The Shir Madness of it all

Where would music be without Jewish musicians? It’s a good question to ask. Imagine popular music without Israel (Irving) Berlin, Carol Klein (King), Bob Zimmerman (Dylan), Lewis (Lou) Reed – and the list goes on. What is it about Hebrew culture that spawns such a vortex of creativity?

“I really don’t know the answer, but we seem to be pretty good at it,” says Nicola Ossher, artistic director for Shir Madness, Sydney’s Jewish music festival. Already in its third year, the festival features over 30 high-quality acts on five stages over nine hours. The timing of the festival is hardly a coincidence as it falls right in the middle of the eight days and nights of the Jewish holiday Chanukah (November 27-December 5).

The Chanukah festival is traditionally observed by the kindling of the lights on the Menorah, a unique candelabrum with nine branches. Nine hours of music for nine branches – another coincidence?

It is certainly no coincidence that Shir Madness is set against the sunlit backdrop of picturesque Bondi Beach. According to Chabad of Bondi, the centre for Jewish life and education in Bondi, their affiliations count for over six thousand Jewish families living primarily in the Eastern suburbs and Sydney area.

Shir Madness showcases an eclectic array of musical talent from that community.

“We are not just showcasing traditional Jewish music but take a much broader stance inviting Jewish musicians playing any genre of music,” says Ossher.

The eclecticism is there in the variety of musical styles but also the fusion. So, expect to hear everything from rap, hip-hop, rock, pop, folk, reggae and jazz. Add to that the blending of influences, like ‘Jip-rop’, ‘hazz funk’, ‘hip-pop’ – even ‘Kosher’ Gospel. Headlining the festival is the prince of Kosher Gospel, Joshua Nelson. A black American Jew, growing up he fell in love with the music of Mahalia Jackson, the queen of Gospel. Now he combines his love of Gospel music with his Hebrew heritage. It’s easy to see where the common threads converge with the Old Testament Torah and the struggle against oppression that produced Gospel music.

“Kosher Gospel is something to be experienced,” says Ossher.

“I’ve been able to experience it first hand because I’ve toured with Joshua as his drummer – so I get to play with him at the festival.”

For those who want high-energy crowd engagement there is plenty on offer. Adam Katz does smooth pop with the polish of a Jewish Justin Timberlake, only to break away and throw down some freestyle rap with the crowd. He’s got all the dance moves too. Nathan Kaye from Byron Bay brings his funky didj-blowing, ball tearing, lap steal guitar playing, stomp-boxing, one-man band – channeling a Jewish Xavier Rudd. Melbourne based Rapskallion fuse folk, blues and rock with Klezmer and vaudeville influences. Quirky onstage characters, costumes and a plethora of instruments make them an unforgettable visual and musical experience.

If you want to slip back into something a little more laid-back there is the more mellow groove. The wonderful Abby Dobson and Lara Goodridge team up in Baby et Lulu to pay homage to the great singers and songwriters of France. Perennial favourites Tinpan Orange bring their beautiful folk-pop sound to the stage and have recently toured with Martha Wainwright. Deborah Conway, who is a patron of the festival, will do songs from her acclaimed Stories of Ghosts – an exploration of the Old Testament from a non-believers perspective. World-renowned pianist Simon Tedeschi brings his classical and jazz sensibilities to some of the best-loved works of George Gershwin.

Local favourites The Barefoot Band, featuring Ben Goldstein from a recent stint on The Voice, head up a raft of up-and-coming acts. What began as four mates jamming around Bondi – and yes, they were barefoot – has produced a roots and reggae band with a passionate fan base in the Bondi area. As their following has grown, so has the lineup. As drummer Dave Goldberger points out, “We grew up together and have been playing music with each other for years. Now we are a nine-piece band and it’s really quite a show – high-energy, good vibe, lots of dancing – playing some cool music with a good message.”

Broadening the artistic canvas is craft, comedy and of course exotic food stalls. In the pavilion gallery is the aptly named Let there be Light exhibition and a series of incredible art installations round out a feast of creative energy.

No music festival worth its salt would be complete without a cameo appearance or two but Ossher is tight-lipped for the moment.

“We really wanted Leonard Cohen to pop his head into the festival,” she laughs.

“We’re still trying on that one.”

“Shir Madness is just something to be experienced,” continues Ossher.

“You don’t know until you walk in the gates how much incredible music you will discover. It’s just a day of walking around and being blown away by incredible musicians in a really wonderful atmosphere.” (GW)

Dec 1, Bondi Pavilion, Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Beach, $40-145 (families), shirmadness.com