One of Israel’s most accomplished musicians is visiting Atlanta on Monday, Sept. 11, for a performance at City Winery Atlanta. The show is part of a five-city tour that includes Boston, New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.
Known as Israel’s piano man, Rami Kleinstein has been compared to Elton John and Billy Joel. Over a 30-year career, Kleinstein has released more than 10 albums, several of which have gone triple platinum.
Kleinstein spoke to the AJT in advance of his first show in Atlanta since December 2003.
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AJT: Rami, you’ve had some big shows here in the past. How excited are you to come back to Atlanta?
Kleinstein: I love the shows in Atlanta. The audience always gives me such a warm welcome.
AJT: You’ve been called the Israeli Billy Joel. Do you like that comparison?
Kleinstein: It is an honor for me to be compared to Billy Joel, one of my musical heroes and influences. There are not many piano men out there. Artists who can go out there on their own and bring down a house with a one-man band are rare.
AJT: Who are some of your musical influences and heroes?
Kleinstein: Besides Billy Joel, Elton John is right up there. Also, the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Keith Jarrett, Peter Gabriel, the Police, Shalom Chanoch, Kaveret, Debussy, Bach, and that is a nice summary of my musical background.
AJT: There is a fairly large Israeli population in Atlanta now. Do you have any family or friends who live here?
Kleinstein: I don’t know of any relatives or friends in town, but I remember these three words in Hebrew: Kol Israel haverim, meaning all Israelis are friends.
AJT: Do you have any special message that you like to pass on when you perform?
Kleinstein: No performance of mine is alike, and the message can vary. But I mainly speak of connecting people rather than dividing. I speak about the importance of loving yourself and the ones you’re with.
AJT: Anything else you’d like to say to your fans in Atlanta?
Kleinstein: I’m really excited to be with you again. Sadly, I won’t have time off to enjoy Atlanta, so I’ll put all my energy and love onstage there. See you guys soon!
Who: Rami Kleinstein
Where: City Winery Atlanta, Ponce City Market, 650 North Ave., No. 201, Old Fourth Ward
When: 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11
Tickets: $40 to $65; bit.ly/2voKjXS or 404-946-3791
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