KFAR

We’ve moved. This ol’ blog just wasn’t spiffy enough for us. If you’re landing here, its probably through an archived post from long ago.
But you should check out or new digs: http://www.kfarcenter.org Be sure to sign in, bookmark the new url in your browser and on your favorite social bookmarking services.

Our next “Conversation” will be held Sunday March 9th at 4:00pm at KFAR HQ in Ravenswood!

Conversations, Connections & Culture is KFAR’s monthly gathering where people passionate about Jewish culture gather to socialize, discuss issues and share interests in Jewish arts and culture. Its also a ‘hands-on’ forum to channel our passion and shape the future of Jewish culture scene in Chicago.

Each gathering lasts about 1 1/2 hours, consisting of:

1. Schmooze and News - Social time followed by a KFAR update.
2. Show and Tell- 1-2 participants shares a cultural topic with a moderated group discussion
3. Hands-On - Ideation and planning for shaping the Jewish arts scene locally
4. Ears, Cheers, Beer - Listening party and libations (aka PBR and Playlist)

It might sound formal, but it really will be quite casual. Hope to see you there! RSVP to conversations@kfarcenter.com.

Conversations, Connections & Culture is KFAR’s monthly “salon” where people passionate about Jewish culture gather to socialize, discuss issues and share interests in Jewish arts and culture. Its also a ‘hands-on’ forum to channel our passion and shape the future of Jewish culture scene in Chicago.

Participation is purposely limited and the monthly gatherings will each last about 1 1/2 hours, consisting of:

1. Schmooze and News - Social time followed by a KFAR update, Jewish Arts news in town and nationally.
2. Show and Tell- 1-2 participants shares a cultural topic with a moderated group discussion
3. Hands-On - Ideation and planning for shaping the Jewish arts scene locally
4. Ears, Cheers, Beer - Listening party and libations (aka PBR and Playlist)

It might sound formal, but it really will be quite casual. Unlike KFAR’s public presentations, this focuses on participants more than performer, and we’re excited about the possibilities…  Libations and snacks will be provided, as will detailed directions for those RSVP’ing in the positive.

Hope to see you there! RSVP to conversations@kfarcenter.com or do it on facebook.

KNISHMAS! It doesn’t have to be a ’silent night’ for us. Once again we groove into the night with the alternative to xmas eve alternatives.

This year we welcome back the jams of Even Sh’siyah, who infuse the southern rock grooves ala Allman Brothers with Jewish flavor for a heady groove. Their third self-release album, Wake Up, dropped this year. Joining us for the first time is Brooklyn’s RavShmuel, a Rosh Yeshiva by day and beer-drinking, Phish-following singer/songwriter by night. His single “Protocols of the Elders of Zion” became a youtube sensation following the release of his debut album, “Protocols,’ on Sony/JMG.

And as a special treat, several local singer/songwriters will perform original Jewy tunes, including Rachel Katzman (of Happy Butterfly Foot), Evan Jacover and Adam Davis (yes, that Adam Davis).

Even Sh’siyah
Shir Hamaalos
Yemenite Fever
Hallelu
Hisoreri

RavShmuel
I’m in Love
Dumb World

KNISHMAS! It doesn’t have to be a ’silent night’ for us. Once again we groove into the night with the alternative to xmas eve alternatives.

This year we welcome back the jams of Even Sh’siyah, who infuse the southern rock grooves ala Allman Brothers with Jewish flavor for a heady groove. Their third self-release album, Wake Up, dropped this year. Joining us for the first time is Brooklyn’s RavShmuel, a Rosh Yeshiva by day and beer-drinking, Phish-following singer/songwriter by night. His single “Protocols of the Elders of Zion” became a youtube sensation following the release of his debut album, “Protocols,’ on Sony/JMG.

And as a special treat, several local singer/songwriters will perform original Jewy tunes, including Alan Sufrin, Miriam Brosseau, Moshe Averick, Evan Jacover, Rachel Kohl Feingold and Adam Davis.

Even Sh’siyah
Shir Hamaalos
Yemenite Fever
Hallelu
Hisoreri

RavShmuel
I’m in Love
Dumb World

“The bastard love child Tenacious D and Fiddler on the Roof never had.” - SEATTLE STRANGER

“Part of a new breed of Jewish hipster comedy that includes Jon Stewart, Sacha Baron Cohen, Sarah Silverman and Heeb Magazine.” - PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS

JEWMONGOUS is a solo comedy song concert with occasional guests, is the colicky, uncircumcised brain child of SEAN ALTMAN: the golden-voiced, song-writing wiz behind the pioneering comedy song act What I Like About Jew and the founder and former leader of the vocal group Rockapella. Sean was featured in Time Out New York’s cover story “The New Super Jews,” (with Jon Stewart and Sarah Silverman) and in the New York Times feature about “the Jewish Hipster Movement.” He debuted JEWMONGOUS in 2006 and has garnered press accolades coast to coast (see them below).

JEWMONGOUS’ debut album Taller Than Jesus will be released on Christmas Day 2007 (to give Jews something to celebrate that day) but is already available exclusively at http://jewmongous.com. The Taller Than Jesus CD release tour hits 16 cities in December 2007. All faiths welcome, even the faithless.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 door, $10 students. 18+ show.
Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, Chicago Map it

They Tried to Kill Us
Blow Murry Blow
Simchas Torah
Long Tongue Shloime
Be My Little Shabbos Goy
Today I Am A Man
Taller Than Jesus

Calling all artsy Jews who like to party for a purpose. The Jewish Caucus of PACT (Public Action for Change Today) and KFAR bring you Wide Angle, 8pm on Sunday October 14th @ Lakeview Broadcasting Co.

This is a social event with social action undertones. We will be showing images captured by 3 indy-photographers who teamed up with a group of homeless youth from around Chicago to provide an artisitic view into the homelessness situation through the eyes of those actually facing such issues on a daily basis.

$12 cover at the door, $10 if you if you RSVP. 21 and up.

By Pauline Dubkin Yearwood (09/28/2007) published in Chicago Jewish News
Since he founded Kfar Jewish Arts Center five years ago, Adam Davis says he’s been “living like a shul mouse” while he runs the organization on a shoestring.

Those days may soon be over. Donors are starting to recognize and support Kfar (the name means village in Hebrew), which produces musical and performance events designed for young Jewish audiences. Board members are signing up. And Davis is planning to reach out to more audience members in more demographic groups.

All this may come as a surprise to some observers since Kfar also suffered a major blow (as did the whole Chicago music scene) in the past year: the closing of the HotHouse, the Chicago world music club where the organization put on many of its shows. (continues after the jump)
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Mekhaye
Balkan Espanol
Skrip Klezmerl

Contrary to popular belief, Golem is neither a towering Jewish Frankenstein who defended the Jews of 17th Century Prague, nor a creature from Lord of the Rings. Golem is a 6 piece Eastern European folk-punk band.Golem’s JDub debut, FRESH OFF BOAT, is available now. Produced by Emery Dobyns (Patti Smith, Antony and the Johnsons, the Battles) and featuring Mike Gordon of Phish, Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls, and Lenny Kaye of Patti Smith’s band!

“Stellar! A wild edgy approach with a reverance for Old World tradition.” New Yorker Magazine
“Golem produces the sort of music you’d expect if the shtetl were filled with punks instead of peasants.” Washington Post
“This is not your father’s klezmer band…unless of course Sid Vicious was your father…” NY Jewish Week