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| Matisyahu performs at Lisner Auditorium, June 1st |
From our friends at the Washington Jewish Music Festival...
From Reggae to Country to Classical to Jazz, World-Renowned Artists Featured During Festival June 1-14
The Washington DC Jewish Community Center (DCJCC) is once again bringing an eclectic blend of acclaimed musical styles to venues across the metro area. From June 1-14, Jewish-inspired music from around the globe will come alive in the nation’s capital through a series of cross-cultural musical performances during the Washington Jewish Music Festival (WJMF). American reggae and alternative rock superstar Matisyahu will kick off the Festival on Sunday, June 1 with an intimate acoustic concert blending Jewish themes with reggae, rock and hip-hop beatboxing sounds. Boasting arguably its most diverse line-up of talent yet, the 2014 WJMF will be a truly special celebration of music for the entire Washington area community.
“This year’s line-up highlights the incredible geographic diversity of Jewish music, and features musicians who are reinventing and reinvigorating Jewish culture,” said Lili Kalish Gersch, Washington Jewish Music Festival Director. “Whether you’re into traditional Klezmer, the rock and reggae of Matisyahu or are deep into world music, you’ll find something to love at the Festival. In addition to all the fantastic artists set to perform, we’re excited about the return of popular Festival traditions including WJMF in the Park and the Big Broadway Sing-Along.”
The 2nd Annual WJMF in the Park is happening Sunday, June 8, from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM at Francis Field (on 25th Street between M and N Streets NW) and features the music of Parents Choice Award winners The Mama Doni Band, ska/roots/rock mash-up Josh & the Jamtones, and the raucous dance tunes of the Michael Winograd Klezmer Ensemble. The whole family is invited for a free day of moon-bounce jumping, face painting, games and more.
Additionally, the JCC of Greater Washington in Rockville, Md., will host renowned Israeli jazz guitarist Yotam Silberstein for a unique performance of jazz, Brazilian, world music, blues and bebop on Tuesday, June 10. On the evening of Wednesday, June 11, country singer, humorist and political candidate Kinky Friedman will bring his Seeds of Change tour to the DCJCC, featuring songs from his hit albums “Live from Woodstock,” “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and more.
A highlight of the Festival will be the celebrated music of Yemenite Israeli vocalist Ravid Kahalani (of The Idan Raichel Project), when his new project, Yemen Blues, performs its uplifting world music at the DCJCC on Thursday, June 12. The electric mix of West African and Yemenite influences features contemporary grooves, from funk to mambo to the deep soul of old chants. The 2014 WJMF closes on Saturday, June 14, at the DCJCC with 24-year old Israeli violinist Asi Matathias, who began playing with the Israel Philharmonic when he was 14 and is recognized as one of the most celebrated talents of his generation. He will be accompanied by pianist Eliran Avni.
Other highlights of the Festival include: a Klezmer Brunch on Sunday, June 1, at the DCJCC, a returning favorite which pairs lively music with a delicious kosher buffet; a reimagining of ancient Sephardic folk songs and culture with Dan Saks at Sixth & I on Saturday, June 7; and back by popular demand, the Big Broadway Sing-Along, the opportunity to channel your inner Barbra or Broderick, on Tuesday, June 10 at the DCJCC.
More About the Festival:
The Washington Jewish Music Festival is the flagship of the DCJCC’s year-round music program. Established in 1999 with a lead gift from the Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation, the WJMF promotes a broader appreciation of Jewish culture and connects the Greater Washington, D.C. community through music. WJMF presents extraordinary performing artists who preserve and invigorate Jewish music in contemporary culture. Through collaborations, educational programming and free events, the Festival actively engages people throughout the greater DC community in cross-cultural dialogue. Join the conversation using #WJMF2014 on social media.
Ticket Sales:
Tickets are on sale now and will continue through the Festival. Patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets online. In addition to single tickets, WJMF is offering full Festival Passes for $100. More information is available at wjmf.org, by calling (202) 777-3251, or by e-mailing info@wjmf.org
Full Festival Line-up:
This listing includes information about Washington Jewish Music Festival concerts, events and other programming. Complete information about the music festival is online at wjmf.org.
Just days before the mystical holiday of Shavuot, international superstar Matisyahu plays a spiritual, intimate acoustic concert that blends Jewish themes with reggae, rock and hip-hop beatboxing sounds. Reinvigorated and reinvented, Matisyahu presents a moving, personal show that includes fan favorites "King Without a Crown," "One Day," and "Jerusalem" and new music from his recently released album Akeda.
Tickets are $30; DCJCC Member/Student/Senior: $25; VIP: $50 (Premium Seating); GW Students: $24
The Klezmer brunch pairs fantastic music with a delicious kosher buffet. The Alexandria Kleztet has been combining traditional Eastern European/Jewish music with diverse influences for more than a decade. New arrangements of traditional melodies and original songs by members of the band draw upon jazz, classical, world beat, rock and other musical genres to create a unique and entertaining sound.
Concert Only: $10; Concert & Brunch $30
Brunch tickets must be purchased by Tuesday, May 27. You do not need to order brunch to attend the concert.
Brunch tickets must be purchased by Tuesday, May 27. You do not need to order brunch to attend the concert.
Shabbat in Song
Friday, June 6, 2014
Friday, June 6, 2014
Join local congregations for a free community-wide celebration of Shabbat and music highlighting musical services and events around Washington. The list of congregations hosting Shabbat in Song events is being constantly updated; check wjmf.org/Shabbat for the latest updates.
Sephardic Songs and Stories with Dan Saks
Saturday, June 7, 2014
8 p.m.
Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
600 I Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
8 p.m.
Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
600 I Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Dan Saks, the driving force behind the rock band DeLeon, transforms ancient Sephardic folk songs into a sound that is both brand new and centuries old. In this intimate exploration of Sephardic culture, Saks will share songs and stories and offer us a rare “behind the music” glimpse at a near-forgotten cultural legacy. A selection of Sephardic refreshments will be served. Presented with Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
Tickets: $15 in advance, $18 at the door
2nd Annual WJMF in the Park
Sponsored in memory of Elona Shaffert by the Shaffert and Brenner Families
Sunday, June 8, 2014
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Francis Field
25th Street, between M and N Streets NW, Washington, D.C.
Rain location: DCJCC
Sponsored in memory of Elona Shaffert by the Shaffert and Brenner Families
Sunday, June 8, 2014
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Francis Field
25th Street, between M and N Streets NW, Washington, D.C.
Rain location: DCJCC
Head to the park for a day of free concerts, games, crafts and fun! Bring the kids to rock out to the music of Parents Choice Award winners The Mama Doni Band, ska/roots/rock mash-up Josh & the Jamtones, and the raucous dance music of the Michael Winograd Klezmer Ensemble. Jump on a moon bounce, get your face painted, play field games and more! Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch.
Free
Melodies of the Russian Jews with Kolot HaLev
Sunday, June 8, 2014
4:00 p.m.
Ohr Kodesh Congregation
8300 Meadowbrook Lane, Chevy Chase, MD
Sunday, June 8, 2014
4:00 p.m.
Ohr Kodesh Congregation
8300 Meadowbrook Lane, Chevy Chase, MD
Before crossing the Atlantic, before America, before Israel, there was the Pale. Russia: a place of faith, family, longing and adversity. In its annual concert, the Kolot HaLev (Voices of the Heart) Choir introduces Russian melodies that will touch your soul. Experience the intense feelings, evocative of the Old Country, expressed through the melodies of Russian Jewish song.
Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door and $6 for Students/Children
Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon (Film sneak preview)
Monday, June 9, 2014
7:30 p.m.
Washington DCJCC
1529 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Monday, June 9, 2014
7:30 p.m.
Washington DCJCC
1529 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
In his directorial debut, Mike Myers documents the astounding career of Hollywood legend Shep Gordon. Following a chance encounter with Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix, Gordon went on to manage an eclectic list of artists including Alice Cooper, Blondie, and Anne Murray. He produced films, invented the celebrity chef, and worked with the Dalai Lama. Against a backdrop of debauchery, he's a man on a spiritual quest. (Dir. Mike Myers, documentary, 84min, USA, 2013)
Free
The Big Broadway Sing-Along
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
7:30 PM
Washington DCJCC
1529 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
7:30 PM
Washington DCJCC
1529 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Back by popular demand! Sing along to your favorite show tunes from Jewish Broadway (aka Broadway)—from Rodgers & Hammerstein and the Gershwins, to Kander & Ebb, Schwartz, Sondheim and more. An all-new team of professional performers will lead the singing from the baby grand. Plus, we’ll provide the lyrics, so you can just “Sing out, Louise!”
Tickets are $20; Members/Students/Seniors: $15
Yotam Silberstein and Friends
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
7:30 PM
JCC of Greater Washington
6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
7:30 PM
JCC of Greater Washington
6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD.
At the age of 21, guitarist Yotam Silberstein won the prestigious “Israeli Jazz Player of the Year” award and since 2005 has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the New York jazz scene where his performances received rave reviews from critics and fans. Silberstein will perform his unique mix of jazz, Brazilian, world music, blues and bebop. Presented with JCC of Greater Washington
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door
Kinky Friedman
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
7:30 PM
Washington DCJCC
1529 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
7:30 PM
Washington DCJCC
1529 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Country singer, humorist and political candidate Kinky Friedman is bringing his Seeds of Change tour to DC! Featuring songs from his hit albums “Live from Woodstock,” “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore” and more, this is sure to be a classic Kinky performance: good fun, big laughs, and plenty of irreverence toward the powers that be.
Tickets are $25; Members/Students/Seniors: $20
Yemen Blues
Thursday, June 12, 2014
7:30 p.m.
Washington DCJCC
1529 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
7:30 p.m.
Washington DCJCC
1529 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Yemen Blues mixes West African and Yemenite influences with contemporary grooves, from funk to mambo to the deep soul of old chants. Created by Yemenite Israeli vocalist Ravid Kahalani (of The Idan Raichel Project), the group’s hip new arrival has taken the world music scene by storm with irresistible, rhythmic music that makes you want to dance. "Quite simply, it's one of the most exciting bands in world music right now.”- Time Out Chicago
Tickets: $25; Members/Students/Seniors: $20
Asi Matathias, Violin
Saturday, June 14, 2014
8:00 PM
Washington DCJCC
1529 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
8:00 PM
Washington DCJCC
1529 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
At 24 years old, Israeli violinist Asi Matathias is already recognized as one of the most celebrated talents of his generation. He made his debut at the age of 14 with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Zubin Mehta, displaying musical maturity and inspiration far beyond his years. Currently, he is studying with Pinchas Zukerman in New York City. Matathias will be accompanied by pianist Eliran Avni. Followed by a reception.
Tickets: $18; Members/Students/Seniors: $15
Tickets are available through advance sales only.
