Not Only Klezmer 2010
Here is some information on just a few of the many popular musicians who will come to the 2010 Safed Klezmer Festival.
Old Favorites
Channan Bar Sela
A previous Festival Director, Channan is still very committed to the Festival. He plays saxophone and clarinet in true klezmer style. He is a perennial favorite with the crowds, and if you've never heard him you've really missed out. If you are lucky perhaps you will hear him play a medley from that much-loved musical and klezmer stalwart - Fiddler on the Roof.
Aharon Razel
Aharon is one of the most popular artists with the young National Religious crowd. He is also a firm favorite at Klezmer, having lived in Safed for a few years. You will have to get there early if you want a seat as he is a great crowd draw. If you miss his gig, you can always pick up one of his many CD's and listen to him in comfort at home.
Non-stop Carlebach
Chaim David Sarachik
An original member of the Diaspora Yeshiva Band, Chaim David will be appearing with his guitar and a new band. He used to play with Shlomo Carlebach on stage and a lot of people can feel that direct influence when they hear Chaim David play.
Yehuda Katz
Probably best known for founding the rock band Reva Le Sheva, Yehuda Katz also performs Carlebach style as a soloist. His performance at last year's Carlebach stage was very well received and he is back by popular demand.
Ben Zion Soloman and Sons
Ben Zion plays mandolin and violin, as well as singing the Carlebach melodies we all know and love. A stalwart of the Shlomo Carlebach musical tradition, Ben Zion was also a founder member of the Diaspora Yeshiva Band, and now his musical legacy is carried on by his sons. Not to be missed.
Binyamin Nakonechny
Not as well known as some of the other musicians performing on the Carlebach stage, but give him time! He's only young! His day job is as a technician at Israel National Radio, but listen to him playing guitar and singing Carlebach songs. Here is a chance to talent spot and say "I heard him first at Safed Klezmer Festival..."
Meir Glaser
People come from all over the country to join Meir on a Friday night at the Beirav synagogue in Safed for Kabbalat Shabbat. Hopefully he will have time to perform more than one set of the uplifting tunes he is known for. However, as the instigator of the Carlebach stage he will be busy introducing the other performers and making sure that everything is running smoothly.
World Music
A welcome addition to the mix of music at the Klezmer Festival this year is the latest in Jewish progressive/fusion klezmer. Oren Tzur, an enthusiast proponent of this style and a first class violinist, will be playing at the Khan of the White Donkey. Together with guitarist Nadav Bahar, a member of Eine Groyse Metziah, you are sure of a real treat on the last night of the Festival. The Khan, the newest venue and practically the oldest building in town, is a very intimate setting for music. It will be one of the few events at the Festival where you will actually have to pay. Given that these are two of the finest musicians in the Israeli progressive Jewish music scene today, it will be well worth the money.
