Scene & Heard: Ashkenaz Festival

Israel meets India, in a divine unity of Hebrew poetry, Muslim Qawwali and Rajasthani funk.

One of the most talked-about artists at the 2012 Ashkenaz Festival, Israel’s Shye Ben Tzur returns to Toronto as part of a coast-to-coast North American summer tour. Having studied Indian classical music for over a decade, and immersed himself in Muslim Qawwali music, Shye Ben Tzur has fashioned a wholly unique fusion of Hebrew and Middle Eastern musical influences with those of the Indian sub-continent. Working with a cross-cultural ensemble of Rajasthani-Indian and Israeli musicians, his music transcends the seemingly quirky juxtapositions at its core: devotional Qawwali music with Hebrew poetry, Indian classical vocals with spanish guitar, funky bass with pulsating tabla. This not-to-be-missed event will be one of Toronto’s top summer’s concerts, featuring a colourful ensemble, deep grooves and soulful improvisation in an awe-inspiring show that will resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Presented in association with the Consulate General of Israel in Toronto

Watch this video of Shye Ben Tzur

Shye Ben Tzur & Rajasthan Express
Thursday July 25, 2013, 9pm
The Mod Club Theatre, 722 College St.
Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at the door
For tickets call 416-979-9901 or visit www.ashkenazfestival.com