For three evenings, established and aspiring musicians come together in and around the Steinberg Center for the Arts in Kiryat Sharet, Holon to play and discuss music.
By ANDREW TOBINKan Music Festival 224(photo credit: Courtesy)
The Israeli music scene has never appeared more vibrant - or more competitive. The Kan Music Festival intends to address both of these trends. For three evenings, established and aspiring musicians come together in and around the Steinberg Center for the Arts in Kiryat Sharet, Holon to play and discuss music.
A pantheon of iconic names, headlined by Hadag Nahash, is expected to bring in crowds, thereby creating a showcase for a variety of new artists. Producer, Haim Shemesh, who collaborated with Israeli music guru, Yoav Kutner to create the festival, said that he wants to, "bring-up unknown artists through known ones."
In this spirit, emerging artists will get the chance to breakout on the big stage. Gal Depaz is opening the 'Something from Here' show with the help of its stars Shlomi Shaban, Efrat Gosh and Marina Maximilan Blumin, while Hamoshava will be warming-up the crowd for Hadag Nahash and 17-year-old Joni.
The event also includes free and inexpensive shows featuring exclusively unknown or little-known musicians. Doron Sheffer, a rock pianist who will play at the event, sees it as an opportunity for bands to get a foothold in a saturated industry where, "it has become harder, not to be heard, but to be known."
Outside of the concerts, there will be several talks. Kutner is scheduled to interview the 'Something from Here' musicians before their show, Hemi Ruder will talk about the music industry and Shaanan Streett, from Hadag Nahash, is going to discuss the philosophy behind his lyrics.
By creating a supportive venue for talented young artists, Shemesh ultimately hopes to recreate for fans his experience of seeing the Red Hot Chili Peppers at CBGB just before they bust into international consciousness. Only time will tell if the next big thing comes out of Holon but, at the very least, the Kan Music Festival should provide an entertaining glimpse at the state of Israeli music.
The Kan Music Festival runs from August 28-30 and tickets are NIS 65-75. For more information and to purchase said tickets, call (03) 550-0012 ext. 0.
