Washington Jewish Music Festival May 31, 2008

Washington Jewish Music Festival
May 31 – June 8

Nine days of music, film and dialogue from an amazing variety of artists and musical styles. Visit www.wjmf.org for a full line-up and tickets.

The Ninth Annual Washington Jewish Music Festival celebrates and explores the wide spectrum of sounds and traditions that make up Jewish music. Throughout a nine-day festival, audiences will be able to hear a wide range of styles and influences that make up the richness of Jewish music. The Festival will feature David Buchbinder’s Odessa/Havana, an exciting Jewish-Cuban musical fusion; the Afro-Semitic Experience, showcasing the musical traditions of both Jewish and African diasporas; Beyond The Pale, presenting new klezmer music, fused with folk and roots; the silent film The Golem set to live music performed by Davka; the Sisters of Sheynville who swing in Yiddish; dance music and classical music; musical theater and pop; and much more. And don’t miss the opening day with Regina Spektor, Mandy Patinkin and Israeli band Mashina—in the FREE Israel@60: A Capital Celebration on the National Mall. Visit www.wjmf.org for a full line up including FREE events throughout the festival.

Festival Line up:

Saturday, May 31 | 10:00 PM | Venue: Station 9 | $10
Kick-Off Party | From Tel Aviv to DC with DJ Crew Soulico

Here to take DC by storm, DJ Crew Soulico is kicking-off the Washington Jewish Music Festival with a bang. Party to a unique mix of funk-accented power pop, Middle Eastern melodies and techno-rave.

When: May 31, 10:00 pm
Where: Station 9, | Ages 21 and over | 1438 U street NW (BTW 14th & 15th), station9dc.com
Ticket: $10; wjmf.org; (800) 494-TIXS
Info: info@wjmf.org; (202) 777-3250
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Sunday, June 1 | Opening day | Venue: The National Mall | FREE
Regina Spektor, Mandy Patinkin and Mashina

Celebrate Israel’s 60th birthday with the opening of the Washington Jewish Music Festival on the National Mall. Regina Spektor, internationally-acclaimed singer, songwriter and pianist, will headline the celebration, along with Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Mandy Patinkin, who will emcee the program as well as perform, Israeli rock band, Mashina, and Sesame Street Muppets Oscar the Grouch and his Israeli cousin Moishe Oofnik. The FREE event is part of the community-wide festival, Israel @ 60: A Capital Celebration, hosted by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington in partnership with the Embassy of Israel and other community organizations.

When: June 1, 12:00 pm
Where: National Mall
Ticket: FREE
Info: info@wjmf.org; (202) 777-3250
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Sunday, June 1 | 7:00 pm | Venue: Bohemian Caverns
Ma Yafit (How Beautiful You Are): Love Poetry Set to Jazz
$15; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $10

Ayelet Rose Gottlieb (vocals and compositions), Anat Fort (piano) and Rafi Malkiel (trombone), three talented Israeli jazz musicians based in New York City, perform selections from Ayelet Rose Gottlieb’s acclaimed song cycle Mayim Rabim, based on the Song of Songs (Tzadik label, 2006), and from her music to contemporary Hebrew poetry. A wonderful mixture of jazz, Sephardic, klezmer, and Middle Eastern rhythms, these songs combine the beauty and richness of Hebrew poetry with modern melodies and improvisation.

When: June 1, 7:00 pm
Where: Bohemian Caverns | Ages 21 and over | 2001 11th Street NW (11th & U) bohemiancaverns.com
Ticket: $15; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $10
; Go to wjmf.org; (800) 494-TIXS
Info: info@wjmf.org; (202) 777-3250
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Monday, June 2 | 7:30 pm | Washington DCJCC
Beyond the Pale
In advance: $15; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $10
At the door: $20; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $15

Eric Stein, mandolin; Bret Higgins, bass; Milos Popovic, accordion; Martin van de Ven, clarinet; Bogdan Djukic, violin and percussion; Aleksandar Gajic, violin and viola

Award-winning and critically-acclaimed, Toronto’s Beyond the Pale is one of the most exciting ensembles in the Canadian folk, roots, and world music scenes. Their explosive acoustic sound is inspired by a wide range of cross-cultural influences, from European folk styles (Klezmer, Balkan, Gypsy, Romanian) to contemporary and North American styles (bluegrass, jazz, reggae, funk, and more). They are known for their instrumental virtuosity, infectious energy, and unique repertoire featuring both original compositions and inventive arrangements of traditional material.

When: June 2, 7:30 pm
Where: Washington DCJCC, 1529 16TH Street NW (16th & Q)
Ticket: In advance: $15; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $10; At the door: $20; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $15
; Go to wjmf.org; (800) 494-TIXS
Info: info@wjmf.org; (202) 777-3250
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Tuesday, June 3 | 6:15 pm
Like a Scarlet Thread: Jewish Motifs in Classical Music
In advance: $12; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $9
At the door: $15; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $12

Benjamin Hochman, piano

Acclaimed pianist Benjamin Hochman explores Jewish motifs in classical music and performs works by prominent Jewish composers from Europe, Israel and the USA. Though only in his mid-twenties, he is an imaginatively mature artist with an innate ability to combine beauty of line within the overall shape of a piece. Mr. Hochman has appeared with the world’s great orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago, Cincinnati, and Seattle Symphonies, the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Hochman will shed light on music by Mendelssohn, Ben-Haim and others and will look at the ways in which these composers relate to Jewish traditions and symbolism in music.

When: June 3, 6:15 pm
Where: Washington DCJCC, 1529 16TH Street NW (16th & Q)
Ticket: In advance: $12; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $9
At the door: $15; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $12
; Go to wjmf.org; (800) 494-TIXS
Info: info@wjmf.org; (202) 777-3250
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Tuesday, June 3 | 8:00 pm | Washington DCJCC
Screening of Silent Film The Golem with live music performed by Davka
In advance: $12; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $9
At the door: $15; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $12

Germany, 1920; 85 minutes | Director: Carl Boese; Paul Wegener | 16mm
Davka: Daniel Hoffman,violin; Moses Sedler, cello; Kevin Mummey, Middle-Eastern percussion; Paul Hanson, bassoon
A story for the ages set to an entirely new tune, this 1920s cinematic masterpiece is based on the Jewish myth of a soulless clay giant created to serve and protect the Jews of 16th century Prague. The film will be accompanied by Daniel Hoffman’s award-winning score performed live by the band Davka.

When: June 3, 8:00 pm
Where: Washington DCJCC, 1529 16TH Street NW (16th & Q)
Ticket: In advance: $12; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $9
At the door: $15; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $12
; Go to wjmf.org; (800) 494-TIXS
Info: info@wjmf.org; (202) 777-3250
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Wednesday, June 4 | 7:30 pm | Washington DCJCC
Theater J's New Musical David in Shadow and Light
$40; Discounted Member/Senior/Group $35/ Student $20

Libretto by Yehuda Hyman; Music by Daniel Hoffman; Directed by Nick Olcott
Choreography by Peter DiMuro and the Liz Lerman Dance Exchange
David’s Harp: A discussion with ethnomusicologist and clarinetist Joel Rubin and composer and violinist Daniel Hoffman following the program.

An epic musical retelling of King David's astonishing trajectory from boy shepherd, to superstar ruler, to aging king, this visually stunning production incorporates thrilling dance sequences and a post-modern frame through which we can identify with the triumphs and travails of one of the most complex and charismatic figures in biblical history. David’s Harp: Following the performance, ethnomusicologist and clarinetist Joel Rubin will lead a discussion with composer and violinist Daniel Hoffman.

When: June 4, 7:30 pm
Where: Washington DCJCC, 1529 16TH Street NW (16th & Q)
Ticket: $40; Discounted Member/Senior/Group $35/ Student $20
; Go to wjmf.org; (800) 494-TIXS
Info: info@wjmf.org; (202) 777-3250
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Wednesday, June 4 | 7:30 pm | Venue: DC9 Nightclub
The Voice of A Sage: Rachael Sage and the Sequins
Opening: DC’s Mara Levi
In advance: $12; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $9
At the door: $15; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $12
Talented East Village pianist, singer, songwriter and poet, Rachael Sage has been making gutsy pop music from early on. Sage, whose music has been described by The Village Voice as “earthiness, color and emotion,” is known for her vibrant performances that blend vaudevillian kitsch with classically tinged art-pop.
When: June 4, 7:30 pm
Where: DC9 Nightclub | dcnine.com | Ages 21 and over | 1940 9th Street NW (9th & U)
Ticket: In advance: $12; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $9
At the door: $15; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $12
; Go to wjmf.org; (800) 494-TIXS
Info: info@wjmf.org; (202) 777-3250
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Thursday, June 5 | 7:30 pm | Washington DCJCC
The Afro-Semitic Experience
In advance: $15; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $10
At the door: $20; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $15

David Chevan, bass; Warren Byrd, piano and keyboards; Alvin Carter, Jr., drum set and percussion; Baba David Coleman, African drums and percussion; Stacy Phillips, violin and dobro; Will Bartlett, saxophone and clarinet

Imagine Charles Mingus sitting in with a Klezmer band playing Gospel music set to the polyrhythmic pace of the congas and bongos. Imagine a band that understands and can present interpretations of music from traditions as rich as gospel, klezmer, nigunim, spirituals, and swing. Imagine the Afro-Semitic Experience.

The Afro-Semitic Experience is an ensemble dedicated to preserving, promoting and expanding the rich cultural and musical heritage of the Jewish and African Diasporas.

When: June 5, 7:30 pm
Where: Washington DCJCC, 1529 16TH Street NW (16th & Q)
Ticket:; In advance: $15; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $10; At the door: $20; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $15
Go to wjmf.org; (800) 494-TIXS
Info: info@wjmf.org; (202) 777-3250
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Friday, June 6 | 10:00 am | Washington DCJCC
Rhythm & Roots: The Afro-Semitic Experience for Kids |
FREE; registration is required on wjmf.org

Afro-Semitic Experience will lead in a morning of fun for kids and grown-ups with an interactive performance filled with energy, music and rhythm, exploring the music of Jewish and African Diasporas. Pre-K and kindergarteners with their parents, caregivers or teachers are invited to join this delightful morning of rhythm and roots.

When: June 6, 10:00 am
Where: Washington DCJCC, 1529 16TH Street NW (16th & Q)
Ticket:; FREE, Registration required at wjmf.org
Info: info@wjmf.org; (202) 777-3250
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Friday, June 6 | 8:30 pm | Washington DCJCC
Musical Erev Shabbat with Linda Hirschhorn
FREE
Cantor, composer, arranger, choral conductor, and director of Vocolot ensemble, Linda Hirschhorn will co-lead a musical Erev Shabbat service with Rabbi Robert Saks of Congregation Bet Mishpachah, the event's co-sponsor.

When: June 6, 8:30 pm
Where: Washington DCJCC, 1529 16TH Street NW (16th & Q)
Ticket: FREE
Info: info@wjmf.org; (202) 777-3250
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Saturday, June 7 | 8:00 pm | Washington DCJCC
Closing Night | David Buchbinder's Odessa/Havana
In advance: $20; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $15
At the door: $25; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $20

Luis Guerra, piano; Roberto Occhipinti, bass; Quinsin Nachoff, reeds; Mark Kelso, drums; Aleksandar Gajic, violin; Rick Shadrach Lazar, percussion

An exciting Jewish-Cuban musical fusion, Odessa/Havana is led by award-winning trumpeter and composer David Buchbinder and includes some of today’s most accomplished jazz musicians. While Odessa and Havana may seem many miles apart, their musical associations are multi-layered and rooted in their common ancestry on the Iberian Peninsula—sharing Sephardic, Arabic, Roma (Gypsy) and North African forbearers.

When: June 7, 8:00 pm
Where: Washington DCJCC, 1529 16TH Street NW (16th & Q)
Ticket: In advance: $20; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $15; At the door: $25; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $20
Go to wjmf.org; (800) 494-TIXS
Info: info@wjmf.org; (202) 777-3250
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Sunday, June 8 | 11:30 am | Washington DCJCC
The Sheynville Express with the Sisters of Sheynville
In advance: $12; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $9
At the door: $15; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $12

Lenka Lichtenberg and Isabel Fryszberg, vocals; Fern Lindzon, piano and vocals; Lorie Wolf, drums; Kinneret Sagee, clarinet; Rachel Melas, bass

Sisters of Sheynville is a high-energy, all-female sextet which brings to life Yiddish swing, klezmer and roots music, inspired by the Barry Sisters of the ’30s and ’40s old time radio era. The band’s original music and arrangements of both traditional and jazz material combine serious musicianship, complexity and intricate musical thought with a fun approach to performance. Since their debut in 2005, the “wildly successful” (Wholenote Magazine) Sisters of Sheynville have amassed an impressive festival and club performance resume.

When: June 8, 11:30 am
Where: Washington DCJCC, 1529 16TH Street NW (16th & Q)
Ticket: In advance: $12; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $9
At the door: $15; Discounted Member/Student/Senior/Limited Income $12
Go to wjmf.org; (800) 494-TIXS
Info: info@wjmf.org; (202) 777-3250
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Official Website: http://wjmf.org