Hey!
From the depths of the Jewish “Nigunim” melodies out of the jewish tradition of kabbalah, “A groyse Metsie” skillfuly combines touching acoustic solo pieces, breakbeat and funky grooves, trip hop ambience and rock and roll power with the soulful fire of klezmer jewish music. A Groyse Metsie brings the new into the old, a group of hyper talented-super diverse musicians who make a point of expressing a highly spiritual message in a very groovy and fun lovin way. Based in Israel, where Klezmer music is rarely appreciated, this band has turned the idea on its head, embracing a traditional form with modern, cross-cultural flourishes.
The twenty-something musicians, all accomplished on the Israeli scene through different projects, have performed with Zehava Ben, Tomer Yosef (Balkan Beat Box), Israel Dub Foundation, and many others. In a society that often wants to put the past behind it, these former Kibbutzniks, religious musicians and Music School graduates come together to play a progressive evolution of a timeless music that instantly connects with Jewish people of all ages, and everyone together to the One.
Hey!
HaShem Melech
Beth Schafer is an award-winning songwriter whose shows blend first-class musicianship with a little teaching and a little theatre into a high-impact transformative experience. Blazing a trail in American Jewish music for 10 years, she has been a guitarist since the age of 6 and attended the University of Miami School of Music on a jazz scholarship. Her specialty is an attention to the universal themes that not only define Judaism, but many other faiths as well. Beth’s infectious energy, well-crafted songs and intelligent lyrics coupled with a great band has made her a leading act in the Jewish music world. Her audiences are no longer just Jewish, she fans of all faiths who have found that her messages and music touch them. That universality that placed her center-court at an Orlando Magic game half-time show and won her the faith-based competition on American Idol Underground. Comfortable on both acoustic guitars and electric, she has been the “guitarist-in-residence” for the URJ’s national conferences for the past 6 years and is frequently featured at folk festivals. Beth likes making music, loves bringing people together through the power of music, and feels God’s presence when it all works right. She has no intention of forcing any beliefs on anyone, but to those who are searching for something greater than themselves, Beth seems to make a magical connection. She is creating modern-day musical midrash, the contemporary interpretations of ancient texts that help us make sense of humanity.
