Ramadan is finally upon us. And while TV series dominate the first half of every household's evening (post Iftar), Ramadan soirées occupy the second half.
With both tummies and minds satisfied, it's usually time to head out to a friend or relative's house for a dessert and gossip-filled evening, accompanied by music of course.
But if your destination is to a Ramadan 'tent' at one of the many cafes, restaurants and hotels in your city, you can add shisha and live music to the mix.
Most places opt for a more traditional style of music in their 'tents': Arab singers accompanied by Oud (the equivalent of a guitar) and Qanun players (similar to a harp).
Jordanians enjoying live music (after a long day of fasting) while socializing at a cafe in Amman. (The Jordan Times)
However, one Amman hotel decided to go the other way on the second day of Ramadan 2016!
Instead of a folkloric, authentic, traditional Arabic sahra, Ayass Hotel hired one of Jordan's hottest new bands on the block for the opening of their new rooftop terrace, which also kicked off their first Ramadan soirée.
"Luis and the Amigos," a Spanish-Arab cover band formed in Amman, Jordan, took to the stage and entertained a large crowd of post-Iftar entertainment-seekers!
Lead vocalist Luis Llamas heads the five-member band, comprised of Rami Khoury (electric guitar), Sa'ad Hudairi (guitar), Baha Lahham (drums, backing vocals) and Sufian Al Said (bass guitar).
Playing a fusion of music genres, Luis's husky vocals harmonized beautifully with his "amigos'" rhythmic beats, and you better believe it, the crowd went wild for the boys.
It was a bold move by Ayass Hotel to modernize Ramadan evenings with a non-traditional music display. But it worked, proving that in 2016, tradition doesn't always win over innovation.
You can learn more about "Luis and the Amigos" via their Facebook and Instagram pages.
By Arwad Khalifeh
