KNISHMAS! December 24, 2006

The KNISH returns! The annual xmas alternative so traditional... its truly alternative! Shtreimel joins us from Montreal on their US tour for jams that are part John Popper and Blues Traveler and part Klezmer band. Plus rising hip hop star of david Kosha Dillz and classic rock sounds by Moshe Skier Band. Its gonna be hot as… as a knish!
Held on the mythical 9th night of Haunkah at Wicker Park's Subterranean Lounge (2011 W. North @ Milwaukee and Damen) This mini-Jewish music festival actually focuses on contemporary Jewish music and culture. "It has an alternative vibe that's at once familiar and also celebratory of the youthful, Nu-Jew culture. This year the eclectic lineup includes Hard Rock, Hip Hop and yes, Harmonicas.

Founded by harmonica innovator, Jason Rosenblatt, and named for the traditional fur hat worn by Chassidic Jews, headliner Shtreiml blends elements of klezmer, gypsy music and jazz to create a vibrant sound that is at once Eastern European Folk Music and Down-Home Blues. Shtreiml's debut album, Harmonica Galitzianer, nominated for a Montreal Independent Music Award for Best World Music Album 2003, showcases Rosenblatt's unique approach to playing the 10-hole diatonic harmonica or "blues harp." One of a handful of people in the world who can play the diatonic harmonica chromatically, Rosenblatt uses recently devised techniques pioneered by harmonica master Howard Levy (of Blea Fleck and the Flecktones), to fit the instrument generally associated with the blues into an Eastern European context. Levy taught Rosenblatt his technique, and Rosenblatt applied it to Klezmer music, which typically uses a fiddle, clarinet or accordian as its lead instrument. The music evokes John Popper and Blues Traveler playing a Jewish wedding. The group has performed at dozens of festivals, concerts, clubs and private functions in Canada, Europe and the U.S., headling the raucous Krakow Jewish Festival.

Also performing are hip hop performer KOSHA DILLZ and rock trio MOSHE SKIER BAND. KOSHA DILLZ is an Israeli-born MC, battle rapper and freestyler who has most recently been appearing with rap notables Remedy Ross and Killah Priest (Wu-Tang Clan) C-Rayz Walz, Platinum 112 and has recently recorded a single with Matisyahu. His rhymes reference the rappers' own struggle to lead a straight-edge life after running into trouble with substance abuse during his teens years, an experience which led him to explore his own Judaism. The synthesis of heritage and hip hop has created a buzz for the 25 year old New Jersey resident for dropping parallels between the Jewish faith and his personal struggle with a positive style that embraces Chassidic and other Jewish concepts thorugh his lyrics. He recently recorded with freestyler Y-Love, Wu-Tang member Killah Priest and Tunisian rapper Dragon Ball T.

Skier, a bassist who once and still performers with Jewish parody band Shlock Rock, brings a classic rock and blues edge to Jewish songs that features the blistering sill of Hasidic guitarist Mendel Appel. The Milwaukee based trio, rounded out with Dan Lawitts on drums, has built a modest Chicago niche following, in large part due to their musicianship.

The music is great, KNISHMAS is a chance to embrace a new take on Jewish cultural heritage in funky way. Soft, savory and familiar like home, but hot and hip in an old-school way. Very much like a knish.

Event information:
Event Name: KNISHMAS!
Date: Sunday, December 24, 2006
8pm doors, 9pm show
Featured acts: Shtreiml (w guest Howard Levy) http://myspace.com/shtreimel
Moshe Skier Band http://myspace.com/mosheskierband
Kosha Dillz http://myspace.com/koshadillzinyomouf
Presented by: KFAR Jewish Arts Center
Venue: Subterranean Lounge
Address 2011 W. North Avenue, Chicago

Official Website: http://kfarcenter.org