The rich diversity of Jewish music comes alive for music lovers of all ages, ethnicities and denominations at this fall’s third annual Desert Gathering Jewish Music Fest. Acoustic folk, dancehall electronica, traditional Jewish song, pop and hip hop are just some of the music styles festival goers can explore during the Coachella-esque outdoor community music festival taking place Sunday, Nov. 1, at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix.
“This year’s festival will celebrate interesting and unexpected pairings of musicians performing a variety of styles of Jewish music,” says Todd Herzog, founder of the Desert Gathering Jewish Music Fest and president of the newly created 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, Desert Gatherings, Inc. Todd and the first festival were the subject of the November 2013 Arizona Jewish Life cover story.
“We’re bringing together Orthodox-infused rap from Ari Lesser, crowd favorites from Yehudie and the Gefilte Fish, acoustic spiritual pop from me and headliner Oakland-based pop-folk artist Mikey Pauker, who will perform with Yemini-influenced electro dancehall DJ Diwon,” says Todd. “This is a festival that appeals to music lovers of all ages and beliefs and absolutely should not be missed.”
The festival, founded in 2013, is the premier Valley event celebrating Jewish music, culture and community and drew more than 2,000 attendees last year. This year’s festival opens with a musical performance featuring students from local schools and cantors from across the Valley. Family friendly activities at the event include arts and crafts, face painting, raffles, food vendors and artisans, Israeli dancers and story time from PJ Library.
The Desert Gathering is an event where people of all ages, backgrounds and levels of Jewish involvement – or uninvolvement – can enjoy a day of entertainment together.
“It’s a great experience for people to be able to connect with other people with like minds, with similar backgrounds, and feel like there is a community in Phoenix,” says Todd. “That said, music and culture lovers of any religion are welcome to share in and be embraced by the Jewish community.”
Free general admission tickets are available with advance online RSVP. In addition to single tickets, VIP festival passes include VIP tent access, catered buffet, designated VIP seating, commemorative souvenir, preferred parking, and meet-and-greet opportunities with the musical talent.
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Spiritual musician Mikey Pauker was named by Time Magazine as one of the Top 10 stars of new Jewish music. Mikey, who is the headline act for the Jewish Music Fest, has been breathing life into Jewish music for years. His music spans multiple genres including folk, pop, hip-hop electronica, and reggae, blending them into a beautiful uplifting and unique sound.
Music Fest Schedule:
2-2:30 pm: Yehudie
2:30-2:45 pm: Pardes students and local Hebrew school kids and cantors
3-3:45 pm: Ari Lesser
4-4:45 pm: Todd Herzog
5-6 pm: Mikey Pauker and Diwon
Third Annual Desert Gathering Jewish Music Fest
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 1, 2-6 pm
WHERE: Steele Indian School Park, 300 E Indian School Road, Phoenix
PRICE: Free with advance reservation; $75 for VIP package
CONTACT: 480-425-0700 | [email protected]
WEBSITE: desertgatheringaz.com
