Even Sh'Siyah: The Way Jews Rock @ JRC

evën sh’siyah is Hebrew for “foundation rock.” According to Jewish tradition, the original element of the Creation was this primordial rock, from which the entire world came into existence.

evën sh’siyah blends original folk rock melodies with lyrics taken from an array of classic Jewish texts. The band’s musical influences are eclectic, and include rock, folk, reggae, bluegrass, Mid-Eastern, and jazz.

evën sh’siyah integrates these genres--creating a cohesive and unique musical soundscape of its own. The band has been playing together since 1993 and has performed at DePaul University, Northwestern University, The Chase Cafe, University of Chicago, Loyola University, the Skokie Festival of Cultures, the Greater Chicago Jewish Folk Arts Festival, as well as many other venues.

"Apparently the new role model for observant Jewish rockers is the Allman Brothers Band. Both these guys and Soulfarm (see below) are turning into '70s guitar-driven arena-rock bands with dual lead guitars and extended jams. To their credit, Even Sh'siyah has held onto over some of the punkish elements in their sound and their sense of fun... Rating: 4 stars." George Robinson, NY Jewish Week

evën sh’siyah is composed of seven musicians from Chicago: Elisha Prero on guitar, David Margulis on bass, Ely Cooper on guitar, Mitch Jacoby on guitar, Matt Kanter on drums, Zev Goldberg on percussion and other miscellaneous musical materials, and Mark Freedman on keyboards.

Mp3 sample: Ana Avda

@ Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, Evanston

Tickets: $15 on safe, secure ticketweb.com

Presented as part of KFAR's concert series