Folk Notes The
Official Newsletter of the
Current issue and
archives at: www.oocities.com/tzorafolk
Contents:
The Blast; The
Harp Circle; Jill Rogoff Concert Review; Southern Jam; Regards from Pete
Morton; Flashing Blue
What a Blast
Well by now you all know how I am, spewing
effusive- ness and being disgustingly gushy and all that. Why just the other
day the editorial board had to hang me by my heels for it. But this time I am
justified because on August 30th there was an event indeed suited to
its title, which is to say A Blast. In fact, it was the “last blast of
the summer.”
The idea literally leapt into being from
Larry Rosenfeld's head. The primary purpose was to afford religious people a
chance to have a taste of what transpires during a Jacob's Ladder Festival. To
this end, the cream of the crop of Israeli folk singers and musicians were
invited. Many came and made the day.
The day was really also made by the
volunteers who helped make the thing happen. As far as I can tell things ran
smoothly and any incidental problems such as a lack of electrical power were
dealt with smoothly and efficiently. The layout was compact and nifty. There
were four stages, which were close enough to each other so that people could
drift from one to another and catch a smidgen of everything going on.
Brett Johnson
The council of Shorashim, where the event
was held, went all out to host the artists and other hangers-on. Those of us
who came up the night before had access to caravans with air conditioning, just
the right thing for dealing with the heat wave. During the festival itself it
was possible to buy fast food at very reasonable prices. Some of us stayed on
and made a weekend out of it, mixing with friends and fellow artists and thus
making even more music.
This brings us to the music. I didn't try to
be everywhere at once so I didn't hear
everyone. But from what I
could hear, it was the Israel English speaking folk community at its best. Each
of us has our favorites, so rather than single anyone out for praise or
damnation, let us just say that we are the greatest, all of us. You know what,
I'll make one exception and mention Sandy Cash. All the other sound
stages stopped while she was performing. You know why.
Also special thanks to Brett Johnson,
They tell me that for the sake of form sake
I must find something to criticize. The article has to be balanced and all
that. Well I'm trying real hard, but… Ok, if I must, I must. Seriously, if
there was any problem at all, it might be that the sound stages were so close
together that louder music from one interfered with softer music from another.
I don't know if this happened often, I only witnessed it once. I would
respectfully suggest that if this Blast becomes an annual occurrence, and I
hope it does, it might be something to consider. Perhaps there should be one
stage less.
Ok, I did my duty. Now let's get back to the
gushing. Hat's off to Larry. That's an old song by Del Shannon you know.
--Larry Gamliel
A New Gathering:
The
Late in August, we traipsed through
little-known back alleys in
for the first meeting of
our brand-new
Though some of us had
secretly been wishing for
just such a gathering for
some time, it was entirely
due to Shoshana's passion
for the harp that we did
so at last.
While a few of the attendees own larger
harps,
most of the ones at this
meeting were 22-string
or smaller. This instrument
is a different creature from its more highly-respected, classical 47-string
sister, and requires a different approach in many aspects.
Sunita
Stanislow led the first meeting of eleven harpers, giving us all useful
tips about playing the instrument and the benefit of her years of experience
and expertise.
Ideas for the structure and content of
future gatherings
fairly flew, and we each
made a mental note to root out all those closet harpers lurking unsuspecting,
in misty corners of the country.
It was also agreed that we should all try to
play something together at each gathering, building up our group repertoire in
the same way that the dulcimer group has been doing during the past few years.
So dust off the harp perched on your living-room wall or sitting in your
closet, and come join us! We'll be happy to welcome you.
The next gathering will take place, again at
Shoshana's house, on Tuesday, November 12th at
--Jill Rogoff
Jill Rogoff: Shining Star,
Hear My Call
July 26, Yad HaShmona
It takes a very special talent to
walk into a minimalist wooden structure in the August midday sun, to perform
unplugged, largely in a language no one of the 200 strong audience will under-
stand, and still command such attention that you could hear a pin drop (if the
air conditioner happened not to
be blowing just then). It
takes a special person who can be in full feeling of a Scot’s
Jill Rogoff (copyright Ray Scudero)
Gaelic mourning song just
as some fool's cell phone begins to ring relentlessly and to keep going without
skipping a beat. In fact, Jill Rogoff was that very special person,
during her recent performance at Yad HaShmona to a sold-out house.
The concert was a lovingly selected series
of 19 mainly British Isles songs, including a Sephardic rendition of Adon
Olam written in
Sharing
at least 9 of the songs with her, this Harrari harp is a fine complement to the
music, even if it sometimes inhibits Jill's full body language often expressed
on guitar or a capella. One song unexpectedly had a steel string guitar
accompaniment that provided an unusual, refreshing sound. The arrangements were
well thought out and enhanced by her ringing finger cymbals as distant steeple
bells in the Three Marys (Gol na dTri Muire), and gentle
drumming during Beinn a'Cheathaich, imitating the rhythmic work depicted
in the song. Maintaining her intimate relation to her audience, she let them
solo on the fol la la's of an Irish Gaelic spinning song. All in all, it
was a fine hour far from the maddening world at large.
--Judi Ganchrow
SOUTHERN FRIED JAM
Summer's
almost gone, winter's comin' on... and before the cold winds blow join us
at the fall Southern Fried Jam on Oct. 25 in the
For those who don't yet know the way.... take
Route 40 to Dvira Junction, just a few minutes south of the Bet Kama
intersection (a large intersection with a gas station and traffic light). Turn
onto Route 326 at Dvira Junction and drive 7 kms, until you see a large map of
the
Southern Jam –
November 1999
The
opening theme for this season's sing-around will be "peace and love
songs" to counteract the winds of war. Don't forget to bring your copies
of Rise Up Singing! Printouts of your favorite songs to pass around and
share are also welcome!
For
further information, call Laurie at (08) 653-2080 or (064) 464-3777 or email
A THANK YOU TO ALL
At last
I've found the time to stop and thank all those in the Israeli folk community
who made me most welcome. I didn't know what to expect and nor did you, so I
appreciate you a-takin’ a chance on letting me sing my songs to you. It was a
great pleasure to perform at the folk clubs in your country and meet such a
great bunch of people. I'm now going to make the foolhardy attempt to
remember names. Hopefully I
won't forget anyone. Gulp!
First of all, thanks to Ed
and Arlene from Kibbutz Gal'ed who whisked me away from my first night in Tel
Aviv after the gig in the park. It was great to spend a few days on kibbutz and
be shown around the sites. To Carol
Fuchs for the sofa and organisation, Larry of Karmiel for wonderfully
bad jokes,
Chaz Crosson for getting it all started and Harold for the
breakfast. Paul Moore for the eggs and beer, Larry Rosemheim for the
speedboat cruise and the trip around
at Tzora and also to Buddy
and Sandy... and Fred Shlomka!
Not forgetting the great music I heard. Yoav,
Judy, Shelley Ellen, Shay, Betty, Jill, Robbie
and Eliott and on and on and on...thank you all! Will try and get back
for more “song swapping” next year.
Best wishes and Shana
Tova, if it not too late!
--Pete Morton
The 6th English Song
Festival
under the auspices of
the Israel FolkStuff Society and AACI Jerusalem will take place
at the
This year music
entries are classified as either “acoustic” or “electric.” Prizes will be given
in each category, plus an overall winner.
Registration will be
accepted until
Also at this event the AACI Annual Raffle
of 2 round trip tickets to
FLASHING BLUE LIGHTS & THE BLUE
I knew something was wrong when I saw cars
backing up, especially when one even scurried into the roundabout in the wrong
direction. But what, me worry? With Alfred E. Newman as my inspiration &
guide, this mad world is a piece of cake. There were a number of blue police
lights flashing down the coastal promenade opposite the Buzz Stop (my sleazy
beer joint destination), so I deviously took a service road and slipped into
the Sheraton car park. (Later, a suspicious object was blown up and it actually
did look like a bomb belt.) Maybe someone was testing the alertness of the
nearby American Embassy security.
Featured at the Buzz Stop was a country rock
band called the Grinders, fronted by the best fiddler in the
A pleasant surprise was Betty
Maoz, doing female vocals, backup vocals and guitar. Betty is one of my
favorite local singers, so the combin- ation should have been dynamite.
Unfortunately it was both ear shattering and the constant feedback screeching
was not sufficiently softened by one glass of draft beer. So the bugler sounded
a speedy retreat. On the way out, I poked my head into the neighboring Mike's
Place blues joint and the tight band was ripping it up with some icy cool
Hendrix riffs, the night’s one highlight. So I whipped out the ol’ harmonica
and blew a few notes into the microphone. The crowd went ballistic, and I was
outta there. They couldn't under- stand why I was heading for the door. Tel
Aviv is always full of surprises.
--Harold Jacobs
Happy Birthday to: Issie Ackerman,
Sandy Cash, Larry Gamliel, Uzi Gamliel, Gili Gamliel, Judi Ganchrow, Eliott
Goldstein, Joanna Katzen, Jill Rogoff, Vernon Whetstone
Refuah Shlema to: Meir Ben Chazan,
a founding father of IFS, who undergoes heart surgery this week.
Thought for the day
It's hard to make a come-
back when you haven't been anywhere.
NOT TRAD ADS - fee is
** Marc Miller's CD Bring It With You When
You Come. Contact Marc at (055) 901-740 or e-mail him at mmiller@afik.org
or send a check for 50
Kibbutz Afik and send to:
Fatman Productions
Kibbutz Afik
Doar Na Ramat HaGolan 12938
Larry Gamliel wrote
"Get it, whatever you do."
Ray Scudero wrote "My
only complaint is that he priced his work too low."
**Sandy
Cash's new CD, EXACT CHANGE, is available for 60
**SHELLEY ELLEN
- guitar
lessons, also
available for performances (03)
674-5356.
**Jill Rogoff's
THE CELTIC CRADLE and ACROSS THE NARROW SEAS (ALC
129) are available on cassette and CD. Tel/Fax (02) 679-0410.
**DAY OF REST
-- Rahel Jaskow's CD. Renditions of traditional and slightly
off-the-beaten-track Sabbath songs.
** Voice and/or flute lessons. Call Marcie Schreier: (053)
834-174.
**Computer Support.
Free telephone support, and house calls. Very reasonable rates. Ben Hizak.
(050) 280-644.
DISCLAIMER: FolkNotes is the
official publication of the Israel FolkStuff Society. Views are those of the
writers, not necessarily those of IFS.
FolkNotes and all of the
articles, photographs and material contained therein
are, unless otherwise
noted, copyrighted by IFS 2002.
The disclaimer is so
that people do not "steal your article." In every case that people
turn to FolkNotes for permission, we refer them directly to the author of the
article. Advertisement tariffs for FolkNotes
are available on request.
FolkNotes Staff: Sherry
Whetstone, Larry Gamliel, Carol Fuchs, and Cecile Panzer
Oh, YES! I'd
like to become a member of/renew my membership in IFS. Includes a subscription
to FolkNotes, discounts on IFS-sponsored concerts and Home Hoots, etc. (Send to
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C A L
E N D A R
OCTOBER 2002
JERUSALEM AREA:
Thursday, October 10th,
Saturday, October 12th,
9 pm. AACI/IFS Sing Thing. American Music of the Sixties – Folk and
Rock and Back Together. 6
AACI,
For information call
Larry at (053) 801-202 or Carol (053) 850-098.
Saturday, Oct 12 – Ofer Golany is producing an
Evening at Khan Katan in
Tentative fall Dulcimer Society schedule: First 3 consecutive Mondays of the
month. 3rd Monday, other instruments
welcome to come and play with us. For more info, call Judi (02-679-8448) or
Dena (02-561-8910).
Sunday, October 20th,
Mormon Center, Jerusalem - Irish Cream is giving a concert with the
Israel Philharmonic choir (yes that's right!) The concert includes classical
renditions of Irish and English folk songs, Madrigals, Handel's Hallelujah
chorus from the Messiah, songs by the Beatles,
and a portion of the
evening will be our own program of our songs, jigs and reels. You can get
tickets for this concert through the Mormon Center. http://www.Irish-cream.net
TEL
AVIV AREA:
Tuesday October 1st, (and every
Tuesday until further notice) 10 pm - 1:00 am. The Grinders (Yonatan
Miller and The Grinders) will be performing at the Buzz Stop
in Tel Aviv, Herbert Samuel 86, on the Tayelet next to the American Embassy
(good for security). NO COVER CHARGE. (We have had guest musicians and singers
sit in and we hope it becomes a tradition).
Wednesday, October 2nd, 8:30 pm. TEL
AVIV FOLK CLUB with Ofer Golani and friends (his new program) and
other musicians. Bikurei Ha'itim, 6 Heftman
St. Admission NIS 22. For more details, call Ariela at (03) 683-7441.
Wednesday, October 16th,
8:30 pm. TEL AVIV FOLK CLUB. No details. Bikurei
Ha'itim, 6 Heftman St. Admission NIS 22. For more details, call Ariela at (03)
683-7441
IRISH CREAM,
Tuesday, October 8th - Camelot
Herzliyya
Wednesday, October 9th - Havat
Hachayot, Tivon
Thursday, October 10th - ? Somewhere
up north....
Friday, October 11th - Camelot Tel
Aviv
Saturday, October 12th - Merkaz Enav,
Gan Ha'ir, Tel Aviv
For those of you who like Irish music and who
like pipes, don't miss it!
[ed. note – that’s all
the information we were given]
KIBBUTZ
TZORA and area
Monday, October 7th,
at 8:30 pm. BET SHEMESH MUSIC NITE (BSMN), at the home of Tamar & David
Silverman, 12 Rehov Shimon (in Givat Sharett), 10
Friday, October 25th,
11 am. Southern Fried Jam. Joe Allon Forest. See article for
details.
Wednesday, October 30th,
9 pm. KIBBUTZ TZORA FOLK CLUB. Call Judi & Lynn Lewis
at (02) 990-8382 or (051) 348-061 or email them at judilynn@tzora.co.il. Also see their website:
KARMIEL AND NORTH
Thursday, October 3rd,
Thursday, October
17th,
Sarona Weekend 2002 has
been set for Thursday, November 7th –
Workshops at Sarona
After a hard night at
Karmiel, we will be holding various workshops late Friday morning and afternoon
and Saturday late morning and afternoon. Scheduled so far:
The
Turn Of the Century Revolution:
African Cadences and Tonalities Invade Popular American Music – Marc
Miller.
The Petting Zoo –
get to touch/play an instrument new to you.
Guides so far are Judi
Ganchrow (and friends) with their dulcimers.
Bev
Burge (and friends) with pennywhistles.
Dance workshop with Cyrelle.
Get a closer look at
the 7000 instruments available on Larry’s keyboard.
Judi
Buchman-Ziv – How to develop and use your voice correctly –
not a specific style
Keep this date open: Friday-Saturday,
November 22nd-23rd at Sde Boker. Autumn Dulcimer
Retreat. Contacts: Laurie (08) 653-2080, Judi (02) 679-8448.
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 Larry Gamliel at (053) 801-202, or by email: carolm@shum.huji.ac.il, or fax Carol at (02)
675-8905.
To receive the twice-weekly email updates, write Carol: carolm@shum.huji.ac.il