One of the largest and most prestigious events of its kind, Ashkenaz 2008 will once again feature the best of the global Yiddish/Jewish culture scene. From traditional and boundary-breaking Klezmer music and cross-cultural fusion, to diverse offerings in theatre, film, dance, visual arts, literature, and family programming, Ashkenaz celebrates culture, community, and artistic innovation.
Events will be added to this schedule as they are confirmed.
Abraham Inc. featuring David Krakauer, Fred Wesley, and Socalled
8:00pm
The most sophisticated and explosive fusion of Jewish music with hardcore funk ever produced!
Music
Exhibition of works by Maciej Frankiewicz
12:00pm –11:00pm
Powerful and provocative depictions of Jewish history by an artist fascinated with the subject of Poland's lost Jewish nation.
Exhibition of works by Maciej Frankiewicz
12:00pm –11:00pm
Powerful and provocative depictions of Jewish history by an artist fascinated with the subject of Poland's lost Jewish nation.
Klezmer Kids
6:00pm
Klezmer Kids is a band of 12-16 year-old Klezmer prodigies from Winnipeg!
Music
Yiddish Dance with Avia Moore & The Mike Winograd Band
6:00pm
A participatory Yiddish Dance session with dance instructor Avia Moore and the Michael Winograd Band.
Dance
Mitch Smolkin
7:00pm
Ashkenaz's former Artistic Director pushes the boundaries of Yiddish music on his new CD "A Song is Born", featuring special guests Klezmer en Buenos Aires and Paul Brody, among others.
Music
The Flying Bulgars (Toronto)
7:00pm
With a fully-orchestrated alt-pop sound,The Flyer Bulgars entertain with a heady mix of Klezmer-inspired melodies.
Music
Di Fidl Kapelye (Netherlands)
7:00pm
"Klezmer string quartet" mixes youthful creativity and chamber-like precision in their unique, neo-traditional East-European Jewish Sound.
Music
Konsonans Retro (Ukraine/Germany/UK)
8:00pm
"...the funkiest, freshest, most rooted and rocking klezzified sounds of the new millenium." – Socalled
Music
The World Was Ours (2007)
8:00pm
A chronicle of the rich history of the Jewish community of Vilna before its destruction in WWII.
Film
Havdallah
9:00pm
A revered Jewish ritual to make the passing of the Shabbas (Sabbath).
The Klez Dispensers (New Jersey) CD Release
9:30pm
This eight-piece big band of young jazz and klezmer hotshots dispenses virtuosic musicianship and lush, swinging arrangements of mid-20th century klezmer and Yiddish classics
Music
Ladino: 500 Years Young (2006)
9:30pm
A profile of 29-year-old Israeli singing phenom Yasmin Levy, as she attempts to revive and modernize Ladino music.
Film
Daniel Kahn and The Painted Bird (Germany/US)
11:00pm
A rebellious and satirical brand of edgy original Yiddish music with a punk-rock aesthetic.
Music
Sephardic Cabaret
11:00pm
An evening of music and performances derived from the Sephardic Jewish traditions.
Music
