WASHINGTON, D.C. (MASNET) Sept. 1, 2008 - MAS Freedom (MASF), as the civic and human rights advocacy entity of the Muslim American Society (MAS), in its ongoing effort to engage the Muslim and non-Muslim community in the pursuit of healthy, family and youth oriented entertainment, announces the landmark success of the August 30 first annual Islamic Summerfest 2008, held at Columbus Ohio’s Lifestyle Community Pavilion.
This year’s event, produced by Handshake Productions, was also sponsored by the now world-renowned Muslim comedy tour, “Allah Made Me Funny”, featuring Mo Amer, Azhar Usman, and Preacher Moss, and co-sponsored by DAA Enterprises, Inc.
In addition to Allah Made Me Funny, Saturday’s event included guest appearances by Native Deen, Tyson & Remarkable Current, Oman Ali and the M-Team; also featured, Imam Mahdi Bray, Spoken Word Poet, Safia Baig and MAS Youth Talent Winner Alex Schein.
Saturday’s live performance was Chappelle’s first in front of an all-Muslim audience after spending some time out of the limelight as he sorted out the writing process of his craft while coming to terms with a previously unspoken of Muslim identity.
Chappelle, who converted to Islam in 1998, stated in a 2005 Time Magazine interview, “I don’t normally talk about my religion publicly…but I believe it is a beautiful religion if you learn it the right way.”
The Islamic Summerfest 2008 audience was wowed as Chappelle joined the Allah Made Me Funny tour for an uproariously hilarious 75-minute performance.
“It was such a blessing to launch the start of Ramadan by performing in front of a Muslim audience,” stated Chappelle.
“Allah Made Me Funny-The Official Muslim Comedy Tour” concert film is set to be released October 3, 2008 across the nation. (Visit www.AllahMadeMeFunny.com for details.)
Allah Made Me Funny lifts the veil to reveal the humorous truth of what it’s really like to be Muslim in America. Throughout their routine, the comedians poke fun at themselves, their communities, government, human nature and the tricky predicament of living in post-9/11 America. Allah Made me Funny gives people of all cultural backgrounds an opportunity to laugh hard, drop their guard and open their minds.
MAS Freedom will announce details in the months ahead for Islamic Summerfest 2009.
