos by Wendell Douglas

“AHLAN WA SAHLAN” means “Welcome” in Arabic. It became the theme of an “Arab American Block Party” organized by the Democratic National Convention Host Committee Tuesday night.

A CROWD of peaceful partiers thronged around the Singing Fountain on Passyunk Avenue late into the warm summer evening.

A LEBANESE-STYLE band rocked the Avenue.

AMERICANS of many faiths, communities and backgrounds took delight in the DNC’s celebration of diversity in S. Phila.

YALLA PHILLY performers, from left: violinist Rudy Samaha, drummer Joe Tayoun, singer Riad Eltunsi, keyboardist Sam Younes and oud player Billy Tayoun.