J-ARTS

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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Chana Rothman uniquely fuses Lilith-esque singer/songwriter folk mentality with progressive worldbeat in two languages. Like an eclectic ‘07 Rickie Lee Jones/Joni Mitchell, her politics, her obvious bohemianism and her delicate vocal phrasing push her sound into a delicious mix that also incorporates Jewish teachings, reggae and hip hop.

This is a strong young woman—a classically-trained Canadian living in Brooklyn—who trekked around America, Italy, Israel and Nepal with a guitar strapped to her backpack… A pied piper of the Himalayas, making friends and playing music along the way with kids from Kathmandu back to the Lower East Side.

Rothman’s eclectic musical taste finds its roots in her equally diverse upbringing. From Colorado mountains to gritty New York City subways, from world travel to exploring her own neighborhood, she builds bridges between people and create songs out of shared experiences. Although Rothman sings about her life, her music is for something much larger than herself.

Befriending audiences of all stripes across the country, she recently shared a stage with and Lou Reed and DJ Shadow and was named one of New York’s Best Emerging Jewish Artists. Through packed shows in New York - The Knitting Factory, Makor, the Mercury Lounge - radio and festival appearances, Rothman’s music, live and recorded, has begun to create a culture of its own. “People deserve fresh, original, thoughtful music that reflects our changing world. And if it’s done well, it becomes universal,” says Rothman. More than just a form of entertainment, she crafts her music to be relevant and meaningful.

Michael Dorf, founder of New York City’s famed Knitting Factory, agrees. After hearing Rothman’s demo, Dorf invited her to record an album on his new label, Oyhoo Records (nationally distributed through Allegro Distribution Co.) He paired her with recording artist and producer C Lanzbom, who brought on legendary drummer Shawn Pelton (Sheryl Crow, Kelly Clarkson) as well as other talented musicians and together they recorded Rothman’s debut, “We Can Rise.”

Ultimately, Rothman’s message is unity through music. Her poetry demands thought, and is provocatively accentuated by her genre-crossing style. “We Can Rise” manages to be both fun and compelling. It is infused with Rothman’s dynamic presence, one that shows both promise and determination. Clearly, Chana Rothman is an important new voice who cannot be ignored.

Ana Lay Down Your Swords
More than one way
Yisrael Ani Shelach

Coming Soon.

Tree of Life

Ari Ben Moses band Reggae and Latin music influences heavily the Ari Ben Moses in sound and spirit. Their music underscores the humanity in us all and includes direct references to Jewish themes of peace and Torah. Ari Ben Moses has performed at the London Limmud, straddling the lines that divide us with stellar music. Fans of one-drop, rock-steady, socca, Bob Marley and Santana should prepare in advance for this very special treat.

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Kayama - Mussareggae

A great new Jewish Reggae artist, Rabbi Mikael Zerbib, born in Bordeaux, France, recently brought out his first solo CD, with all hebrew reggae songs, incl great original fresh versions of Dayenu, Lekha Dodi, and new compositions. The title “Mussareggae” means Reggae with Ethics, songs advocating integrity in relationships with others, and above all, acknowledgment of the Creator.

• Performance and booking inquiries: info@j-arts.org

David Gould: Adon*i & I While on the road for 5 years performing with reggae heroes John Brown’s Body, bassist David Gould pondered the connections, and began to explore the ties between roots reggae and the deep Hebrew melodies he heard in synagogue growing up in New York. The combination resonated deeply in his blood and this eclectic group was born. The group performs reggae and dub interpretations of Hebrew melodies and psalms. ZION!!!

• Hear the music: Hiney Ma Tov
• Performance inquiries: info@j-arts.org

A seminal force in the American ska & reggae scene, KING DJANGO has made his name internationally as a singer, ragamuffin MC, songwriter, arranger, instrumentalist (trombone, ukulele, harmonica, melodica, etc.), producer, studio engineer and record label owner (Stubborn Records). His newest album “Roots Tonic,” Django has enlisted an all-star cast of resulting in twelve crucial roots reggae cuts utilizing tuff original riddims covering a wide range of styles, complex lyrical structures, a live sound full of soul.

King Django’s Roots and Culture finds King Django applying Reggae rhythms and Ska arrangements to the sound of his Jewish heritage, performing soulful Yiddish rock-steady riddims and even translations of reggae songs into Yiddish (Night Boat to Cairo).

Long before Matisyahu put on a black hat, King Django was the undisputed, most innovative figure in Jewish Reggae. It’s a project that predated Matisyahu, and has a more flavorful and authentic approach to both the Jewish and Reggae elements it combines. With a new album and fresh material on the way, The Lion of Zion has returned, bearing sweet, reggae filled rugelach.

Drawing on diverse influences as roots reggae, dancehall, ska, rock, soul, swing, and American and Yiddish folk music, King Django has always been a hard man to pigeonhole. His versatility within genres of punk, rhythm & blues, and Jamaican grooves is unmatched, starting early as the singer / trombonist of legendary ska band The Boilers through reggae/soul/jazz experimentalists Skinnerbox (1989-1998) and mainstream recognition as the founder and leader of traditional ska supergroup Stubborn All-Stars.