NYC Jewish Music & Heritage Festival Set for September 13-25

New York, NY Already the largest Jewish music festival in the world, the New York Jewish Music & Heritage Festival expands its scope, its partners and its musical offerings in its second year. The 2005 Festival builds on the success of last year’s extravaganza, introducing a talented array of musical artists from every corner of the globe who pay tribute to the beauty, diversity and richness of Jewish music.

“Where else but in NYC, could one small tribe reflect the influences from Brazil, Russia Syria, Israel, Cuba, Argentina, France, Germany, South Africa and the United States – all within a few short stops on the subway,” says Michael Dorf, founder and producer of the Festival.

Says Dorf, “Last year’s inaugural Festival demonstrated the demand for a Jewish music Festival among Jews of every color and denomination as well as non-Jews interested in the experiencing the breadth of Jewish musical styles and composers. This year, the festival will expose audiences to Russian or Bukharian music and include bus trips to supper clubs in Brighton Beach.”

Opening Night at 92nd St Y

The festival launches at the 92nd Street Y on Tuesday, Sept. 13 with an evening called “Great Jewish Artists Perform Great Jewish Composers. Artists will be announced in the program guide, which will be released on August 1st. Last year’s headliners included Neal Sedaka, Philip Glass, Jill Sobule & Lisa Loeb and Debbie Friedman among others, performing the compositions of Gershwin, Dylan, Laura Nyro and Carole King.

Dave Brubeck Premieres “The Commandments” at Lincoln Center

Legendary jazz musician Dave Brubeck will unveil his new work “The Commandments,” on the second night of the Festival, Sept. 14, at the Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. According to the 83-year-old Mr. Brubeck, “I do my bit to try and get a few people to listen…there isn’t time left for the world not to try and understand each other.” Like his important civil rights work, “Gates of Justice,” this new composition will showcase the 90-person Providence Singers Chorus with featured singers Cantor Alberto Mizrahi and gospel vocalist Kevin Deas, a symphony conducted by Russell Gloyd and his famous jazz quartet. This will be Mr. Brubeck’s first appearance at Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Nalaga’at—Spellbinding Blind-Deaf Troupe

Hailed as the most unique and moving live performance by audiences and press alike, Israel’s Nalaga’at, a troupe of 12 blind-deaf performers, will be featured on Sept. 15 at the Frederick P. Ross Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. Impossible to describe and extraordinary to witness, Nalaga’at just completed 12 sold-out nights in Zurich, Switzerland.

Joey Ramone Honored at First Jewish Music Awards

The First Annual Jewish Music Awards, produced by the Festival in conjunction with Heeb Magazine, will be held on Monday, Sept. 21 at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Battery Park. The awards will honor 10 artists in 10 categories. Joey Ramone will receive the first “Heeb Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award.”

Jewzapalooza: All-Day FREE Concert at Riverside Park

The finale of the Festival is an all-day, free celebration at Riverside Park. Billed as “Jewzapalooza,” the event will begin at 11 AM, with the “World’s Largest Klezmer Brunch,” and continue throughout the day with 12 bands on two stages. Featured bands include: Joshua Nelson and the Kosher Gospel Singers, Avishai Cohen, Golem, Pharoah’s Daughter, Juez, Edom and Soulfarm. In addition to the free music, there will be an international food bazaar with a delectable selection of Kosher foods and beverages. Special tents will be installed to accommodate a number of charities and cause-related programs for all to enjoy.

Oi Va Voi, Balkan Beat Box and More

Festival highlights include Oi Va Voi, the internationally-acclaimed London band that mixes electronica, pop and Yiddish, on a double bill with Balkan Beat Box a group of Israeli and New York musicians who turn every concert into a dance party at Irving Plaza on Sept. 22,

Back by popular demand are the Klez for Kids classes. World class musicians teach master classes for kids, age 4 to 10, in a fun and interactive environment.

New to the Festival will be a series of 4 lunchtime Sephardic Music concerts at Central Synagogue on 50th Street and Lexington Ave.

The Festival is produced by Michael Dorf and the Art Exchange and Downtown Arts Development, Inc.—a non-profit organization established to provide cultural programming. The Festival is supported through grants from the UJA-Federation of New York, JCRC, The Jewish Life Network/Michael Steinhardt Foundation, FEGS, Andrea & Charles Bronfman Foundation, Russell Berrie Foundation and the Milken Music Archive, among others. In addition, the Festival has sponsorship support from The Heritage Card — the first-ever, American bank-issued credit card that channels money to charities that support Israel and offers rewards and miles. The Heritage card launches this October. Visit www.TheHeritageCard.com. Festival media partners include Jewish Week and The NY Sun. Herzog Wine Cellars is the official wine sponsor.


A schedule of events is available upon request.

Contact; Fern Flamberg
press@oyhoo.com or fflamberg@yahoo.com
212-961-1769