Atlanta Jewish Music Festival 7 Artist Guide
Get to know the featured artists of the seventh Atlanta Jewish Music Festival which starts March 10.
David R. Cohen is the former Associate Editor of the Atlanta Jewish Times. He is originally from Marietta, GA and studied Journalism at the University of Tennessee.
Get to know the featured artists of the seventh Atlanta Jewish Music Festival which will see 16 events over 18 days at venues across the city. Find more info on dates and ticket prices here: atlantajmf.org/ajmf7-line-up-announcement
Hadar Noiberg Trio
Performing: March 10 at Steve’s Live Music and March 11 at Congregation Or Hadash
Sounds like: Herbie Mann made aliyah
Why you should go: Jazz flutist Hadar Noiberg doesn’t take any cues from Jethro Tull or even Ron Burgundy. Instead, the New York-based bandleader combines Middle Eastern roots and traditional jazz music for an exotic trip around the world. Attend a performance to see one of the world’s premier jazz flutists jam with her talented band of drummer Allison Miller and bassist Haggai Cohen Milo.
Joe Buchanan
Performing: March 12 at Temple Emanu-El
Sounds like: Zac Brown Band went on tour with Safam
Why you should go: Joe Buchanan is forging into the uncharted territory that is Judaic Americana music. Listen to the Jewish convert from Texas and you can hear the soul in every note he sings. Go to his performance at Temple Emanu-El if you want to see a fresh take on what Jewish music can be. You will leave inspired. Buchanan’s concert was originally scheduled to be held at the Dunwoody Nature center but due to high demand, his show will now be outside at Temple Emanu-El.
Sammy Rosenbaum
Performing: March 13 at the Hunger Walk/Run and March 25 at The Temple
Sounds like: Bob Marley and Debbie Friedman’s love child
Why you should go: Sammy Rosenbaum is one of the few local artists featured at AJMF7. He also happens to be one of the Southeast’s pre-eminent Jewish singer-songwriters. Rosenbaum’s performance with the AJMF All-Stars at the Hunger Walk/Run is sure to be one of the highlights of the festival. We can only hope the weather cooperates.
Klezmer Local 42
Performing: March 13 at Congregation Beth Shalom
Sounds like: Klezmer and Gypsy jazz
Why you should go: Who doesn’t like klezmer? Athens-based Klezmer Local 42 is one of the few purveyors of this traditional music in Georgia and is playing what looks to be a wildly entertaining show at Beth Shalom. Besides klezmer, these talented musicians mix it up with some Gypsy music and other surprises.
Andrew & Polly
Performing: March 19 at Venkman’s and March 20 at Marcus JCC
Sounds like: Raffi meets Alex & Sierra
Why you should go: Take your kids and see this award-winning interfaith musical duo. The Los Angeles-based children’s musicians don’t come to Atlanta very often, and this is a great chance to enjoy some fun-filled music at one of the city’s newest venues, Venkman’s. Also check out the duo’s podcast, “Ear Snacks,” at andrewandpolly.com.
Soulfarm
Performing: March 20 at Atlanta Jewish Academy
Sounds like: Matisyahu’s beats crossed with Dave Matthews’ jams
Why you should go: At $36, tickets to Kehilla Fest at AJA are the most expensive of any show at AJMF7, but Soulfarm, a New York-based rock/jam band from Israel, should be well worth the price. You’ll witness a high-energy, fast-paced musical journey through American and Israeli music while helping raise money for The Kehilla.
FSQ
Performing: March 22 at Aisle 5
Sounds like: George Clinton, Big Gigantic, Daft Punk
Why you should go: AJMF’s first EDM event features interfaith DJs Chuck “Da Fonk” Fishman and Sa’D “The Hourchild” Ali. They make up FSQ, which stands for Funk, Style, Quality. This performance is part of the AJMF House of Peace. Also performing with FSQ is a local legend. The Black Rabbeye, who was a prominent Bar Mitzvah DJ in Atlanta during the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s will be joining the group to lay down some old school jams. Check out this event if you’re a fan of electronic music or if you just want to dance the night away to some funky beats.
Jaffa Road
Performing: March 26 at Terminal West
Sounds like: Middle Eastern jazz rock electronica fusion
Why you should go: Toronto-based world music group Jaffa Road borrows from nearly every musical genre. In the process, the group, led by vocalist Aviva Chernick and guitarist Aaron Lightstone, has created an entertaining blend of musical styles that should satisfy everyone at the AJMF Purim party. Attend the festival’s main event in costume to see Jaffa Road and A-WA break a few musical boundaries together.
A-WA
Performing: March 26 at Terminal West
Sounds like: Yemenite folk-inspired EDM
Why you should go: A-WA burst onto the scene with a wildly popular YouTube video for the song “Habib Galbi,” which has more than 2.5 million views. But the group, consisting of three sisters from southern Israel, hasn’t even released an album yet. Check out this performance to see one of the hottest EDM acts in the world take the stage at one of Atlanta’s best venues and to see what other treats the trio has to offer.
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