Folk N o t e s ............... February 2000 The Official Newsletter of the Israel FolkStuff Society

Latest issue is also available at: www.oocities.org/tzorafolk and www.galilan.com/ ~folkster

Contents: On the Circuit - In Yehud - Ballad for Dave - At Shorashim - Epilogue - Letter to the Editor - Square Dancing! - Two CD Reviews - Carousel - Calendar

It was a successful tour all around! Both David and Marian had a great time and a chance to see the country. They also made many new friends and musical connections and I'm sure he'll be welcome back anytime. He had venues in the Aravah, Yerucham, Midreshet Sde Boker and Beersheva.

**********************

Ye'elim (near Yodvata) had a small but warm

and receptive audience. The room has good acoustics and has potential for concerts there in the future.

Midreshet Sde Boker was a joint project of the High school for Environmental Studies (where I teach) and the Residents' Committee. 60-70 folkies filled the auditorium and enjoyed the evening immensely. David visited my classes earlier in the day to meet the students and get them interested and they were and still are!

Leah Shakdiel and Moshe Landsman hosted another intimate folk gathering in their home in Yerucham. Their living room was packed. The evening was dedicated to Maurice, a member of the audience who was a labor activist during the McCarthy Era. David's repertoire and also Moshe's opening song, "Joe Hill" brought it all together. Moshe is set on making Yerucham the capital of folk music! (Note: an organized list of potential home concert hosts is constantly being updated and is available from Carol Fuchs.)

The usual wonderful Kibbutz Tzora Folk Club, the last of the millenium, was a fitting finale to the tour. Folk Clubs have the advantage in that people are used to showing up on a certain day or date of the month. The "infrastructure" is already there. Thanks also to the IFS members who were very helpful in setting up the concert calendar and juggling schedules accordingly.

As redundant as it sounds: one must be very organized to put a tour together and get it off the ground. I felt a strong personal responsibility for having things run smoothly and being on the spot wherever possible and made it to most of the gigs, warming up for David on my own and with Marc Gittelson in Jerusalem and in the Aravah. I was, as my Mom would have said, "Chief cook and bottle- washer" ...chauffeur and tour guide, too. Looking back, I'm glad I put the time and effort into it. I enjoyed getting to know David and Marian, I enjoyed the music and look forward to continuing our friendship.

--Laurie Ornstein Zaarur

In Yehud, Jay and Robin provided a warm atmosphere and drinks on the house.

The crowd was laid back and all fluent Hebrew speakers keeping Israeli

time, so the actual concert commenced half an hour late -- which the performer duly noted. The first hour passed quickly with songs of Woody Guthrie, songs of love, songs of environment, his own music, his own

style. The moods of his songs matched his varied guitar style, which moved from "driving" to bulls-eye flat-picking and fingerstyle with panache. Another solid musician in our fortunate string of singer/ songwriters passing through this year.

--Judi Ganchrow

Shoeless and white-socked, the singer plays,

his arms and wrists and fingers dance and dart,

through all the universe of his guitar,

sounding the cultures of

a thousand hearts,

a thousand hearts.

Union warriors rot in southern jails,

while Boxcar Betty struts her hobo stuff,

Hugh Thompson fights to save a dozen kids-

for all our crimes, there aren't songs enough,

not songs enough.

The children die for politics of power,

the billionaires decline to pay their bills,

in Oregon the mountain- side comes down,

because the trees have gone to feed the mills,

to feed the mills.

Rapt, enthralled, we listeners are as one,

how easily we empathize with pain,

with social protest, resonant and keen,

as Blantyre miners die

for us again,

for us again.

The songs speak to our souls and we are cleansed,

We tap our Diadora feet in time,

Just thirty-something bucks -- a total steal,

We munch on nuts and sip

a glass of wine,

a glass of wine.

--Amiel Schotz

When I first listened to David Rovics’ album “We Just Want the World,” my initial feelings were that he was a very angry young man. I know that when one is protesting that anger should be one of the emotions conveyed to the public, but my feeling was that the Karmiel crowd, as well as myself, were not quite as incensed at American and world political moguls as Rovics.

Despite my initial apprehension, David was a warm personable performer with a quick smile, who fairly effortlessly established a rapport with the crowd of around forty, who arrived despite the stormy weather. His guitar playing was excellent, and his voice fitting for the style of music he performs. I do want to mention that when David was approached about doing the concert as a benefit for a mother of one of Shorashim’s members who is in need of a kidney transplant, he was most gracious about accepting a smaller percentage of the gate than what was originally agreed. He was most sincere in publicly wishing a quick recovery to Masuda Kitai, and helped to raise over 1000 shekels towards her operation.

Kol Hakavod to Laurie O.Z. for bringing Rovics to Israel -- having her open for him was a real treat.

--Larry Rosenfeld

During Dave Rovics' recent tour of Israel, I had the opportunity to witness a couple of his performances. I also had the chance to meet him privately, make music with him and to hear many of his views. Since his visit followed hard on the heels of Chuck Brodsky's visit here, a comparison between the two somehow seems

unavoidable.

Brodsky is a commentator on the contemporary scene -- for better or worse. He does not have any particular axe to grind and delivers his message, even when pungent, in a mild mannered low-key way. Dave Rovics, on the other hand, would be the first to

proclaim that he does have a mission, and an agenda if you will. Many of his songs are strident perhaps. I think he would have no

problem being classified as a Marxist bedecked in a suit of Green. This blending of red and green causes a view that is very black and white.

I must confess that his stark portrayal of the "good" guys versus the "bad" guys made me feel a bit uneasy at times. For instance, he does a song that takes a right- wing radio talk show host to great task and rakes him over the coals as a huge menace to society. I have heard the show of the person in question, and while I was not overwhelmed by his IQ or his "agenda" I do not think he poses that great a danger to participatory democracy.

Yet, if we consider Dave Rovics as a spokesperson for left wing and environmental causes, he does his job well. Whether he performs original or traditional material, or works of contemporaries, he is sincere and powerful. If you don't lose sight of the trees for the forest, various

songs are very moving. Among others, he sings a song by Jim Page, which vividly describes the tragedy that can result from strip logging. And of course I must mention his original composition about the implications of shrunken alligator genitalia for humankind.

In a nutshell, an artist has as much right to an "agenda" as I have to disagree with it. Dave Rovics' agenda is so much a part of his essence as a performer that it cannot, and should not, be ignored. But of course, that is what a considerable part of "folk music" is all about.

--Larry Gamliel

I just got my IFS newsletter and noticed that Jan 29th is the AACI-IFS Folk Club well as the Irish Cream Jerusalem performance. I can do many things at one

time but I can't yet be at two places at one time. What to do???

--Torn

Dear Torn:

Your point is well taken. However, with all of the goodwill in the world there

doesn't seem to be any way (nor justification) to prevent such conflicts, which are inevitable from time to time. There are, would you believe, people who do not see a conflict here, as they prefer one over the other.

At any rate, the date for the AACI-IFS program was set in early November, while the information for the Irish Cream performance came in just after our issue went to press in late December.

So, please, enjoy your evening -- whatever you decide.

--eds.

The Light Opera Group of the Negev will be presenting Rodgers & Hammerstein Musical CAROUSEL during the month of March. This musical was voted Best Musical of the Century by TIME magazine readers. See the calendar for dates and venues. Tickets and information from LOGON: (07) 653-2126 or 642-1120.

When I bumped into Marc Miller the other day and he handed me a copy of his new CD, he requested brutal and frank comments. Well if that's what he wants, that's what he'll get. It is fabulous, fantastic, superb, etc. Marc's voice sounds like a sloppy joe tastes: It slips, slides and slithers all over the place, and is indescribably delicious. His voice is big, like the rest of him, but it has a twinkle in it, an impish grin if you will.

And what of the songs? Well we have here fifteen items: standards, non-standards, three of his own, and a couple of gems from Kinky Freeman and the Texas Jew-boys which had us convulsed with hysterics. Some are ancient blues and there is one from, of all folks, the Eagles. Marc takes that one and makes it all his own. The musicianship shines throughout. His guitar playing is, to say the least, impeccable, as is the

accompaniment from such folks as Eli Marcus. He told me that he wasn't terribly happy with the result as he continuously found things that could have been done better. Well let me tell you people, he sure fooled me, for had he not indicated otherwise, I would have said the album is perfect, period. And so it is. Make sure you obtain it, whatever you do.

--Larry Gamliel

Just in time for Ann Rachel's coming visit (you may remember her as Ann Limor), a copy of her new CD (Time Passes By) has made its way to my music machine. Having heard it only once, this cannot be termed a "review," but rather a first impression.

In fact, the initial impression was a slight cringe from an old-fashioned folkie. It sounds so very smooth, so very modern, even "hot." It had shades of Nanci Griffith with its sometimes driving rhythms and sometimes gentle sounds. There were hints of jazz, Middle East blends, further East mantras. Who's Ann gone out and gotten to back her up? What's the studio gone and done?

Fortunately, there was also a radio interview with Ann -- and in fact that big sound was all the real Ann Rachel strutting her stuff! Time has made a change.

Ann Rachel has created a more mature and modern sound than we are used to, in her old bluegrass and children's song days. Some pieces that she played and sang herself (and one studio person occasionally), created a band sound that fooled her interviewer, with close harmonies that might remind you of Silas (unusual Celtic harpists, for the uninitiated). Most of the songs are in English, some in Hebrew. There's something for everyone and I highly recommend you turn out to hear Ann Rachel on her way to the big time!

--jg

Happy birthday to: Daniel Baum, Shira Baum, Judy Greenbaum, Harold Jacobs, Roby Shmerling.

Bon Voyage and a good restful Shabbaton to Don and Judi Ganchrow.

Gittelson (02) 671-6803 or (053) 962-600 or NURSEMARC@NEWMAIL.NET

FolkNotes and all of the articles, photo- graphs and material contained therein are, unless otherwise noted, copyrighted by IFS 2000.

Sat., Sun., Mon. 8-12 P.M. Folk music with Ray Scudero at the 7th Place, Beit Agron, 37 Hillel, (02) 625-4495 Call ahead.

Sundays, biweekly. Israel Dulcimer Society: Get that dulcimer off the wall and join us for biweekly music sessions. All levels welcome. Alternate Mondays, 8:30 p.m. For more information: Judith (02) 679-8448 or Dena (02)-561-8910.

Thursdays, 8:30-11 P.M., Balkan Dancing at Moadon Hasport, 30 Hatsfira, Moshava Germanit, call Cyrelle (02) 566-2682.

American Square Dancing Group. for info: Brenda (02) 561-2435.

Wed. Feb. 2: The Song Ride Shir HaDerekh aboriginal creation songs from Persia, Kurdistan, Bulgaria, and Yugoslavia. Aidaka Ensemble. Confederation House, Emil Botta 12. (02) 624-5206.

Sat. Feb. 5, 8 pm. Scottish Folk Dancing at St. Andrew's Scottish Hospice, David Remez 1 (near Rakevet). Please call to verify time, etc. (02) 673-2401.

Wed. Feb. 9, 8.30 pm: JERUSALEM FOLK CLUB, 7th Place Restaurant in Bet Agron Building, Hillel Street, Jerusalem. Admission: 30 NIS including first drink. Open mike at 8:30. Headliner: Shelley Ellen. Call Larry Gamliel at (053) 801-202 or Carol at 671-4007.

Wed. Feb. 16: Ruth Wieder-Magen (old and new songs, from holy prayer songs to "Trance" style, with Eastern and Western voice techniques. Confederation House, Emil Botta 12. Call (02) 624-5206.

Sun. March 5 CAROUSEL at the Jerusalem Theater. Tickets and information from LOGON: (07)-653-2126 or 642-1120.

First Friday of every month. Oppenheimer English Storyteller Center for Adults. Come listen, learn, share, and enjoy. Please call ahead and reserve a place. Email: dvoras@netvision.net.il or call Dvora at (03) 546-2913. (11 Yotzer Blvd, near Assuta Hospital).

Tuesdays (every): Country & 60's Dance, with Meir at Moadon Naamat, Rehov Ha-Kuzari corner Mazeh, Herzlia; NIS 18 entrance, for details call Meir (03) 613-0071 or Meshi (052) 595-030; 8-9:30 P.M. beginners, 9:30-11 P.M. advanced.

Thursdays: Irish Music at the Leprechaun Pub, 8A King George St.

Wed. Feb. 2. 8:30 PM.: TEL AVIV FOLK CLUB, with Dave Bender, Shelley Ellen, Larry Gamliel and others. Bikurei Ha'itim 6 Heftman St. For more details, call Ariela: (03) 683-7441.

Wed. Feb. 16. 8:30 PM.: TEL AVIV FOLK CLUB, with Irit Gill and others. Bikurei Ha'itim 6

Heftman St. For more details call Ariela: (03) 683-7441.

Sat. Feb. 19. 8:00 pm.: Square Dance Evening with CYRELLE FORMAN-SOFFER, Kibbutz Tzora. Fee: NIS 35, for information, call: Judy Admon (02) 534-5899 or Cyrelle (02) 566-2682.

Wed. Feb. 23. 9 P.M.: KIBBUTZ TZORA FOLK CLUB. The usual great line-up. Call: Judi & Lynn Lewis: (02)990-8382 or (051) 348-061 or judilynn@gezernet.co.il

Thurs. Feb. 3. 9 pm. An evening with JOYFUL NOISE, with Diane Kaplan, Jonathan

Margalit, Bracha Ben Avraham, and Ada Dahan. Entrance: NIS 15. For more information, call Larry (04) 990-2455.

Wed. March 1, CAROUSEL at Mofat Hechal Hatarbut. Tickets and information from LOGON: (07)-653-2126 or 642-11.

Try to get your information to the appropriate persons for the Calendar, as early as possible, so we can meet publication deadlines (15th of each month). Contact Sue Tourkin-Komet (02) 676-3346 for Jerusalem activities; all areas: Larry Gamliel at (02) 641-1043 or (053) 801-202, or by fax: Carol (02) 675-8376.

For late-breaking updates, join our email listing, contact Carol: carol@mdlib.huji.ac.il