The 2008 Safed Klezmer Festival
Last year, from August 18-20, 2008, Safed opened its doors to the annual Safed Klezmer Music Festival. While Safed is always an interesting, engaging and beautiful city to visit, it becomes an enormous draw during the annual festival. The theme of the 2008 Festival was Israel's 60th birthday, certainly an appropriate theme to celebrate Israel's 60 years of achievement and struggle.
Events at the Festival
The Safed Klezmer Festival in 2008 was full of activities, street venders, music and more. It was open to the public for free, as always, and included nine urban stages for performances from a large range of Israeli and international singers and groups. For registered participants, there were also artists' seminars and other events taking place throughout Safed. Each night, visitors got to enjoy a great fireworks festival, which added to the energy and the enjoyment of the day's events.
Musical Groups
Most of the main excitement of the Safed Klezmer Festival took place at night. Once the sun set, the musical numbers were ready to go. Israeli classic rock and ethnic experimenter Shlomo Gronich was there, as was folk-rocker Aaron Razel. Adi Ran performed, as did the very popular Simply Tsfat. Other groups and people on the musical line-up in 2008 were Maxim Klexmer, Hanan Rosenzweig, Flicks Klezmer and Klezmer Tish. Although the festival received some criticism for opening up the musical selections to groups that were not performing Klezmer, most people appreciated the diversity and interesting selection available throughout Safed during these nights. Visitors have come to understand that the title, implying the enjoyment of Klezmer music, means that there will be Klezmer music in the festival; but there are always many other offerings as well.
Other Activities
In addition to the musical offerings throughout Safed, there were also many street venders selling everything from corn on the cob and hotdogs to beautiful jewelry and decorative items for the home. Safed is known for its kabbalistic artwork and its amazing artist colony. Many of these artists had stalls around the main area of Safed, selling their artwork to the public and displaying their wares. Similarly, during the day, many of their shops and workshops were opened to interested tourists and locals alike, for those who wanted to view what the artists do and for those who were interested in buying and supporting the local economy.
International Guests
Along with the local and Israeli talent, the festival in 2008 also featured a number of international musical guests. In 2008, the opening night had orchestral Tango Klezmer clarinetist Giora Feidman hosting Paris Opera first clarinetist Philip Copper along with the bandoneonist Raul Huarna from Uruguay and other amazing international guests.
The Safed Klezmer Festival in 2008 was enjoyed by all who attended and served as a wonderful celebration of Israel at 60. The 2009 festival should prove to be just as successful, engaging and interesting as the 2008 festival was!
