Yemen Blues November 18, 2012

Yemen Blues
Music of Yemen & West Africa with contemporary funk, mambo & deep soul.
Presented by:
The Kanbar Center for the Performing Arts at the Osher Marin JCC
Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012

(Sept. 15, 2012 – SAN RAFAEL, Calif.) With its explosive, 21st century brew of Yemenite-Jewish song and poetry, West African grooves and American jazz, blues and funk, Yemen Blues is the most exciting new world music act out of Israel. The nine-piece ensemble creates a breathtaking musical experience, brimming with innovation, celebration and virtuosity.
Conceived from vocalist Ravid Kahalani’s vision, Kahalani’s powerful voice and persona catalyzes Yemen Blues concerts into ecstatic celebrations. Raw and rooty are two good words to describe this wide-wandering Yemen Blues. At once they evoke New Orleans second-line bands, the mesmerizing and earthy sounds of West African stringed guimbri, and rocking Middle Eastern rhythms, all coursing together in a raucous party of a stage show that often morph into dance fueled frenzies.

This event is co-sponsored by the Israel Center, the Israeli Consulate, and Koret Taube Center for Jewish Peoplehood. And in Association with JIMENA

WHAT: Music of Yemen & West Africa with contemporary funk, mambo & deep soul from The Kanbar Center @ the Osher Marin JCC

WHO: All are invited. General Admission seating with some table seating available. No membership or Jewish affiliation required to attend ANY JCC events

TICKETS: $35 advance. $40 day of.

WHEN: Sun. Nov. 18 @ 7:30 ~ Doors/No Host Cocktails @ 7:00.

WHERE: The Osher Marin JCC, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael.

PARKING: Ample FREE parking. Accessing the Osher Marin JCC from Highway 101 is effortless, 1/2 mile E off 101.

TICKETS: Available at www.marinjcc.org/arts

YEMEN BLUES: “It doesn’t matter where you come from–Your language is my language“

MEDIA CONTACT: Linda Bolt ~ Director/Kanbar Center ~ 415.444.8081 ~ lbolt@marinjcc.org

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More on Yemen Blues
National Geographic described Yemen Blues as an ensemble combining traditional Yemenite melodies and instruments – including all sorts of percussion – with jazz, blues, and funk to come up with a sound that’s like nothing we’ve ever heard before. If Blind Willie Johnson hung out with North African trance musicians or if Stevie Wonder studied Yemenite chants, it would sound like Yemen Blues. Witness the energy and experience the fireworks produced by some of the most talented musicians from Tel Aviv and New York. It’s an oasis in the desert – a breathtaking musical journey.

Yemen Blues’ myriad influences carry over on stage, where the ensemble navigates from the boisterous to the romantic, from joyous celebration to anguished balladry. Horns fire off emphatically, percussion adds deep rhythmic textures, and the enchanting oud strums out subtle melodies. Frankly, Yemen Blues is one of the most gripping and fun live bands in contemporary music today.

Yemen Blues toured extensively 2011, performing for enraptured audiences across the globe. Top musicians from around the world are taking notice as well. Ravid’s unmistakable voice will be featured on Matisyahu’s upcoming record, Spark Seeker, out July 17th on Fallen Sparks Records.

Releasing a new record in second quarter of 2013, Yemen Blues will continue to champion their unique blend of Yemeni, Jewish, and African traditions.

YOU TUBE

The Kanbar Center for the Performing Arts is the Performing Arts Department within the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center in San Rafael, California. For over 20 years we have spread the power of music, voice, humor, taste, culture, movement and words throughout the community by presenting classical music, club style dancing events, comedy, musical concerts, theater and performance in the grand Hoytt Theater, lectures. chats and demonstrations in the Kurland lounge and great world music & dancing for all ages outdoors under summer skies on Swig Field. All are welcome; no membership is required to attend. The Center is a long-standing Marin non- profit, centrally located in Marin County and just 1/4 mile east off Hwy 101

Kanbar Center Upcoming Events
12/3- Blame Sally
12/16- New Century Chamber Orchestra
12/31- The Other Café Comedy Showcase New Year’s Eve Comedy Celebration