Now one of the largest and most prestigious events of its kind anywhere in the world, the Ashkenaz Festival features the best and brightest of the global Yiddish/Jewish culture scene.
The Ashkenaz Festival consists of more than 60 acts, including over 200 individual performers, and most events are presented free to the public as a community service.
The Festival will feature concerts, theatre performances, literary
events, visual art exhibitions, family programs, and hands-on
workshops in dance, music and craft... all capped off by the Ashkenaz Parade, which will once again transform Harbourfront Centre into a swirling spectacle of sound, colour, and group revelry. This year's Festival line-up is as eclectic and powerful as ever, featuring many of the world's leading Klezmer and Jewish-fusion artists, including: the Canadian Premiere of Abraham Inc., a new 10-piece "Jewish Funk" supergroup featuring renowned clarinetist David Krakauer, Yiddish hip-hop renegade Socalled, and legendary trombonist Fred Wesley of James Brown/George Clinton/Maceo Parker band fame; North American premiere performances by Argentinian Yiddish tango songstress Zully Goldfarb, Russian klezmer "garage band" Nayekhovichi, and Ukrainian klezmer brass band Konsonans Retro; a rare Canadian appearance by legendary mandolinist and clarinetist Andy Statman; and a 'Kosher Gospel' blowout featuring NY's Joshua Nelson with special guests Toronto's Dave Wall and Ken Whiteley.
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Starts: Aug 26, 2008
Ends: Sep 1, 2008
At: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto Playing: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Saturday Sunday
Times: Various Cost: Most events are free to the public. Check website for ticketed events.
Getting there:
Spadina streetcar to Queens Quay
For more information contact:
Phone:
416-979-9901 Email:
sam@ashkenazfestival.com
