Bezalel Event to Feature Klezmatics, Maseng and Vocolot

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NEWS RELEASE
For February/March 2002 release
Press Contact:  
Beth Blenz-Clucas, (503) 293-9498

BEZALEL Festival Typifies Renaissance in Jewish Arts and Culture; Top Artists 
to Perform;
Community Invited to Explore Various Art Forms March 16 Brandeis-Bardin 
Institute

Los Angeles - Around the nation and the world, artists and performers are 
building upon the rich traditions of Judaica to express their heritage in new 
and innovative ways. A forthcoming festival in Southern California 
exemplifies the spirit of this new movement.

Performing artists from a range of Jewish traditions will participate in a 
special "Bezalel: Festival of the Arts " March 16 at The Brandeis-Bardin 
Institute near Los Angeles. The public is invited to participate in this 
multi-sensory evening featuring concerts by the Klezmatics, Vocolot, Danny 
Maseng and Craig Taubman.  The festivities begin at 7 p.m. with an eclectic 
offering of food, drink and dance.

The happening, presented by The Brandeis-Bardin Institute, is named for 
Bezalel, a biblical figure blessed with divine artistic abilities.  The 
spectacular setting for the festivities is The Institute's historic 3,000 
acre campus in the Santa Susana Mountains, the largest piece of Jewish-owned 
land outside of Israel.  Brandeis has been fostering excellence in the Jewish 
Arts since its inception in 1941, and with Bezalel, it is bringing 
cutting-edge artistic programs to the "next generation."  

According to Craig Taubman, whose Craig 'n Co. is producing the event, "There 
is a renaissance going on in Jewish culture, seen in the explosion of new 
artists around the world. At Bezalel, we are celebrating this international 
movement, exploring our traditions along with new expressions of faith and 
culture."

"Jewish art allows people to discover and affirm their Jewish identity... it 
reflects the tapestry and depth of the Jewish experience - it is a lens into 
the Jewish soul," states Dr. Lee Bycel, President of The Brandeis-Bardin 
Institute. 

The Klezmatics are often credited with bringing Yiddish music to a mainstream 
audience. Their  performance at Bezalel will feature their soul-stirring 
Jewish roots music for the 21st century. The internationally acclaimed group 
incorporates hip-hop, Brazilian jazz, and avant garde rock into klezmer, 
creating unique music that is both sophisticated and danceable.

Linda Hirschorn leads Vocolot, a women's a capella group featuring a joyous 
fusion of folk, jazz and cantorial vocal traditions with a distinctly 
contemporary sound. Their music, rooted in universal heart, social conscience 
and Jewish soul, communicates a powerful vision of world peace.

Danny Maseng was born in Israel to American parents. A  master storyteller, 
playwright and drama teacher, Danny has an extensive background in the entire 
Jewish cultural heritage and manages to weave together his life experiences 
with the stories and songs of the Jewish people.

Craig Taubman, who is producing the evening's program, will also make a 
special guest appearance.

Bezalel is made possible with the vision and support of The Maurice Amado 
Foundation, The Nathan Cummings Foundation, The Jewish Music Commission, The 
Yablon Cultural Foundation, The Jewish Community Foundation, The Jewish News, 
and David Suissa-Olam Magazine.

Tickets for Bezalel are $35 each, with the fee including the evening 
concerts, events and food. For more information, contact The Brandeis-Bardin 
Institute at (805) 582-4450, or email info (at) thebbi(dot)org(dot)
#  #  #

Media note: Pictures and bios of the artists are available upon request. 
Please contact 
Beth Blenz-Clucas at (503) 293-9498 or email blenzb (at) aol(dot)com(dot) For 
more 
information about the Bezalel performing artists, visit these websites:
Klezmatics:  www.aviv2.com
Vocolot: www.vocolot.com
Danny Maseng: www.dannymaseng.com
Craig Taubman: www.craignco.com


Beth Blenz-Clucas

A/V Publicity Services 
(503) 293-9498   fax (503) 293-9434
email: blenzb (at) aol(dot)com


Visit us online at
www.craignco.com

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