J-ARTS

A new music is arising from a band stemming from hilly plains of central Israel. Just as its name indicates haMAKOR (”the source”) is the originator of a unique blend of bluegrass, funk and rock and roll combined with a root like Jewish message. Through the combined voice of this group, soulful, inspiring, and complex music is put forth. Each song is lyrically appealing, and melodically charged, leaving the listener feeling energized and exposed. Messages such as finding your own path, and the trials and tribulations of life, give the onslaught of aggressive resonance meaning. This real life expression met with the sweet melodies of the guitar is what makes haMAKOR a rare experience both in sound, and performance.

Eliyahu HaNavi
Malachim

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Aharit HaYamim is an Israeli reggae, dub and ska sensation whose groove and sensibility is rooted in a Messianic longing and a love of Zion they share with their Rastafarian brethren. With a post-Carlebach Jewish folk flavor, they proclain their love for “Yerushalayim” and “Holy Mount Zion” with tight four-part harmonies, layered over thumping basslines, lush arrangements and extended play instrumentals.

Their brand of world-beat reggae focuses on messiah and redemption, “but it’s a redemption with everybody else; it’s about bringing the nation of Israel together.” Famed perfomer Matisyahu, hearing their music as he walked by a Jerusalem cafe performance, jumped onstage and performed an impropmtu set. Aharit HaYamim (Hebrew for End of Days) is far more than a band “it is a full-fledged grassroots movement” made up of disillusioned children of Oslo looking for an out, post-Carlebach jam band fans, Phisheads and the Haredi/Hippie Hilltop youth.

How does one join this movement? “You don’t need to,” says Leuchter. “Everyone is already a member. Aharit Hayamim is just here to wake you up and spread the message of unity, love and Israel.” Wearing brightly colored, home-sewn, hemp clothing, replete with tzitzit, ritual fringes, Aharit HaYamim delivers a heady musical mix perfect for party people or spiritual seekers. Their hope is that during their concert- these become one in the same as they hasten and celebrate the coming of Moshiach.

Ein Yeosh
Kum Lach Adam
Aharit Hayamim
Areyut Yehuda
Yerushalayim
Lo Lefached
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ESTA is a multi-ethnic band with innovative compositions and imaginative arrangements - deeply rooted in Israel’s diverse traditions. Founded in 1979 by Shlomo Deshet and Ori Beanstock, Esta has created a distinctive new sound, incorporating Jewish, Balkan, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, African and Celtic genres into its own pan-global sound, propelled by Rock’s energy and Jazz’s musicianship.

Performing as a group for over 25 years, Esta is among a handful of visionary artists to fuse contemporary music with folkloric styles and sounds. World Fusion isn’t just a genre Esta performs. It is its soul.

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