JEDDAH: The US Consulate General in Jeddah, in collaboration with Hayy Jameel, recently hosted a performance by the American bluegrass band Damn Tall Buildings at Hayy Jameel.
As part of their cultural program in Saudi Arabia, the band delivered a fresh and dynamic interpretation of the traditional genre, blending folk sounds with a contemporary energy that resonated with the audience.
Saudi composer Majed Mohammed, who worked with the band to fuse Arabic music and bluegrass, described the experience as transformative.
“Collaboration is essential, and it is truly amazing. Experiences like this, where Arabic music connects with other cultures, help share our art with the community and broaden our understanding,” he said.
“For me as a composer, working with them has been inspiring and has pushed me to explore new creative directions.”
The band members shared their perspectives on the collaboration, highlighting how their music and Arabic traditions complemented each other.
Max Capistran, who plays guitar, banjo and vocals, explained that their set was a mixture of original compositions inspired by American blues, folk and bluegrass, alongside traditional bluegrass pieces and creative takes on popular songs such as Linda Ronstadt’s “Blue Bayou.”
He added that for every international performance, they aim to learn a piece of music from the host country.
“This time, we were recommended Nancy Ajram’s ‘Leilah Law Bagi Leilah,’ and now we can’t stop singing it,” he said.
Sasha Dubyk, upright bass and vocals, noted the shared spirit between the two musical worlds.
“Arabic music and bluegrass share the same heart and soul, with traditions rooted in instrumentation and emotion.
“Even with short rehearsals, the music came together naturally. It’s the power of music connecting across cultures.”
Avery Ballotta, violinist and vocalist, reflected on the role of tradition in shaping the collaboration.
“Bluegrass, originating from the mountains of Appalachia, is passed down by ear, in a familial and community-based way. This oral tradition informs how we write and perform music, and blending it with Arabic melodies created something new and vibrant.”
Capistran also highlighted the impact on younger audiences: “The kids were curious and excited, asking about how long we’ve been playing and how we bring music together. It’s inspiring to see two very different cultures merge instantly through music, creating a powerful shared experience,” Dubyk added.
“Food, music, and art play a crucial role in building bridges. Music touches everyone, no matter who or where they are. People have been incredibly friendly, attempting to speak Arabic and share their culture with us. Music is a universal language, and playing together allowed us to connect instantly with local musicians,” Capistran said.
Eiman Elnaiem, public programs manager at Art Jameel, highlighted the importance of such collaborations.
“Hayy Sounds is designed to foster cross-cultural exchange. The Brooklyn-based Damn Tall Buildings and Majed Mohammed blended jazz, bluegrass, blues, folk and classic Arabic songs, taking audiences on a journey full of energy, soul and passion.
“Watching them discover common ground proved that distance, language and expression cannot limit the universality of music. The reception from the crowd, especially children, was magical.
“Art Jameel continues to support artists from the region and beyond to grow, learn and create meaningful connections through music.”
Zaina Ali, attending the show with her children, said: “We enjoyed it immensely and experienced the music like never before.
“The energy, talent and passion of the performers were truly inspiring. My children were so excited that by the end they were asking the band countless questions, taking pictures and even talking about learning to play music themselves.”
