Dear Friends,

	 This past Monday was the twelfth kumsitz I've planned in
Central Park, and the first one I've had to cancel.  Well, I didn't
exacly  cancel it -- I was there playing my guitar in the pouring
rain, but the only ones listening were some squirrels, a family of
ducks, and maybe a couple of turtles.  But they seemed to enjoy it!
Anyway, I don't know if we can get in one more kumsitz in the park
before the end of the summer, but I'm looking for indoor locations
for the coming months so stay tuned!

	 I'm going to be in Mobile, Alabama the next week or two for
work, and I won't be sending another update for a while.  So I'm
including a few weeks worth of listing Jewish Music Events  to carry
you over until I come back:

	 Tonight, Thursday September 7, my band Remez will be playing
at the Hunter College Hillel Cafe from 7:30 to 9:30 PM.  The show is
open to COLLEGE STUDENTS ONLY, from any school.  The cafe will be at
the Hillel House, Thomas Hunter Hall room 311 (third floor), located
on the West side of Lexington Ave between 68 St and 69 St.  For more
info, call Greg at 212-650-3568.

	 Also tonight, and every Thursday through September 21, Andy
Statman is playing his weekly stint at the Grenwich Village Synagogue,
with Music of the Mystics 8-11 PM.  He is renowned as a master of
clarinet and mandolin, and his band plays a great mix of klezmer,
Chassidic, and original Jewish melodies.  The shul is located at 53
Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and can be reached at 212-242-6425.
Admission is $10 (student discounts available) which includes free
refreshments.  This is an incredible program -- make sure to catch it
before it's too late!!

	 Tomorrow night, Friday September 10, is the grand reopening
of the Old Broadway Shul, located on the Upper Upper Upper West Side
(just north of 125 St, east of Broadway).  Davening starts at 7:08
PM -- it's a tremendous mitzvah to help revitalize this shul that's
been around for so long -- come make a minyan and help with the
singing!  For more info, contact Aaron Tarfman at bikephoto@...

	 Saturday night, September 9, Congregation Ohab Zedek is
having a Jerusalem Soul Concert at 9:30 PM.  The band (Binyomin
Ginzberg, Mo Shapiro, Stephanie Kurtzman, and others) explores the
music of many of the Old City's artists including the Diaspora
Yeshiva Band, Chaim David Saracik, Yosef Karduner, and Yitzchak
Attias.  The shul is located in Manhattan at 118 West 95th St.
between Amsterdam and Columbus, and admission is $10 for members and
$15 otherwise.  For more info check out http://www.rokasoft.com/oz or
call Rabbi Naftali Cohen at 212-749-5150.

	 Sunday night, September 10, there's a concert in Rego Park at
the Halsey Junior High School, 64th Ave and 102 St.  Moshe Shur is
singing in the Shlomo Carlbach style at the Steve Lerner Memorial
Concert,  dedicated to the memory of a young leader of the
community.  Tickets are $20  ($12 for kids) -- call Zack Berman at
718-997-7089.

	 Tuesday, September 12, The Moshav Band is playing at the
Queens College Hillel at 7:30 PM.  A $10 donation is requested at the
door.   For more information or directions, call Ami at the Queens
College Hillel 718-793-2222.

	 Wednesday, September 13, at 9:30 PM, Matt Turk is playing at
CBGB, 315 Bowery, between 1st and 2nd Streets, at the beginning of
Bleeker St. Call the club at 212-982-4052 for more info.

	 Friday, September 15, Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun is
hosting a special service with lots of singing followed by
dinner: "Turn Friday Night into Shabbos."  Program begins at 7PM;
reservations for dinner  $20) should be made by 9/12 at the shul, 125
E 85 St. 212-427-1000.

	 Thursday, September 21 at 9:30 PM, Metropolitan Klezmer is
playing at Makor, 35 W. 67th St. between Central Park West and
Columbus Ave. There is kosher Mediterranean food available, from 6PM,
but you should check first (especially the wine).  For more info,
call 212-601-1000  or check out http://www.metropolitanklezmer.com
IMPORTANT NOTE: the  issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here!

	 Saturday night, Sept 23 9:30 PM there will be a special
concert at the Carlebach Shul: Shimon Kugel singing the sweet songs
of Shlomo, followed by Selichot service led by Rabbi Intrator at
12:30 AM.   Members: $12 Non-Members: $15.  The shul is located at
305 W 79 St. between  West End and Riverside and can be reached at
212-580-2391 or the info-line 212-721-SHUL or at carlebachshul@j...

	 As we rapidly fly through the month Ellul, Rosh Hashana is
right around the corner.  Hopefully all the great music will inspire
us to listen to our souls, crying out to attain perpetually higher
levels of holiness.  Please send me feedback at houpt@...:
questions, suggestions, events I may have missed.  I may not have
time to reply each time, but I read every email that I receive, and
your great comments is what keeps me going at 5:30 in the morning to
send this stuff out!Have a spiritually uplifting Shabbos and I hope
to see you soon.

		 Gili Houpt

Dear friends,

	 I apologize if this week's listings aren't as complete as
usual.  I'm writing this from Mobile, Alabama where I'm on assignment
for two weeks, and I wan't able to get too much info on the New York
Jewish music scene.  I can't say there's very much going on here in
Jewish music, or anywhere within 100 miles for that matter.  In fact,
based on the reactions I've been getting I don't think anyone in
Mobile has ever seen a kippah before.  I decided to play a kumsitz
anyway, so tonight I drove down the bay on the Gulf of Mexico and
watched the sunset as I sang some Carlebach songs and played my
bazouki (my guitar was too big to bring on the plane; I already had a
whole carry-on filled with kosher food -- another thing lacking in
Alabama) but my only audience was the sand and mosquitoes.  I can't
wait to get back to New York; for now I'll have to live vicariously
through your enjoyment of these events:

	 This Saturday Night, September 16th, at 9:30 PM, there's
going to be another Shamayim Jam Session at The Carlebach Shul, 305 W
79 St (between West End and Riverside).  All are welcome to attend,
and there's a $5 suggested donation.  Call Michael Poulad at 212-873-
7239 for more info, and checkout the web page www.shamayim.com to
listen to a few of their tunes.

	 Sunday, September 17, 7-9PM, The Bilubi Choir is having an
open practice at Congregation Ohab Zedek, 118 West 95th St. (between
Columbus & Amsterdam) as they begin their sixth season.  This is a
religious, co-ed choir under the auspices of Rabbi Schwartz, and
they're looking for new voices in all ranges.  For info, send email
or call either David Brotsky, davetrek@... 908-353-3246 or Rashi
Shapiro: ohra@... 718-253-2134.  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of
Kol Isha may be applicable here!!!

	 Tuesday, September 19, Pharaoh's Daughter is playing at the
Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard St, two sets at 8PM and 9:30 PM.
Admission is $7 plus a one-drink minimum.  They will be playing some
new tunes so be sure to check them out.  For more info look on the
web at
http://www.knittingfactory.com/calendar/oo_calendar_frames.cfm  !!!
IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here!!!

	 Thursday, September 21, Andy Statman is playing for the last
time this year at the Grenwich Village Synagogue, with Music of the
Mystics 8-11 PM (starting up again after Rosh Hashana).  He is
renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin, and his band plays a
great mix of klezmer, Chassidic, and original Jewish melodies.  The
shul is located at 53 Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and can be reached
at 212-242-6425.  Admission is $10 (student discounts available)
which includes free refreshments.  This is an incredible program --
make sure to catch it before it's too late!!

	 Also Thursday 9/21 at 9:30 PM, Metropolitan Klezmer is
playing at Makor, 35 W. 67th St. between Central Park West and
Columbus Ave.  There is kosher Mediterranean food available, from
6PM, but you should check first (especially the wine).  For more
info, call 212-601-1000 or check out
http://www.metropolitanklezmer.com  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of
Kol Isha may be applicable here!!!

	 Friday September 22nd, the Old Broadway Synagogue located on
the Upper Upper Upper West Side (just north of 125 St, east of
Broadway) is having their weekly evening services (with lots of
singing) at 6:56 followed by a dinner for Jewish singles in their 30s
and 40s.  Advance reservations ($18) required: please call the shul
at 212-662-9767.  Even if you don't stay for dinner, come help keep
the minyan going -- it's a tremendous mitzvah to help revitalize this
shul that's been around for so long!  For more info, contact Aaron
Tarfman at bikephoto@...

	 Also Friday night 9/22, if your in Brooklyn and you like
davening with a lot of singing, check out the Carlebach minyan at the
Young Israel of Midwooe, at Ave L and Ocean Ave (20 St).  For more
info, contact Judah Roth at jdr5@...

	 Saturday night, Sept 23 9:30 PM there will be a special
concert at the Carlebach Shul: Shimon Kugel singing the sweet songs
of Shlomo, followed by Selichot service led by Rabbi Intrator at
12:30 AM.  Members: $12 Non-Members: $15.  The shul is located at 305
W 79 St (between West End and Riverside) and can be reached at 212-
580-2391 or the info-line 212-721-SHUL or at carlebachshul@...

	 Also Saturday 9/23 I am told there is a pre-slichot concert
at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale featuring Eli Kranzler and
D'veykus.  I have not been able to confirm this or get any more info
since I'm out of town, so please call the shul for more info.

	 Sunday, September 24, starting at 2PM is the "Festival &
Concert for Jewish Life" in Washington Square Park, Greenwich
Village, sponsored by Chabad on Washington Square.  As a pre-Rosh
Hashana Expo. there are lots of activities available, including a
Shofar Factory, a beekeeper's presentation of live bees and how they
make honey, a sofer writing holy books, a Challah-baking workshop,
havdallah candles, clowns, and Jewish food.  Best of all, there will
be a Jewish Unity Concert led by Isaac Bitton (whose credits include
touring with Aerosmith, the Who & T.B.O.) which should be an
incredible show.  For more info, call Rabbi Yaakov Bankhalter at 212-
674-6894 or 917-297-3899.

	 Well, that's all I got for right now.  I'm going to New
Orleans for Shabbos (2 states and 3 hours away -- the closest
Orthodox community) and maybe I'll find a jazz club that will let me
have a melave malka Saturday night.  Hey, crazier things have
happened!  If you hear of any events that I missed, please send me an
email at houpt@... or call me at 212-531-3949.  Have a great
Shabbos!


		 Gili Houpt

Dear friends,

	 Once again, I am still in Alabama for business, so I was not
able to find out about everything going on in New York, but I think I
got most of it.  For those interested, the Jewish community in New
Orleans (where I spend last Shabbos) is looking for young people to
move in.  They have two great kosher restaurants, and the rent is A
LOT cheaper than New York, and I might be going there every month or
two in order to do some concerts for them.  But there's a lot more
going on in New York:

	 Tonight, Friday September 22nd, the Old Broadway Synagogue
located on the Upper Upper Upper West Side (just north of 125 St,
east of Broadway) is having their weekly evening services (with lots
of singing) at 6:44 followed by a dinner at 8PM for Jewish singles in
their 30s and 40s.  Advance reservations ($18) required: please call
the shul at 212-662-9767.  Even if you don't stay for dinner, come
help keep the minyan going -- it's a tremendous mitzvah to help
revitalize this shul that's been around for so long!  For more info,
contact Aaron Tarfman at bikephoto@...

	 Also tonight 9/22, if you're in Brooklyn and you like
davening with a lot of singing, check out the Carlebach minyan at the
Young Israel of Midwooe, at Ave L and Ocean Ave (20 St).  For more
info, contact Judah Roth at jdr5@...

	 Saturday night, September 23 9:30 PM there will be a special
concert at the Carlebach Shul: Shimon Kugel singing the sweet songs
of Shlomo, followed by Selichot service led by Rabbi Intrator at
12:30 AM.  Members: $12 Non-Members: $15.  The shul is located at 305
W 79 St (between West End and Riverside) and can be reached at 212-
580-2391 or the info-line 212-721-SHUL or at carlebachshul@...

	 Also Saturday 9/23 at 9PM there is a free pre-slichot concert
at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale featuring Eli Kranzler from
D'veykus and others.  The shul is located at 3700 Henry Hudson Pkwy
in the Bronx and can be reached at 718-796-4730 or on the web at
http://www.hir.org.  Thanks to Rebecca Segal for confirming this info
for me; she said that she attended this show last year and it was
amazing!  Selichos follows the concert at 11PM.

	 Sunday, September 24, The Klezical Tradition will be playing
this week's Tonic Klezmer Brunch.  The bar is located above the
former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk Street (between Rivington and
Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-7503 or www.tonic107.com for
more info.  There are two sets, at 1:30 PM and 3PM, and the cost is
$10 each or $15 for both.  IMPORTANT NOTE: the food is not strictly
kosher, but the music is!

	 Also this Sunday, 9/24 starting at 2PM is the "Festival &
Concert for Jewish Life" in Washington Square Park, Greenwich
Village, sponsored by Chabad on Washington Square.  As a pre-Rosh
Hashana Expo. there are lots of activities available, including a
Shofar Factory, a beekeeper's presentation of live bees and how they
make honey, a sofer writing holy books, a Challah-baking workshop,
havdallah candles, clowns, and Jewish food.  Best of all, there will
be a Jewish Unity Concert led by Isaac Bitton (whose credits include
touring with Aerosmith, the Who & T.B.O.) which should be an
incredible show.  For more info, call Rabbi Yaakov Bankhalter at 212-
674-6894 or 917-297-3899.  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: Cohanim are warned that
the area of Washington Square Park was once a cemetery, and I've
heard that there are thousands buried there, though I personally have
never seen a dead body in the area!!!

	 Also this Sunday, 9/24 at 2PM, Debbie Friedman is performing
at The Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street, in Midtown Manhattan.
Tickets are only $20 and can be purchased through the Jewish
Theological Seminary at studentlife@... or by phone at 212-678-
8839.  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha may be applicable
here!!!

	 Monday, September 25 at 8PM, Hasidic New Wave is playing at
the Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard Street in Manhattan, admission $10.
This group has pushed the boundaries of traditional Jewish/Hasidic
music, African-American jazz and creative improvisation, punk and
free-form rock. The new work will feature compositions by the
bandmembers as well as transfigured traditional materials.  Check out
the club at http://www.knittingfactory.com/calendar/index2.cfm for
more info.

	 Also Monday, 9/25 at 11AM, Matt Turk is going to be on the
radio WBAI 99.5fm live with Peter Bochan.  Check out Matt's webiste
www.turktunes.com and his new album TurkTunes available everywhere.

	 Tuesday, September 26 Matt Turk will be giving a solo
acoustic performance at the Triad Theatre, 158 W. 72nd St. at 9:30
PM.  Matt really gets around -- his music is not always Jewish in
content but he plays it from his Jewish soul!

	 Wednesday, September 27 at 6:30 PM, Inasense is playing a
show for all ages in Upstate New York at Turning Point 468 Piermont
Ave, Piermont.  For more info, call 914-359-1089.  A group has really
made it big when it is forced to reexamine itself and forge a new
identity.  One my favorite bands, Inasense has reached just such a
crossroads and has decided to change their name to Soulfarm, but they
will continue to play the same great music that has electrified the
New York Jewish Music scene for the past few years and inspired so
many.  For the full story, check out
http://www.inasense.com/soulfarm.htm

	 I'll send out another update next week if I have time, but if
not I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a good and sweet
year.   This Saturday night begins the final week before Rosh Hashana
and we start saying selichos every night until Yom Kippur (many shuls
have it every morning instead because it was unsafe for Jews to go
out at night, but it's really preferable to say it just after
midnight).  These prayers, consisting mainly of admissions of guilt
for our sins and supplications to G-d to have mercy, are to get us
into the mood of repentance for the new year, so the custom is to
sing the selichos to the special tunes from the Rosh Hashana
davening.  For the first night at least, I recommend going somwehere
with a Chazzan who knows the nusach very well, such as Cantor Ari
Klein at the Park East Synagogue, 163 East 67 St in Manhattan (212-
737-6900).

	 I hope all your prayers are answered.  Have a great Shabbos!

		 Gili Houpt <houpt@...>

Dear friends,

	 Happy New Year!  I hope your Rosh Hashana was spiritually
uplifiting and you're ready for some great Jewish music in 5761.  For
the new year, I am starting a new system of sending out messages, so
the next email you receive from me will probably say egroups on it.
You won't have to do anything to continue receiving my emails, but if
you want to check out the website, go to
http://www.egroups.com/group/NYCJewishMusic -- I'm utilizing some of
their extra features like links, files, and a calendar. I've been out
of town for almost a month, and let me to tell you, there's no place
(outside of Israel) like New York for great Jewish music events.
It's good to be back:

	 Tonight, Thursday October 5, Andy Statman is playing at the
Greenwich Village Synagogue, with Music of the Mystics 8-11 PM.  He
is renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin, and his band plays
a great mix of klezmer, Chassidic, and original Jewish melodies.  The
shul is located at 53 Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and can be reached
at 212-242-6425.  Admission is $10 (student discounts available)
which includes free refreshments.  This is a weekly Thursday night
series but will be off next week 10/12 in preparation for Sukkos.

	 Saturday night October 7, at Columbia Univeristy my bandmate
Seth Nadel is leading a huge Shabboss Shuva Melava Malka open to
all.  Go to the common room (moadon) on the ground floor of the JTS
Goldsmith Hall, 537 W 121 St (corner of Bdwy).  Admission is $5 and
all proceeds go to charity.  Bring your instruments, your voices, and
your holy neshomos!

	 Also this Saturday night 10/7 at 9PM, Isralight is sponsoring
an open mike at the Jewish Enrichment Center, 176 Madison Ave.
Everyone is welcome, but all acts must be approved in advance.  For
more information, call 212-695-4877 or 800-694-4949 or send email to
Rina@...

	 Wednesday October 11 Matt Turk is performing at the Knitting
Factory Old Office at 9PM.  The club is located in Tribeca at 74
Leonard St and can be reached at 212-219-3006.  Matt has been getting
some radio play on WFUV so call them up and request his songs: 718-
365-9070

	 Friday night, October 13, the first night of Sukkos, at 8PM,
the Jewish Enrichment Center is having a Gala Holiday Dinner with
lots of singing in the Sukkah, located in Midtown Manhattan between
Lexington and 3rd Ave.  Cost is $20; reserve in advance: 212-889-5532
or http://www.jeconline.com

**********************************************************************
**********************************************************************
	 Monday, October 16, the first day of Chol Hamoed Sukkos, at
7:30 PM, my band REMEZ will be playing a Simchas Beis Hashoeva
concert at the Old Broadway Shul, located half a block north of 125
St (one block East of Broadway). The concert is in conjunction with
an art exhibit by Ross Winter. Refreshments will be served in the
Sukkah and it's a fundraiser for the shul so a donation is
suggested.  Call 212-662-9767 or check out the website
http://www.geocities.com/oldbroadway_shul/index.html
**********************************************************************
**********************************************************************

	 Also Monday night 10/16 there will be a Jewish Music All Star
Show at Brooklyn College starring Yehuda, Shloime Dachs, Mendy Wald,
Yisrael Williger.  Tickets ($18, $25, $29) are available at Jewish
stores around the area such as Eichlers, or call 718-627-1386 until
11PM.

	 Tuesday, October 17 at the Wetlands will be the first
Inasense concert using their new name Soulfarm.  The club is located
at 161 Hudson St, on the web http://www.wetlands-preserve.org or call
212-386-3600. It's a CD release party, so the $16 admission includes
a free copy of the brand new CD, "Live at Wetlands" (taped on
Purim).  Doors open 8pm, showtime 9:30pm.  For insight into the name
change or other info, check out http://www.inasense.com or
http://www.soulfarm.net

	 Also Tuesday 10/17 a special Kineret concert exclusively for
women at Brooklyn College.  Call 718-627-1386 until 11PM for more
info.

	 Wednesday, October 18 at 7:30PM the Jewish Enrichment Center
is having a Harvestfest Celebration featuring Matt Turk and his band
Teku. The JEC Sukkah is located in Midtown Manhattan between
Lexington and 3rd Ave.  Admission is $10 at the door.  For more info
call 212-889-5532 or check out http://www.jeconline.com

	 Also Wednesday, 10/18 my good friends Alon and Sheri Krausz
are planning a kumsitz for high school kids only, at the Hebrew
Institute of Riverdale.  The multi-talented couple (also known for
the Jewish Outdoors Club which Alon started and continues to run with
his wife) just became youth directors at the shul, and they're
organizing this incredible event with Rabbi Ave Weiss for kids from
all over the New York area.  For more info, send email to Alon at
amk212@... (but only if you're a musician or in high school).

	 Also Wednesday, 10/18 a special Kineret concert exclusively
for women at Brooklyn College.  Call 718-627-1386 until 11PM for more
info.

	 Also Wednesday, 10/18 if you're wondering where I will be,
there's a Simchas Beis Hashoeva at a shul in Toronto (Shomrei
Shabbos) starting at 8:30.  Flights are only $150 now, so let me know
if you want to come along!  I'm telling you: Canadians sure have a
lot of ruach (you need it there -- it's a lot colder in the Sukkah up
north).

	 Thursday, October 19, from 8 to 11PM, I will be leading an
open kumsitz under the stars in the OZ Sukkah (in case of rain we'll
go inside).  Admission is free and all are welcome to bring their
musical instruments.  There is a custom to stay up all night (Hoshana
Rabba) and hopefully you'll be inspired for a night of learning.
Congregation Ohab Zedek is located on 95 St between Columbus and
Amsterdam and can be reached at 212-749-5150 or on the web at
http://www.rokasoft.com/oz

	 Sunday night, October 22 is the culmination of the holiday
season, Simchas Torah.  And there are only two places to be: either
go away to some Jewish community and help them with singing and
dancing (Torah Tours is an excellent program and they always need
more people; call 212-960-5266) or go to the Upper West Side with the
millions of Jewish singles from all over the world converging on West
End Avenue (the city even shuts down the streets for a few hours).
If you choose the latter, you should be aware that the only place to
go afterwards (the police will kick you out when they try to reopen
the street around midnight) is the Carlebach Shul, which continues
singing and dancing all night long.  The problem is that it's a very
small shul and can't fit everyone in, so this year they're
instituting a new policy to give priority to members (so you can get
in with a half-hour wait instead of two hours).  Call the shul to
become a member or for more info: 212-580-2391

	 I want to wish you all the best in your journey towards self-
improvement this week between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
Specifically, this Friday night ushers in Shabbos Shuva, the Sabbath
of Repentance, our final opportunity before the Day of Atonement.
Let us remember that if we want G-d to judge us mercifully then we
must act the same way towards our fellow creatures.  May all our
prayers join together to guarantee health, peace, and prosperity, in
the coming year for you, the Jewish people, and the entire world.

		 Gili Houpt

P.S. Thanks to Leah Greenspan for writing an article about my band
Remez in tomorrow's edition of the Jewish Standard

Dear friends,

	 I am pleased to announce my band REMEZ is performing next
week as a fundraiser for the Old Broadway Shul, located half a block
north of 125 St (one block East of Broadway).  The concert starts
7:30 PM and is in conjunction with an exhibit of the paintings and
drawings of artist Ross Winter.  Refreshments will be served in the
Sukkah and a donation is suggested.  Check out the website
http://www.geocities.com/oldbroadway_shul/index.html or call 212-662-
9767.  Please come out and show support for this struggling shul that
was once at the center of the New York's vibrant Jewish Community
before the demographic shift.

	 There's lots of other Jewish music events coming up next
week.  The holiday of Sukkos gives us an excuse to celebrate: besides
the commandment to "dwell" in a Sukkah (hut) for a week instead of
our regular homes, there was also an ancient custom at the Holy
Temple in Jerusalem to have a huge party accompanying a special water-
pouring ceremony, called Simchas Beis Hashoeva.  The sources tell us
this was such a great celebration that whoever never witnessed it did
not really know how to party.  This is the time of year when we are
judged for water -- the amount and location of rainfall -- and so
nowadays we continue the tradition by having music, dancing, and food
in the Sukkah.  You have plenty of opportunities to observe this
custom in New York this year:

	 Tomorrow night, Friday October 13 (the first night of Sukkos)
at 8PM, the Jewish Enrichment Center is having a Gala Holiday
Dinner "under the stars" with lots of singing in the Sukkah, located
in Midtown Manhattan on the corner of Lexington and 29 St.  Cost is
$20; reserve in advance: 212-889-5532 or http://www.jeconline.com

	 Monday night 10/16 if you aren't going to the Simchas Beis
Hashoeva with REMEZ in Manhattan, there is also a Jewish Music All
Star Show at Brooklyn College starring Yehuda, Shloime Dachs, Mendy
Wald, Yisrael Williger, and others.  Tickets ($18, $25, $29) are
available at Jewish stores around the area such as Eichlers, or call
718-627-1386 until 11PM.

	 Tuesday, October 17 at the Wetlands will be the first
Inasense concert using their new name Soulfarm.  The club is located
at 161 Hudson St, on the web http://www.wetlands-preserve.org or call
212-386-3600.  It's a CD release party, so the $16 admission includes
a free copy of the brand new CD, "Live at Wetlands" (taped on
Purim).  Doors open 8pm, showtime 9:30pm.  For insight into the name
change or other info, check out http://www.inasense.com or
http://www.soulfarm.net

	 Also Tuesday, 10/17 7:30-9:30 PM, my good friends Alon and
Sheri Krausz are planning a kumsitz FOR TEENS ONLY, at the Hebrew
Institute of Riverdale.  The multi-talented couple (also known for
the Jewish Outdoors Club which Alon started and continues to run with
his wife) just became youth directors at the shul, and they're
organizing this incredible FREE event with Rabbi Avi Weiss for kids
from all over the New York area.  For more info, send email to Alon
at amk212@... (but only if you're in high school or you're a
musician and you want to help out).

	 Also Tuesday 10/17 at 8:30 PM, Carlebach Chassidim of
Brooklyn will be having its annual event in the Sukkah at the the
Talmud Torah, 1305 Coney Island Ave (between Ave I and Ave J).  Music
provided by the Holy Beggars Band, and words of Torah by Rabbi Simon
Jacobson.  For more info, call the infoline 718-677-7626 or check out
the website http://www.carlbachofbrooklyn.org/calendar.html

	 Also Tuesday 10/17 a special Kineret concert exclusively for
women at Brooklyn College.  Call 718-627-1386 until 11PM for more
info.

	 Wednesday, October 18 at 7:30 PM the Jewish Enrichment Center
and Livnot are sponsoring a Harvestfest Celebration featuring Matt
Turk and his band Teku.  The JEC Sukkah is located in Midtown
Manhattan on the corner of Lexington and 29 St.  Admission (includes
refreshments) is $10 at the door.  For more info call 212-889-5532 or
check out http://www.jeconline.com

	 Also Wednesday, 10/18 6-9:30 PM, Chabad of the Upper West
Side is having a Simchas Beis Hashoeva barbecue, at 101 W 92 St (@
Columbus).  Enjoy good food, great live music by Yehoshua Lavner, and
incredible Torah for only $15.  RSVP at 212-864-5010 x 28.

	 Also Wednesday, 10/18 a special Kineret concert exclusively
for women at Brooklyn College.  Call 718-627-1386 until 11PM for more
info.

	 Also Wednesday, 10/18 if you're wondering where I will be,
there's a Simchas Beis Hashoeva at a shul in Toronto (Shomrei
Shabbos) starting at 8:30.  Flights are only $150 now, so let me know
if you want to come along!  I'm telling you: Canadians sure have a
lot of ruach (you need it there -- it's a lot colder in those
northern Sukkahs).

	 Thursday, October 19, from 8 to 11PM, I was originally going
to lead a kumsitz at OZ, but I cancelled it so I wouldn't conflict
with the following event also on the Upper West Side: there's a
Simchas Beis Hashoeva at Ramat Orah, located on 550 W 110 St between
Broadway and Amsterdam.  All are welcome to come at 7PM for a one-
hour lecture by Rabbi Dov Linzer, followed by live music, dancing and
refreshments.  The shul can be reached at 212-222-2470 for more info.

	 Sunday night, October 22 is the culmination of the holiday
season, Simchas Torah.  And there are only two places to be: either
go away to some Jewish community and help them with singing and
dancing (Torah Tours is an excellent program and they still need more
people; call 212-960-5266) or go to the Upper West Side with the
millions of Jewish singles from all over the world converging on West
End Avenue (the city even shuts down the streets for a few hours).
If you choose the latter, you should be aware that the only place to
go afterwards (the police will kick you out when they try to reopen
the street around midnight) is the Carlebach Shul, which continues
singing and dancing all night long.  The problem is that it's a very
small shul and can't fit everyone in, so this year they're
instituting a new policy to give priority to members (so you can get
in with a half-hour wait instead of two hours).  Call the shul to
become a member or for more info: 212-580-2391

	 I want to wish you a Chag Sameach, and make sure you bundle
up if you're going to sleep in the Sukkah.  Every year I'm nice and
comfy in my warm sleeping bag.  We should have in mind and in our
prayers our brothers and sisters in Israel, especially now with
everything going on there.  Who knows what the political/military
solution really is?  We should recognize that we're on a turning
point in history and remember that G-d judges us as an entire nation,
so each of us has to examine our own deeds and see what we can
improve.  I hope that soon we'll be celebrating the true Simchas Beis
Hashoeva at the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem, when the world will be
filled with a real and lasting peace.

		 Gili Houpt

P.S. Thanks to Lea Greenspan for writing an amazing article about my
band REMEZ in last week's editions of the Jewish Standard and the
Jewish Community News

Dear friends,

	 I hope you had an incredible Sukkos and you got to check out
some of the music that was going on.  My band REMEZ played a
fundraiser for the Old Broadway Synagogue one night of Chol Hamoed
last week, and the acoustics in the 80 year old shul were incredible.
If you missed it, we have another big concert coming up at OZ on
November 15 with Chaim David, so stay tuned for more info.  I'm
updating the website (http://www.egroups.com/group/NYCJewishMusic)
daily so be sure to check it often.  Meanwhile, there's a lot going
on this weekend in the New York Jewish Music scene:

	 Tonight, Thursday October 26, Andy Statman is playing his
weekly series at the Greenwich Village Synagogue, with Music of the
Mystics 8-11 PM.  He is renowned as a master of clarinet and
mandolin, and his band plays a great mix of klezmer, Chassidic, and
original Jewish melodies.  The shul is located at 53 Charles St.
(near W 4th St.) and can be reached at 212-242-6425.  Admission is
$10 (student discounts available) which includes free refreshments.

	 Also tonight, 10/26 at 8PM, Hasidic New Wave is playing at
Makor.  This group has explored and pushed the boundaries of
traditional Jewish/Hasidic music, African-American jazz and creative
improvisation and free-form rock.  Makor, "New York's Newest Center
for Culture," is located on 35 W 67 St (off Central Park West) and
can be reached at www.makor.org and 212-601-1000.  Admission: $12

	 Also tonight, 10/26 at 7:30 PM, Neshama Carlebach is teaching
the beautiful melodies of her father Reb Shlomo (part 1 of 2 classes)
at The Carlebach Shul, 305 West 79th Street.  For more info, call
Robert Paris at 212-580-2391 or check out
http://www.neshamacarlebach.com

	 Also tonight, 10/26 at 11PM, The Bartlebees (formerly the
Intensive Care Unit) are playing in Greenwich Village at the Lion's
Den.  The club is located at 214 Sullivan Street (Bleecker & W 3 St)
and can be reached at http://www.cegmusic.com/lionsden.html or 212-
477-2782.  Admission: $8.  For more info, call the band's hotline
917-344-3785 x1740.  The Bartlebees' sound is not what has
traditionally been called Jewish music, but as the band leader Rav
Shmuel Skaist says, "I'm Jewish and I wrote it so how could it not be
Jewish music?"

	 Tomorrow night, Friday October 27 is a Shabbaton at Columbia
University organized by Gefilte Fish, a Jewish group of Phish fans
led by Rav Shmuel Skaist, on tour from Israel.  Space is limited so
reserve asap: call 917-344-3788 x1732 or check out the website
http://www.gefiltefish.org

	 Saturday, October 28 I'll be singing lots of zemiros at a
Shabbos dessert.  All are welcome to stop by after 3PM at apartment
3L in the Key West, 750 Columbus Ave (between 96 & 97).

	 Saturday night, October 28, 9:30 PM, I'm playing a concert
with half of my band Remez at the Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills,
(150th Street and 70th Rd) in Queens.  This is at the conclusion of a
shabbaton run by the OU for singles in their 20's and 30's with Rabbi
Hershel Schachter, Scholar-in-Residence.  The concert is open to
everyone, but there's limited space so come early or reserve in
advance (full dinner included with price of admission).  Call the OU
at 212-613-8188 for more information about the shabbaton or the
concert.

	 Also Saturday night, Congregation Ohab Zedek presents Hasidic
New Wave, playing a funky mix of traditional Jewish/Hasidic music,
African-American jazz, creative improvisation and free-form rock.  OZ
is located at 118 W95 St and can be reached at
http://www.rokasoft.com/oz or 212-749-5150.  Admission is $10 for
memebers and $15 for non-members.

	 Also Saturday night, 10/28 the YU Shabbos Committee is
sponsoring a free melave malka in Belfer Hall exclusively for college
students.  It's the tallest building in Washington Heights, so you
can't miss it (approximately located on Amsterdam and 183 St.)

	 Sunday October 29, Charm City Klezmer (a Baltimore group) is
playing a Klezmer Brunch at Tonic, on the Lower East Side.  The bar
is located above the former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk Street
(between Rivington and Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-7503
or www.tonic107.com for more info.  There are two sets, at 1:30 PM
and 3PM, and the cost is $10 each or $15 for both.  IMPORTANT NOTE:
the food is not strictly kosher, but the music definitely is!

	 Also Sunday, 10/29 at 10PM, SIC is playing at The Triad
Theater, 158 W 72nd St (between Broadway and Columbus Ave).  The band
sic is made up of some friends of mine Yossi Fridman, Jon Taub, and
Jason Horowitz, and they've got an interesting sound.  For more info
you can email them at iamsic@...

	 Tuesday October 31 at 7:30 PM, I will be playing solo at an
event sponsored by Bnai Zion Foundation (http://bnaizion.com) for
young professionals.  In addition to my music, the free evening also
features the Honourable Alan G Hevesi, Comptroller of New York City
and Bnai Zion President, discussing current events in politics.  Also
speaking is Dan Hevesi, New York State Senator.  The Bnai Zion House
is located at 136 East 39 Street (between Lexington & 3 Ave).
Refreshments will be served.  Space is limited so please register
prior to event by calling 212-725-1211 x222.  For more info, contact
the event chairman, Oren Adler, at 212-605-3175.

	 Also Tuesday 10/31 The Bartlebees (see above) are playing
another show in New York, at Desmond's Tavern, 433 Park Ave South
(between 29 and 30 St).  The bar can be reached at 212-725-9864.  For
more info on the band call the hotline 917-344-3785 x1740 or check
out the website http://www.gefiltefish.org

	 Thursday, November 2 at 10:30 PM, SIC (see above) is playing
another show at Desmond's Tavern, 433 Park Ave South (between 29 and
30 St).  Call the bar for more info at 212-725-9864 or send email to
iamsic@...

	 Also Thursday November 2, at 10 PM, David Broza introduces
Yonathan Geffen, legendary Israeli poet and lyricist, performing his
poetry and music at Makor (admission $15).  The event is co-Sponsored
with Kesher.  Makor, is located on 35 W 67 St (off Central Park West)
and can be reached at www.makor.org and 212-601-1000.

	 Saturday, Novmeber 4 at 1PM, Cantor David Greenbaum is
leading a special Shabbos Zemiros Lunch at the Old Broadway Synagogue
(between 125 and 126 St.)  The meal is open to all and will be filled
with lots of great singing.  Please reserve by Wednesday 11/1 (cost
$18 per person -- call the shul at 212-662-9767)

	 Saturday night, Novmeber 4 (the first Shabbos ending early)
I'm planning another kumsitz downtown, but I'm not sure where yet.
Stay tuned for more info!

	 Sunday Novmeber 5, Deborah Strauss and Jeff Warschauer are
playing their mix of Klezmer music and Yiddish song at the Tonic
Klezmer Brunch on the Lower East Side.  The bar is located above the
former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk Street (between Rivington and
Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-7503 or www.tonic107.com for
more info.  There are two sets, at 1:30 PM and 3PM, and the cost is
$10 each or $15 for both.  IMPORTANT NOTE: the food is not strictly
kosher, and the issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here!!!

	 Well that should keep you busy for the next two weeks!  Be
sure to check the website http://www.egroups.com/group/NYCJewishMusic
for lots of information.  Most of the features are open to the public
so you don't need a password to view music links, past archives or
current updates.  However, to access the calendar of events you need
your egroups password (it was sent to you when you were first signed
up).  Please let me know if you find anything useful by replying to
this message.  Hope to see you soon!

		 Gili Houpt

Dear friends,

	 I am pleased to welcome Chaim David Saracik to New York for a
few weeks, on tour from Israel to share with us his music and Torah
from the Holy Land.  Last time he was here back in June, I organized
a concert for him on the Upper West Side with my band Remez as the
opening act, and we had over 200 people, and I put it together in
five days!  This time, I'm hoping for 300, so you have two weeks to
tell all your friends.  The concert will be Wednesday night November
15,  7:30 PM, at Congreagation Ohab Zedek, 118 W95 St.  The complete
Remez band will be opening for Chaim David: with me on guitar,
percussion and vocals;  Seth Nadel on electric guitar, mandolin and
vocals; Jennifer Seligman on violin; Yitz Aaronson on bass; and David
Schweke on percussion.  For more info on the rest of Chaim David's NY
concerts, stay tuned to my list.  Meanwhile, there's lots of other
Jewish Music going on in the New York area:

	 Tonight, Thursday November 2, Andy Statman is playing his
weekly series at the Greenwich Village Synagogue, with Music of the
Mystics 8-11 PM.  Last week's show was cancelled due to an ankle
injury, but this week he should be back again, this time with a
quintet!  The shul is located at 53 Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and
can be reached at 212-242-6425.  Admission is $10 (student discounts
available) which includes free refreshments.

	 Also tonight Thursday, 11/2 at 10:30 PM, the band [sic] is
playing at Desmond's Tavern, 433 Park Ave South (between 29 and 30
St).  This group is made up of some friends of mine: Yossi Fridman,
Jon Taub, and Jason Horowitz, and they've got a pretty cool sound,
though not traditionally Jewish.  Call the bar for more info at 212-
725-9864 or send email to iamsic@...  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: they are
being joined by a female vocalist, so the issue of Kol Isha may be
applicable here!!!

	 Also tonight Thursday, 11/2 at 10 PM, David Broza introduces
Yonathan Geffen, legendary Israeli poet and lyricist, performing his
poetry and music at Makor (admission $15).  The event is co-Sponsored
with Kesher.  Makor, is located on 35 W 67 St (off Central Park West)
and can be reached at www.makor.org and 212-601-1000.

	 Tomorrow night, Friday Novmeber 3 Daven & Dinner with the
Carlebach Chassidim of Brooklyn at the Young Israel of Midwood, 1694
Ocean Ave.  Special guests: Rabbi Tzvi Mandel, Spiritual Leader,
K'hal B'nai Yisroel, and Heshy Brodye with his booming voice leading
davening and zemiros to all the great Carlebach classics.  Dinner
should be reserved in advance and costs $20, but davening is free and
you can just show up (begins at 4:40 with Kaballas Shabbos).  For
more info on their events, check out
http://www.carlbachofbrooklyn.org/calendar.html

	 Saturday, Novmeber 4 at 1PM, Cantor David Greenbaum is
leading a special Shabbos Zemiros Lunch at the Old Broadway
Synagogue, just north of 125 St.  I will also be there to lend my
voice and teach a few songs.  The meal is open to all and costs $18
per person -- call the shul at 212-662-9767 to reserve.

	 Saturday night, 11/4, I was originally planning a kumsitz
downtown, but I relocated it to Riverdale for my friend Elisheva
Silver's birthday.  So we'll have the one downtown in a few weeks
instead, and this one will be at 3671 Hudson Manor Terrace, apt #1-L,
starting at 7:45 PM.  All are welcome to attend and bring musical
instruments.  For directions to her place, call Elisheva at 718-543-
1735.

	 Also Saturday night 11/4, if you don't want to come to my
kumsitz, there is a Safam concert in Rockaway, New Jersey at
the White Meadow Temple at 8PM.  One of the most successful Jewish
groups in America today, Safam has been playing to packed audiences
for three decades, and their music is always current.  For more
information on the show, call 973-586-3625 or check out
http://www.safam.com/safam/

	 Sunday Novmeber 5, Deborah Strauss and Jeff Warschauer are
playing their mix of Klezmer music and Yiddish song at the Tonic
Klezmer Brunch on the Lower East Side.  The bar is located above the
former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk Street (between Rivington and
Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-7503 or www.tonic107.com for
more info.  There are two sets, at 1:30 PM and 3PM, and the cost is
$10 each or $15 for both.  IMPORTANT NOTE: the food is not strictly
kosher, and the issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here!!!

	 Thursday November 9 at 7PM, Chaim David is playing a concert
at Mayanot High School, the only NJ appearance for this trip.
Tickets ar $15, and more info is available on his website
http://www.room304.com/cd/

	 Friday November 10 the Carlebach Shul on 79 St (between West
End and Riverside) is having its annual Carlebach yahrzeit shabbaton,
marking the death of Rav Shlomo Carlebach six years ago this week.
All Shabbos meals will be served at the shul, and a melave malka will
take place Saturday night.  Sunday there will be a memorial tribute
and Neshama Carlebach (one of Shlomo's daughters) will give a concert
at the West Side Institutional Synagogue on W 76 St.  The
commemoration will conclude with a siyum Monday night.  For detailed
information call the shul at 212-580-2391 or check out the webpage
http://carlebachshul.org/UpSchedule/TripToIsrael.htm

	 Saturday night, November 11 B'samim is playing at
Congregation Ohab Zedek, 118 W 95 St.  They're one of the newest
groups in modern Jewish music, and definitely worth checking out.
For more info, call 212-316-1456 or check out the website
http://www.bsamim.com

	 Sunday Novmeber 12, The Murrays are playing at the Tonic
Klezmer Brunch on the Lower East Side.  I don't anything about this
group except that they are described by the Klezmer Brunch website
as, "An irreverant, wild, and loving take on klezmer."  The bar is
located above the former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk Street (between
Rivington and Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-7503 or
www.tonic107.com for more info.  There are two sets, at 1:30 PM and
3PM, and the cost is $10 each or $15 for both.  IMPORTANT NOTE: the
food is not strictly kosher at the bar!!!

	 Sunday, 11/12 at 11PM, the band [sic] is playing at CB's
Gallery, 313 Bowery.  This is a special one-of-a-kind completely
acousitc show.  In case anyone was wondering, the name of the band is
a literary reference, actually a Latin word meaning "thus,"
indicating that a quote is verbatim though it may be incorrect.  For
more info, call 212-725-9864 or send email to iamsic@...

	 Monday night 11/13 and Tuesday 11/14 is the sixth yahrtzeit
of Rav Shlomo Carlebach, and there will be a siyum and light meal at
the Carlebach Shul on W79 St (see above for info on the rest of the
weekend).

	 Wednesday November 15, my band Remez and Chaim David in
concert at OZ.  Hope to see you all there!!!  Email me if you want to
help publicize the show (just reply to this message)

	 The crescent moon you see in the sky tonight means we are now
just beginning Cheshvan, the second month of the Hebrew calendar.  It
is commonly called MarCheshvan ("bitter" Cheshvan) since it lacks all
the festive days celebrated in the previous month.  But we can make
up for that by tapping into some of the spirituality we acquired
during Tishrei and carrying it with us through our daily lives.
Attending Jewish Music evetns can be a great reminder of our special
role as the Chosen People.  So check my calendar website for the most
up-to-date info http://www.egroups.com/calendar/NYCJewishMusic
(you'll need your egroups password but if you forgot it you can
always get another one sent to you by email).  I don't mind spending
the time updating it, but  only if I know people are using this
feature, so please let me know.  Hope you enjoy the music!

		 Gili Houpt

Dear Friends,

	 It is my pleasure to welcome Chaim David Saracik to New York,
on a concert tour from the Holy Land for a few weeks.  His plane from
Israel lands late tonight and he's already playing his first show
tomorrow night in Teaneck, NJ.  Then onto an incredible list of shows
all over the New York area, even one in Philadelphia.  Chaim David
has been playing in the Isareli yeshivas for years, and with eight
albums out now, he is an internationally recognized musician.  Every
concert is an experience that touches the soul and warms the heart,
music that is not just entertaining but inspiring and spiritually
uplifiting.  I feel very privileged to be putting together the
concert on Wednesday 11/15 at Congregation Ohab Zedek, and opening
for Chaim David with my band Remez.  Stay tuned to my email for info
on his shows, or check out CD's website http://www.room304.com/cd/

	 Tonight, Wednesday November 8 at 7PM, Isralight presents: Rav
Binny Friedman back from Israel's front lines to share with us his
songs and stories of live gunfire while defding Our Land last week.
Suggested donation: $10.  Come early because only the first 100
people will be allowed in.  Call the Isralight office at 212-695-4877
OR email rina@... for location information.

	 Also tonight, Wednesday 11/8 Mo Shapiro will be playing with
a new band, "Rusty Spoon" along with Erica Rychick on Vocals,
Binyomin Ginzburg, Jon Taub, Jason Horowitz and other guests.  Though
the music is not traditionally Jewish, the musicians are playing good
old rock and roll from their Jewish neshamas.  They're playing one
set 9:30 PM at the 169 Bar, 169 East Broadway, "in the historically
pickled Lower East Side," near Essex St (take F train to East
Broadway); no cover charge.  For more info, send email to Mo at
klezman1969@...  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha may
be applicable here!!!

	 Tomorrow night, Thursday November 9 at 7PM, Chaim David is
playing his first of many concerts during his two-week tour of the
East Coast.  The show will be at Ma'ayanot High School, in Teaneck,
and is his only appearance in New Jersey. admission is $15 and more
info is available on his website http://www.room304.com/cd/

	 Also tomorrow night 11/9, at 8PM, Soulfarm (formerly
Inasense) will be playing a concert for students only at Queens
College.  Admission is $5, but this is a fundraiser for the homeless,
so bring a can of food and get $1 off admission price (5 cans gets
you in free).  Call 718-793-2222 for more info.  This is a "STUDENT
PARTY" (ages 18+) so bring proper college picture I.D. or you won't
be allowed in.

	 Friday November 10 the Carlebach Shul on 79 St (between West
End and Riverside) is having its annual Carlebach yahrzeit shabbaton,
marking the death of Rav Shlomo Carlebach six years ago this week.
All Shabbos meals will be served at the shul, and a melave malka will
take place Saturday night.  Sunday there will be a memorial tribute
and Neshama Carlebach (one of Shlomo's daughters) will give a concert
at the West Side Institutional Synagogue on W 76 St.  The
commemoration will conclude with a siyum Monday night.  For detailed
information call the shul at 212-580-2391 or check out the webpage
http://carlebachshul.org/UpSchedule/TripToIsrael.htm

	 Saturday night, November 11 B'samim is playing at
Congregation Ohab Zedek, 118 W 95 St.  They're one of the newest
groups in modern Jewish music, and definitely worth checking out.
For more info, call 212-316-1456 or check out the website
http://www.bsamim.com

	 Sunday November 12, The Murrays are playing at the Tonic
Klezmer Brunch on the Lower East Side.  I don't anything about this
group except that they are described by the Klezmer Brunch website
as, "An irreverant, wild, and loving take on klezmer."  The bar is
located above the former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk Street (between
Rivington and Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-7503 or
www.tonic107.com for more info.  There are two sets, at 1:30 PM and
3PM, and the cost is $10 each or $15 for both.  IMPORTANT NOTE: the
food is not strictly kosher at the bar!!!

	 Also Sunday 11/12, at 7:30 PM, Shearis Academy presents
Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora at Town Hall in Midtown Manhattan, also
featuring Yishai Lapidot (from Oif Simchas) and Dedi.  Tickets are
available at Eichlers staring at $36, and proceeds go towards Shearis
Israel, an organization doing kiruv with russian Jews.  For more
info, call 888-4SHARIS.

	 Also Sunday night 11/12 at 11PM, the band [sic] is playing at
CB's Gallery, 313 Bowery.  This is a special one-of-a-kind completely
acousitc show.  In case anyone was wondering, the name of the band is
a literary reference, actually a Latin word meaning "thus,"
indicating that a quote is verbatim though it may be incorrect.  For
more info, call 212-725-9864 or send email to iamsic@...

	 Monday night 11/13 and Tuesday 11/14 is the sixth yahrtzeit
of Rav Shlomo Carlebach, and there will be a siyum and light meal at
the Carlebach Shul on W79 St (see above for info on the rest of the
weekend).

	 Wednesday November 15, 7:30 PM, my band Remez and Chaim David
are performing at Congregation Ohab Zedek.  OZ is on the Upper West
Side of Manhattan at 118 W 95 St and can be reacched at 212-749-
5150.  Email me if you want to help publicize the show (just reply to
this message).  For this concert, Remez consists of me on acoustic
guitar, percussion and vocals;  Seth Nadel on electric and acoustic
guitars, mandolin and vocals; Jennifer Seligman on violin; Yitz
Aaronson on bass; and David Schweke on percussion.  Hope to see you
all there!!!

	 Thursday Nov 16 at 7:30 PM Neshama Carlebach is teaching the
beautiful melodies of her father Reb Shlomo (second part of 2
classes) at The Carlebach Shul, 305 West 79th Street.  For more info,
call Robert Paris at 212-580-2391 or check out
http://www.neshamacarlebach.com

	 Friday Night, November 17 join Chaim David as he leads a very
spiritual Kabalas Shabbos davening at Congregation Aish Kodesh in
Woodmere, Long Island.  Or for something closer to home (in
Brooklyn), try Carlebach Memorial Daven & Dinner with Rabbi Meir Fund
and the famous singing gabbai Reb. Judah Roth at the Young Israel of
Midwood, 1694 Ocean Ave.

	 Saturday night November 18 at 7:30 PM, Chaim David is playing
a concert at Congregation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, Long Island with
Rav Moshe Weinberger.  See the website for more info:
http://www.room304.com/cd/

	 Also Saturday night 11/18, 11/18 at 8:30 pm Carlebach
Memorial Melava Malke at Young Israel of Midwood, 1694 Ocean Ave. in
Brooklyn, led by Rabbi Moshe Shur with Rabbis Itzak Aisenstadt, Tzvi
Mandel and Rabbi Yidel Stein, Spiritual Leader of the Brisker Shul.
Also playing are Rocky Zweig & the Holy Beggars Band.  See
http://www.carlbachofbrooklyn.org/calendar.html for more info.

	 Sunday November 19 at 6:15 PM, Chaim David is playing the
annual youth concert at the Riverdale Jewish Center.  The RJC is
located 3700 Independence Ave in the Bronx, and can be reached at 718-
548-1850 or info@... and also check out
http://www.rjconline.org

	 Also Sunday night 11/19, at 8PM, there is the Jewish Hospice
Concert at Avery Fisher Hall with an all-star bill including Abie
Rotenberg, Ely Kranzler, Dov Levine, Shloime Dachs, Shlomo Simcha,
Moshe Yess, and Gershon Veroba.  Tickets are $36 and up and proceeds
go to support the Metropolitan Jewish Geriatric Foundation.  For more
info, send email to benefitconcert@... or call 877-628-
2598 or check out
http://mjgfoundation.org/Activities___Programs/Special_Events/concert/
concert.html

	 Tuesday, November 21, 7PM is the 6th annual Chevron benefit
concert at Town Hall, 123 W 43rd St.  The concert raises money for
the inhabitants of Hebron and other Israeli areas that need it more
than ever this year.  It also commemorates the yahrtzeit of Rav
Shlomo Carlebach and includes many of his musical heirs: Chaim David,
Soulfarm (formerly Inasense), Ben Zion Solomon & Sons, and Avraham
Fried.  Call 718-677-6886 or email hebronfund@...

	 Wednesday November 22, the Moshav Band will play the Bitter
End, 147 Bleecker Street (between Thompson and LaGuardia), 212-673-
7030.  This is there only New York show while the band is in from the
West Coast.  Cover charge is $10.  For more information, check out
http://www.moshavband.com

	 Saturday night, November 25, my friend Eric Safern is having
a kumsitz in his apartment on the Upper West Side, 325 W93 St,
apartment #33.  For more info, call and leave a message at 212-663-
0011.  All are welcome to attend to help Eric celebrate his recent
engagement.

	 I hope to see you at some of these events in the next few
weeks, especially my concert at OZ on Wednesday 11/15.  Especially
with what is going on now in Israel and the changing political
situation in America, we need more than ever to become unified as a
People.  One good way to do that is to discover what we have in
common, a rich musical tradition that is forever being reinvented but
has roots in our most ancient history.  I pray that one day soon we
will once again be singing the Songs of Happiness and Joy at the
Rebuilt Temple in our Holy Land.

		 Gili Houpt

Dear Friends,

	 I want to invite you to a concert with my band Remez 7:30 PM
tomorrow night (Wednesday, November 15) at Congregation Ohab Zedek,
118 W 95 St (shul office: 212-749-5150).  It's been almost ten months
now since I started collaborating with Seth Nadel, multitalented
songwriter and musician (guitar, mandolin, drums, harmonica,
accordion, etc.)  It took us a few months to develop a unique sound
and come up with a name for the band, and we worked on a diverse
selection of music, from Bob Dylan to Shlomo Carlebach, adding our
own original tunes.  Then in June we played our first big concert,
opening for Chaim David Saracik at OZ to a crowd of 200.  Another few
months passed, and we added some more musicians to the Remez roster,
expanded our repertoire, and continued playing concerts all over the
New York area.  Now Chaim David is on tour again from Israel and
asked us once again to do a concert together.  Seth and I are joined
by violinist Jennifer Seligman, bassist Yitz Aaronson, and
percussionist David Schweke.  This time I'm hoping for an audience of
300, which will be the biggest public concert yet for Remez!  I hope
you can make it.

	 Also tomorrow night, 11/15 Matt Turk will be performing at
10PM in CB's Gallery 313 Bowery with the ever brilliant Mac Gollehon
on trumpet.  Check out Matt's webpage at http://www.turktunes.com/ or
call the club at 212-677-0455.

	 Thursday, November 16, 8-11 PM Andy Statman is playing his
weekly Music of the Mystics at the Grenwich Village Synagogue (he
will be off next week 11/23 for Thanksgiving but will continue
afterwards every Thrursday through the end of the year).  Andy is
renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin, and his band plays a
great mix of klezmer, Chassidic, and original Jewish melodies.  The
shul is located at 53 Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and can be reached
at 212-242-6425.  Suggested donation is $10 (students $7) which
includes free refreshments.

	 Also Thursday 11/16 at 7:30 PM Neshama Carlebach is teaching
the beautiful melodies of her father Reb Shlomo (second part of 2
classes) at The Carlebach Shul, 305 West 79th Street.  For more info,
call Robert Paris at 212-580-2391 or check out
http://www.neshamacarlebach.com

	 Friday Night, November 17 join Chaim David as he leads a very
spiritual Kabalas Shabbos davening at Congregation Aish Kodesh in
Woodmere, Long Island.  Or for something closer to home (in
Brooklyn), try Carlebach Memorial Daven & Dinner with Rabbi Meir Fund
and the famous singing gabbai Reb. Judah Roth at the Young Israel of
Midwood, 1694 Ocean Ave.

	 Saturday night November 18 at 7:30 PM, Chaim David is playing
a concert at Congregation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, Long Island with
Rav Moshe Weinberger.  See the website for more info:
http://www.room304.com/cd/

	 Also Saturday night 11/18, at 8:30 PM, there is another
Carlebach Memorial Melava Malke at Young Israel of Midwood, 1694
Ocean Ave. in Brooklyn, led by Rabbi Moshe Shur with Rabbis Itzak
Aisenstadt, Tzvi Mandel and Rabbi Yidel Stein, Spiritual Leader of
the Brisker Shul.  Also playing are Rocky Zweig & the Holy Beggars
Band.  For more info, see
http://www.carlbachofbrooklyn.org/calendar.html

	 Also Saturday night 11/18, at 9PM, Reality Shock performs its
potent mishmosh of rock'n'roll and middle eastern music with a twist
of Jewish humor at Emeralds & Pearls Cafe, 535 Bangs Ave., Asbury
Park, NJ.  For directions to the club, call 732-774-3522, and check
out http://members.dencity.com/Isser/RS.html

	 Sunday November 19 at 6:15 PM, Chaim David is playing the
annual youth concert at the Riverdale Jewish Center.  The RJC is
located 3700 Independence Ave in the Bronx, and can be reached at 718-
548-1850 or info@... and on the web at
http://www.rjconline.org

	 Also Sunday night 11/19, at 8PM, there is the Jewish Hospice
Concert at Avery Fisher Hall with an all-star bill including Abie
Rotenberg, Ely Kranzler, Dov Levine, Shloime Dachs, Shlomo Simcha,
Moshe Yess, and Gershon Veroba.  Tickets are $36 and up and proceeds
go to support the Metropolitan Jewish Geriatric Foundation.  Email
benefitconcert@..., call 877-628-2598, or check out
http://mjgfoundation.org/Activities___Programs/Special_Events/concert/
concert.html

	 Tuesday, November 21, 7PM is the 6th annual Chevron benefit
concert at Town Hall, 123 W 43rd St.  The concert raises money for
the inhabitants of Hebron and other Israeli areas that need it more
than ever this year.  It also commemorates the yahrtzeit of Rav
Shlomo Carlebach and includes many of his musical heirs: Chaim David,
Soulfarm (formerly Inasense), Ben Zion Solomon & Sons, and Avraham
Fried.  Call 718-677-6886 or email hebronfund@...

	 Wednesday November 22, the Moshav Band will play the Bitter
End, 147 Bleecker Street (between Thompson and LaGuardia), 212-673-
7030.  This is there only New York show while the band is in from the
West Coast.  Cover charge is $10.  For more information, check out
http://www.moshavband.com

	 Saturday night, November 25, my friend Eric Safern is having
a kumsitz in his apartment on the Upper West Side, 325 W93 St,
apartment #33.  For more info, call and leave a message at 212-663-
0011.  All are welcome to attend to help Eric celebrate his recent
engagement.

	 Tuesday, November 28 at 9:30 PM [sic] is playing at Downtime,
251 West 30 St (betw. 8 & 9 Ave).  Call the club at 212-695-2747, or
for more info, call [sic] at 212-725-9864 or send email to
iamsic@...

	 Thursday, November 30 8:30 PM, Soulfarm (formerly Inasense)
in concert at Mexicali Blues Cafe, 665 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, NJ.  Call
the club for info: 201-836-9404, all ages welcome.  Check out the new
webpage http://soulfarm.net

	 Saturday night, December 2, the Fifth International Sephardic
Film Festival kicks off at the Center for Jewish History (15 W 16
St), featuring a live music performance by world famous Flory Jagoda
(Ladino [Sephardic] singer).  8PM opening cocktail reception and
screening; 9PM The key from Spain: the songs and stories of Flory
Jagoda.  Call the Sephardic House at 212-294-6170 or check out
http://www.sephardichouse.org/film1.html  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the
issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here!!!

	 Sunday, December 10 8–10PM, The Breslov Center for
Spirituality and Inner Growth will be presenting a mini-concert: The
Music of "Simply Tzfat".  This lively trio from Tzfat, in the Holy
Land, will present an evening of Chassidic sings and stories at The
Boyaner Shul, lobby of  441 West End Avenue (corner W 81 St. -- ask
doorman for directions).  Donation: $15 (all proceeds to charity)
includes light refreshments.

	 I'd like to close this email with some words on our great
Rabbi, Rav Shlomo Carlebach, as today (16th of Cheshvan) is his
yahrtzeit -- he passed away six years ago, leaving thousands of
bereft fans/followers/students/admirers all over the world.  It
wasn't just his music that touched everyone's soul (he probably was
the most prolific composer of Jewish music since King David,
travelled to more cities to share his music than anyone in the
industry, and had some influence on everyone playing Jewish music
today), and it's not just his words of Torah and inspirational
stories that make him beloved to so many (he never went anywhere
without a sefer in his hand, and his tales on the Holocaust or
Israeli soldiers can bring tears to the dryest eye).  If I had to
choose one quality that endeared him to his global congregation, what
is for me the quintissential reason for his greatness and why I
consider him one of my Rabbis, it was his absolute love for every
Jew, his total acceptance of each individual, sinner or tzadik, as a
holy person made in the image of G-d.  Who knows how many Jews today
owe their connection to Yiddishkeit to this great rabbi?  Just ask
Chaim David sometime to share his personal story of return to Judaism
from the ashram in Amsterdam when Shlomo Carlebach came for a
concert.  A truly amazing man, Rav Shlomo is dearly missed by so
many, yet his legacy lives on through all his disciples: his music,
his Torah, his stories, and most of all his teachings of love and
understanding.  May we all succeed in trying to emulate him.

		 Gili Houpt

Dear Friends,

	 I want to thank all of you who came last week to the Chaim
David concert with my band Remez opening.  It was incredible to be
playing to such an enthusiastic audience and a real honour to once
again share the stage with Chaim David, who put on an amazing show!
Before I get to the upcoming events, a quick note that I've been
working on the egroups website to make it more useful, so be sure to
check out all the new links and files.  Please let me know if you
have any ideas how I can make it better.  Specifically, I just added
a new section on the "files" page, at the advice of Abe Finkelstein
who is looking to form or join a band.  I created a new folder for
Jewish music classified ads, so people can find each other if they
want to share ideas, locate out-of-print albums, give/get music
lessons, buy/sell instruments, hire musicians, etc.  You can go
straight to the website:
http://www.egroups.com/files/NYCJewishMusic/Jewish+Music+Classifieds/

	 Now onto the Jewish Music listings for the next few weeks:

	 Tonight, Wednesday November 22, 10:30 PM the Moshav Band is
playing the Bitter End (cover charge $10).  The club is located in
the Village at 147 Bleecker Street (between Thompson and LaGuardia)
and can be reached at http://bitterend.com/ or 212-673-7030.  This is
the Moshav Band's only New York show before they go back to the West
Coast.  For more information, check out http://www.moshavband.com

	 Saturday night, November 25, my friend Eric Safern is having
a kumsitz in his apartment on the Upper West Side, 325 W93 St,
apartment #33.  For more info, call and leave a message at 212-663-
0011.  All are welcome to attend to help Eric celebrate his recent
engagement.  In case you're wondering why I'm not going to be there,
I'll be in Toronto for the weekend to lead a Carlebach minyan Friday
night at CongregationShaarei Shomayim and participate in a Carlebach
Melave Malka Saturday night at the Viewmount Shul.

	 Also Saturday night 11/25, at 8:30 PM, Ben Zion Solomon and
Sons are playing a concert to benefit the widow and orphan of Aish
Kodesh Gilmor z''l (of Moshav Me'or Modin) who was killed by Arab
terrorists a few weeks ago.  They will be performing the music of Reb
Shlomo Carlebach and others at Kehillat New Hempstead, 720 Union
Road, New Hemstead (in Rockland County).  Tickets on sale at the door
$15 (students $10) and For more info call Nachman at 845-362-8318

	 Also Saturday night 11/25, if you're in the Catskills for
your Thanksgiving weekend, check out Avraham Rosenblum & Dispora at
the Homowack Hotel.  They're offering a 10% discount for fans of the
band, so mention that if you call to make a reservation: 800-243-
4567.  For more info, go to http://www.diasporaband.com

	 Tuesday, November 28 at 9:30 PM [sic] is playing at Downtime,
251 West 30 St (betw. 8 & 9 Ave).  Call the club at 212-695-2747, or
for more info, call [sic] at 212-725-9864 or send email to
iamsic@...

	 Wednesday, November 29 at 8PM, Rabbi Shimon Green from
Yeshiva of Bircas Hatorah will be giving a shiur and musical
performance at Ohav Shalom, 274 W 84 St (off Broadway).  RSVP to
reserve a seat: send email to info@... or call the shul at 212-
877-5850

	 Thursday, November 30, 8-11 PM Andy Statman is playing his
weekly Music of the Mystics at the Grenwich Village Synagogue.  Andy
is renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin, and his band plays
a great mix of klezmer, Chassidic, and original Jewish melodies.  The
shul is located at 53 Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and can be reached
at 212-242-6425.  Suggested donation is $10 (students $7) which
includes free refreshments.

	 Also Thursday 11/30 at 8:30 PM, Soulfarm (formerly Inasense)
in concert at Mexicali Blues Cafe, 665 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, NJ.  Call
the club for info: 201-836-9404, all ages welcome.  Check out the new
webpage http://soulfarm.net

	 Saturday December 2, 8PM Yisroel Williger and the Binyomin
Ginzberg Trio are playing for the Congregataion Ohab Zedek Saturday
night concert series (admission: $15; $10 for members).  The shul is
located at 118 W 95 St and can be reached at 212-749-5150 or
http://www.rokasoft.com/oz

	 Also Saturday night 12/2, the Fifth International Sephardic
Film Festival kicks off at the Center for Jewish History (15 W 16
St), featuring a live music performance by world famous Flory Jagoda
(Ladino [Sephardic] singer).  8PM opening cocktail reception and
screening; 9PM The key from Spain: the songs and stories of Flory
Jagoda.  Call the Sephardic House at 212-294-6170 or check out
http://www.sephardichouse.org/film1.html  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the
issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here!!!

	 Wednesday December 6 at 8PM, Matt Turk is playing the JEC JAM
at the Jewish Enrichment Center, 176 Madison Ave.  For more info call
212-889-5532 or send email to jec@... or check out the
websites: http://www.jeconline.com/jecjam.html and
http://www.turktunes.com

	 Friday Night, December 8 at 6:30 PM join Avraham Zimmy
Zimberg for the ultimate "unplugged" experience: a Spiritual,
Soulful, Song-filled Shabbat dinner at Congregation Ohav Shalom, 270
West 84 St (off Broadway) featuring lots of great singing by the
amazing Zimmy and delicious Moroccan food catered by Darna.
Reservations must be received by Monday, December 4, $18 (or $12 for
students). Bring along a word of Torah wisdom, a poem, a song, or
even just a smile!  For more info or to reserve, call Zimmy at 212-
923-1695, or go to http://www.jewishsingle.org/shabbos.htm

	 Saturday night December 9 at 9PM there will be a concert
featuring the band Shamayim and the Bilubi Choir at Congregation Ohab
Zedek 118 W 95 St.  The shul can be reached at 212-749-5150 or
http://www.rokasoft.com/oz  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha
may be applicable here!!!

	 Also Saturday night 12/9 there is a Motzei Shabbat Concert at
The Jewish Center, one of the oldest established Orthodox
congregations on the Upper West Side, 131 West 86th Street (between
Columbus and Amsterdam Avenue).  For more info, call 212-724-2700 or
goto http://welcome.to/thejewishcenter

	 Sunday, December 10 8-10PM, The Breslov Center for
Spirituality and Inner Growth will be presenting a mini-concert: The
Music of "Simply Tzfat".  This lively trio from Tzfat, in the Holy
Land, will present an evening of Chassidic sings and stories at The
Boyaner Shul, lobby of  441 West End Avenue (corner W 81 St. -- ask
doorman for directions).  Donation: $15 (all proceeds to charity)
includes light refreshments.

	 Hopefully you should find something there that fits into your
schedule!  I just wanted to add a little note on the "State of the
Union."  The United States of America is preparing for the
Thanksgiving holiday while the future of the nation's leadership
still remains in limbo.  It kind of makes you wonder: in a country
where there is supposed to be a complete separation of religion and
state, to whom are we meant to be thankful?  Though most Americans
wouldn't admit it, Thanksgiving has its roots in a different autumnal
holiday, one of a deeply religious nature.  As are surprisingly many
elements of Western culture, this is a ripoff of the Holiday of
Tabernacles, lifted right out of the Jewish calendar, fashioned after
what we celebrate every year as Sukkos.  It is the Jewish people who
first acknowledged the connection between agriculture and Divine
protection, and for the past three millenia every year as the season
grows colder we gather various plants from the field and congregate
as families to give thanks to the One G-d for all that sustains us.
I'm not saying you shouldn't celebrate Thanksgiving (it was never
something I personally did growing up, having Canadian parents).  But
if you feel it's your duty as a patriotic citizen of the US to take
part in this holiday, at least remember that it's about giving
thanks, not to our absent leadership or inefficient political system,
but to the One to Whom thanks is due for creating this world and
everything good in it.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving and a Good Shabbos!

		 Gili Houpt

Dear Friends,

	 This week's list is going to have to be shorter than usual
because I've been very busy the last few days and I have to get to
sleep.  We just entered the month of Kislev, and that means that
Chanukah is only three weeks away!  So check the next email for all
the music going on at the end of December.  The only Chanukah concert
I'll include this time is the first night (12/21) my band Remez is
playing on the Upper East Side; see below for details (that's what we
call shameless self-publicity).  There's plenty of Jewish music in
the next two weeks:

	 Tomorrow night, Saturday December 2, 8PM Yisroel Williger and
the Binyomin Ginzberg Trio are playing for the Congregataion Ohab
Zedek Saturday night concert series.  Make sure to check this out:
it's sure to be a great show!  This is a fundraiser for the shul, and
admission is only $15 ($10 for members).  OZ is located at 118 W 95
St and can be reached at 212-749-5150 or http://www.rokasoft.com/oz

	 Also tomorrow night 12/2, the Fifth International Sephardic
Film Festival kicks off at the Center for Jewish History (15 W 16
St), featuring a live music performance by world famous Flory Jagoda
(Ladino [Sephardic] singer).  8PM opening cocktail reception and
screening; 9PM The key from Spain: the songs and stories of Flory
Jagoda.  Call the Sephardic House at 212-294-6170 or check out
http://www.sephardichouse.org/film1.html  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the
issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic
authority!!!

	 Also tomorrow night 12/2, 8PM there is a Melave Malka at
Chabad of the Upper West Side, 101 West 92nd Street (NW corner of
Columbus): farbrengen featuring niggunim, stories and insights with
Rabbi Tzvi Freeman on the guitar.  Admission is $10.  Rabbi Freeman
is a recognized authority on the Rebbe's teachings, as well as an
accomplished classical guitarist and composer.

	 Sunday December 3 at 7PM Soulfarm (formerly Inasense) will be
playing a concert in Livingston, NJ at the Kushner Hebrew Academy,
110 South Orange Ave.  For more info, call 973-597-1115 and check out
the new webpage http://soulfarm.net

	 Wednesday December 6 at 8PM, Matt Turk is playing the JEC
JAM, a sensational evening of musical energy with Mac Gollehon on
trumpet.  The Jewish Enrichment Center is located at 176 Madison Ave
and can be reached at 212-889-5532 or
http://www.jeconline.com/jecjam.html.  Also check out Matt's website
at http://www.turktunes.com

	 Thursday, December 7, 8-11 PM Andy Statman is playing his
weekly Music of the Mystics at the Greenwich Village Synagogue.  Andy
is renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin, and he has a full
band playing a great mix of klezmer, Chassidic, and original Jewish
melodies.  The shul is located at 53 Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and
can be reached at 212-242-6425.  Suggested donation is $10 (students
$7) which includes free refreshments.  Check out the new website:
http://www.citizenkafka.com/andy/

	 Friday December 8 through Saturday night is a very amazing
Shabbaton with Ben Zion Solomon and Sons, put together as a benefit
to raise money for families who are victims of terrorism in Israel.
People will be put up in homes of the Great Neck, LI community and
all meals and davening will be at the shul.  Also, Ben Zion Solomon
will be holding "tish" Friday night with the chevrah, and there will
be a concert Saturday night at 8PM.  The cost for the Shabbaton is
$25 (includes the concert).  If cost is an issue, they will work out
a way for you to come -- nobody will be turned away from this heilege
Shabbos!  The concert will be at the Great Neck Middle School South
(349 Lakeland Road) and costs $10 for people who don't attend the
whole Shabbaton.  Please RSVP by December 6 by calling Yakov Haller
during the day at 516-396-0361 or Jason Wasser at home: 718-327-3144,
work: 914-637-8113 or cel: 516-244-0203

	 Saturday night December 9 there will be a concert featuring
the Bilubi Choir and the band Shamayim at Congregation Ohab Zedek 118
W 95 St.  The show starts at 8PM and admission is free until 8:30 and
$10 thereafter (Shamayim goes on at 9).  The shul can be reached at
212-749-5150 or http://www.rokasoft.com/oz  and check out the band's
new website at http://www.shamayim.com  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue
of Kol Isha may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic
authority.  Rabbi Schwartz from OZ permits listening to this co-ed
choir since there will be no solos by women!!!

	 Also Saturday night 12/9 there is a Motzei Shabbat Concert at
The Jewish Center on the Upper West Side, 131 West 86th Street
(between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenue).  For more info, call 212-724-
2700 or goto http://welcome.to/thejewishcenter

	 Also Saturday night 12/9 at 8PM Soulfarm (formerly Inasense)
is playing a benefit concert in Long Island, at the Great Neck South
Middle School, 349 Lakeville Rd.  For more info, call 516-390-7162
and check out the new webpage http://soulfarm.net

	 Sunday, December 10 8-10PM, The Breslov Center for
Spirituality and Inner Growth will be presenting a mini-concert: The
Music of "Simply Tzfat".  This lively trio from Tzfat, in the Holy
Land, will present an evening of Chassidic sings and stories at The
Boyaner Shul, lobby of  441 West End Avenue (corner W 81 St. -- ask
doorman for directions).  Donation: $15 (all proceeds to charity)
includes light refreshments.

	 Friday December 15 join Rabbi David Danzer as he leads
davening with lots of great singing at the Carlebach Shul, 305 W79 St
between West End and Riverside.  Dinner following for $25 (Non-
Members: $30); receive $5 off if you reserve with the shul office
(212-580-2391) by Thursday.  Rabbi Danzer performed HASC concerts at
Lincoln Center with Reb Shlomo and is currently the Chazan Sheni at
Congregation Ohab Zedek (you should hear how the shul rocking when he
davens there Friday nights).

	 Thursday December 21 (the first night of Chanukah), a night
of Jewish soul rock music and entertainment: Shamayim, Remez, and
Ritchie Mansour at Kehilath Jeshurun, 125 E 85 St.  Doors open at 7,
program is from 7:30 until 11PM.  The concert is organized by the OU
212-613-8188 and admission is $15 in advance ($20 at the door) so be
sure to get tickets early!

	 When I started this list almost a year ago, I had hoped it
would become an online community of Jewish people interested in
music.  This has far exceeded my expectations, as I now have 850
people directly receiving my weekly messages and I have been able to
make connections with fans and other musicians.  As a result I also
find out about great new music, such as a new CD by Daniel Gil called
Soul Calling, an incredible album with ten original songs from Tanach
(Nachamu, Hodu Lashem, Hazor'im, Aishes Chayil), liturgy (Oseh
Shalom, 2 different Lecha Dodi tunes) and other sources.  The music
has a very spiritual sound with a melding of "folk and classical
traditions" (Daniel performs all vocals and plays guitar, violin and
viola; Norbert Statchel plays flute, soprano saxophone, piccolo, and
clarinet; Bruce Berger on lead guitars and balalaika).  The CD is
available at most Jewish bookstores.  I first found out about Daniel
Gil when he received my email forwarded by a friend a few months ago
and got in touch with me from Israel.  He is now in Boston for a few
weeks and maybe he'll come to New York before heading back home to
Jerusalem, so stay tuned.

	 I want to wish you all a very holy Shabbos!

		 Gili Houpt

Tonight, Thursday December 7, 8-11 PM Andy Statman is playing
his weekly Music of the Mystics at the Greenwich Village Synagogue.
Andy is renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin, and tonight
he's part of a quintet playing a great mix of klezmer, Chassidic, and
original Jewish melodies.  The shul is located at 53 Charles St.
(near W 4th St.) and can be reached at 212-242-6425.  Suggested
donation is $10 (students $7) which includes free refreshments.
Check out the new website: http://www.citizenkafka.com/andy/

	 Also tonight, 12/7 at 8PM, The Columbia/Barnard Hillel is
pleased to present Debbie Friedman in concert.  Tickets are $10 with
any student ID and $20 without.  The concert will take place at
Miller Theatre, 116th St. and Broadway.  Reservations or phone sales
will be handled by the theatre 212-854-7799.  For more info see the
website http://www.goldenland.com/debbie  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the
issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic
authority!!!

	 Friday December 8 through Saturday night is a very amazing
Shabbaton with Ben Zion Solomon and Sons, put together as a benefit
to raise money for families who are victims of terrorism in Israel.
People will be put up in homes of the Great Neck, LI community and
all meals and davening will be at the shul.  Also, Ben Zion Solomon
will be holding "tish" Friday night with the chevrah, and there will
be a concert Saturday night at 8PM.  The cost for the Shabbaton is
$25 (includes the concert).  If cost is an issue, they will work out
a way for you to come -- nobody will be turned away from this heilege
Shabbos!  The concert will be with Soulfarm at the Great Neck Middle
School South (349 Lakeland Road) and costs $10 for people who don't
attend the whole Shabbaton.  Please RSVP by December 6 by calling
Yakov Haller during the day at 516-396-0361 or Jason Wasser at home:
718-327-3144, work: 914-637-8113 or cel: 516-244-0203

	 Saturday, December 9th, there will be a Shabbos lunch at
Ramat Orah, 550 W 110 St (between Broadway and Amsterdam) featuring
the Queens College a cappella group, Tizmoret.  The meal is free but
please call the shul office at 212-222-2470 to make reservations:
business hours are between 9:30 am - 3:30pm, or you may leave a
message with your name and phone number on shul voice mailbox, #1.
See the group's website: http://hammer.prohosting.com/~tizmoret/
!!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here:
consult your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Saturday night 12/9 there will be a concert featuring the
Bilubi Choir and the band Shamayim at Congregation Ohab Zedek 118 W
95 St.  The show starts at 8PM and admission is free until 8:30 and
$10 thereafter (Shamayim goes on at 9).  The shul can be reached at
212-749-5150 or http://www.rokasoft.com/oz  and check out the band's
new website at http://www.shamayim.com  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue
of Kol Isha may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic
authority.  Rabbi Schwartz from OZ permits listening to this co-ed
choir since there will be no solos by women!!!

	 Also Saturday night 12/9 there is a Motzei Shabbat Cantorial
Concert at The Jewish Center on the Upper West Side, 131 West 86th
Street (between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenue).  The show sold out
this past Monday night but you can get on a waiting list for $50
tickets if they become available by calling the Jewish Center concert
ticketline at 866-CANTORS.  This show will also be recorded and
broadcast on PBS at some later date.

	 Also Saturday night 12/9 at 8PM Soulfarm (formerly Inasense)
and Ben Zion Solomon & Sons are playing a benefit concert in Long
Island, at the Great Neck South Middle School, 349 Lakeville Rd.  See
above for the Shabbaton info, or call 516-390-7162.  Check out the
new webpage http://soulfarm.net

	 Sunday, December 10 8-10PM, The Breslov Center for
Spirituality and Inner Growth will be presenting a mini-concert: The
Music of "Simply Tzfat".  This lively trio from Tzfat, in the Holy
Land, will present an evening of Chassidic sings and stories at The
Boyaner Shul, lobby of  441 West End Avenue (corner W 81 St. -- ask
doorman for directions).  Donation: $15 (all proceeds to charity)
includes light refreshments.

	 Tuesday, December 12, Basya Schechter (oud, saz, vocal,
percussion) is playing a duet as "Aywah" with Raquy Danziger
(darbukah, percussion, viola) -- original and traditional middle
eastern fusions -- at the Knitting Factory Old office, 74 Leonard
St.  at 8 and 9:30pm back to back with Allessia Italian Traditional
songs.  $7 plus one drink minimum.  Check out the website:
http://www.knittingfactory.com  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol
Isha may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Friday December 15 join Rabbi David Danzer as he leads
davening with lots of great singing at the Carlebach Shul, 305 W79 St
between West End and Riverside.  Dinner following for $25 (Non-
Members: $30); receive $5 off if you reserve with the shul office
(212-580-2391) by Thursday.  Rabbi Danzer performed HASC concerts at
Lincoln Center with Reb Shlomo and is currently the Chazan Sheni at
Congregation Ohab Zedek (you should hear how the shul rocking when he
davens there Friday nights).

	 Saturday, December 16 at 8PM, Shamayim is
performing "Unplugged at Aish" on theUpper West Side.  Aish Hatorha
specializes in programs for beginners who are new to traditional
Judaism.  The shul is located at 83 St between West End and
Riverside.  Check out http://www.shamayim.com/ for more info.

	 Saturday night through Monday, December 16-18: don't miss the
World Jewish Expo 2000 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
this annual exhibition features 250 booths of: Food, Fashion, Books,
Computers, Judaica, Jewelry, Travel, Simcha Showcase, Health,
Organizations, Communications, and most importantly non-stop
entertainment on the main stage, with performances by Yisroel
Williger, Honorable Mentchen, Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora, Soulfarm
(formerly Inasense) and others.  For more information Call 212-643-
1623 or email info@... or goto http://www.jewishexpo.com/

	 Sunday December 17, Ramat Orah is having a pre-Chanukah
afternoon program at Amsterdam House, which will include music (Jay
Blumenstein on piano), dance, arts and crafts, story-telling and
more.  The focus is intergenerational, young people celebrating
together with senior residents of the home, located at Amsterdam and
112 St.  For more information call the shul at 212-222-2470.

	 Also Sunday, 12/17, Tomer Tzur will be playing with his
Yiddish tinged pop band The Sway Machinery at this week's Tonic
Klezmer Brunch.  The bar is located above the former Kedem winery at
107 Norfolk Street (between Rivington and Delancey) and can be
reached at 212-358-7503 or www.tonic107.com for more info.  There are
two sets, at 1:30 PM and 3PM, and the cost is $10 each or $15 for
both.

	 Monday, December 18 at 8PM, Basya Schechter of Pharaoh's
Daughter performs solo with oud, guitar and vocals at the Living
Room, 84 Stanton St (the corner of Allan).  This is a free show and a
great opprtunity to hear some of her more personal/singer songwriter
material.  The Lower East Side bar can be reached at 212-533-
7235.  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha may be applicable
here: consult your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Tuesday, December 19 6-8 PM, Soulfarm (formerly Inasense) is
playing a live acoustic performance on WRSU, Rutgers Radio show. For
more info, call 732-932-7801 or check out the new website
http://www.soulfarm.net

	 Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30 PM is the annual YU Chanukah
Concert in Lamport Auditorium on the Main Campus of Yeshiva
Univeristy in Washington Heights.  This year features Mordechai Ben
David, Shloime Dachs, Shlomo Simcha, Yeedle, and Bsamim.  Ticket
prices are $40, $30, and $20, and there is both mixed and separate
seating available.  Tickets can be purchase directly from the web
site http://www.yuconcert.com

	 Thursday December 21 (the first night of Chanukah), a night
of Jewish soul rock music and entertainment for all ages by the
Jewish New Artists Projects: Shamayim, Remez, and Ritchie Mansour at
Kehilath Jeshurun, 125 E 85 St. (between Lexington and Park).  Doors
open at 7, program is from 7:30 until 11PM.  The concert is co-
sponsored by the Orthodox Union Young Leadership, 212-613-8188 and
admission is $15 in advance ($20 at the door) so be sure to get
tickets early!

	 Also Thursday 12/21 at 8PM, if you don't want to come see my
band Remez, check out Metropolitan Klezmer at The Cutting Room, 19
W24 St for $8.  For more info, call the restaurant at 212-691-1900
and check out http://www.metropolitanklezmer.com/dates.html  !!!
IMPORTANT NOTE: the food being served is not kosher, but the Chanukah
music definitely is!!!

	 Saturday night December 23 (3rd night of Chanukah) is a huge
concert at the West Side Institutional Synaogoue, 120 W76 St.
(between Columbus and Amsterdam), featuring Piamenta, Soulfarm, Chaim
Kiss, and Aspaklaria.  This is a fundraiser for the shul, so tickets
are $25, $36, $50, or $100 but students can get in for $20.  I am
helping sell tickets for this show, so you can contact me by replying
to this email or call 212-531-3949 and leave me a message.  Group
rates are negotiable through Moshe Fishman at 646-685-2107.

	 I want to close this email with an idea I heard from Rabbi
Becher, who spoke about the mystical aspects of music at last night's
JEC Jam between Matt Turk's two amazing sets.  Music does not really
exist except in the mind for it is made up of a series of notes.  If
we hear an isolated note or one moment of sound by itself, that would
hardly constitute music; it is only the memory we have of the
previous instant coupled with the anticipation for the next one that
we can extrapolate into a musical theme.  The convergence of
independent elements makes us realize that the whole is so much
greater than the sum of its parts.  This becomes a metaphor for life
and how we view the world.  Individual events may seem meaningless or
senseless to us, but when viewed as a cohesive whole, the Master Plan
is revealed.  As limited creatures we can only get a glimpse of the
beauty in the universe, like someone who catches the last few notes
of an amazing concert will not appreciate the greatness of the
performance. But he may realize from the little he heard and the
enthusiasm of the audience that there was an awesome show that he
missed.  So too when we look at the world, though we may see pain and
suffering, it is just the temporary dissonance we experience from
lack of perspective.  When we realize how all the events of history
come together in harmony (and melody) then we can appreciate G-d's
beautiful music in this world.

		 Gili Houpt

Dear friends,

	 In addition to preparing these weekly Jewish Music email
updates, I have been spending a lot of time on the website:
http://www.egroups.com/group/NYCJewishMusic/ to create and foster a
community of people interested in Jewish music.  My list has just
exceeded 900 subscribers, and I have added a lot of new links and
files, so make sure to especially check out those sections.  The
calendar is a very good feature, but it is very time-consuming so I'm
not going to continue updating it unless I know that it is useful to
people.  Please don't hesitate to send me email (simply respond to
this message) and I guarantee that even if I don't have time to
reply, I read every message and take to heart all of your
suggestions, criticisms, and positive feedback.  I expend all this
time and effort only because I know that people apppreciate it!  Now
onto the listings:

	 Tonight, Thursday December 14, at 11 PM Rabbi Shmuel Skaist
is playing with his band The Bartlebees at Desmonds, 433 Park Ave (29
St.)  Rabbi Skaist is known as the "Phish Rabbi" for going to so many
Phish concerts, and is now on tour with his own band for a few days
from Israel.  For more info, check out his website
http://www.gefiltefish.org/ or call the club at 212-725-9864; $5.00
cover.

	 Tomorrow, Friday December 15 join Rabbi David Danzer as he
leads davening with lots of great singing at the Carlebach Shul, 305
W79 St between West End and Riverside.  The dinner that usually
follows davening is cancelled this week.  Rabbi Danzer performed HASC
concerts at Lincoln Center with Reb Shlomo and is currently the
Chazan Sheni at Congregation Ohab Zedek (you should hear how the shul
rocking when he davens there Friday nights).

	 Also Friday night 12/15 the a capella group Beat'achon will
be performing at Makor, 35 W 67 St, from 10PM to 10:45.  The $10 cost
can be paid in advance: pre-register before Friday 3PM or bring a
Makor Friday Night voucher which can be purchased in packets of 4 for
$36.  For more info contact Jordan Gorfinkel at gorf@... or call
Makor at 212-601-1000.  Check out http://www.makor.org/ and
http://www.beatachon.com/

	 Saturday night, December 16 at 8PM, Warm up from the winter
as Shamayim plays a blend of original biblical rock, funk, and soul
music "Unplugged at Aish" on the Upper West Side.  The shul is
located at 83 St between West End and Riverside.  Check out
http://www.shamayim.com/ for more info.  Admission is free and so is
the hot cider!

	 Also Saturday night 12/16 at 8pm, Ruth Gerson is appearing in
the East Village at the Sidewalk Cafe, 94 Avenue A at 6 St.  I don't
know much about this singer/songwriter/guitarist but she recently
appeared on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and has openend for Dave
Matthews Band, Hootie and the Blowfish, Lisa Loeb, Peter Himmelman.
For more info, call the bar at 212-473-7373 or check out
http://www.ruthgerson.com/  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha
may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Saturday night through Monday, December 16-18: don't miss the
World Jewish Expo 2000 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
this annual exhibition features 250 booths of: Food, Fashion, Books,
Computers, Judaica, Jewelry, Travel, Simcha Showcase, Health,
Organizations, Communications, and most importantly non-stop
entertainment on the main stage, with performances by Yisroel
Williger, Honorable Mentchen, Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora, Soulfarm
(formerly Inasense) and others.  For more information Call 212-643-
1623 or email info@... or goto http://www.jewishexpo.com/

	 Sunday, December 17, 6AM wake up to Pharaoh's Daughter: ABC
(channel 7) is doing a documentary on Jewish music called, "Sacred
Voices" featuring the music of Basya Schecter and her band.  Check
out their new website http://www.pharaohsdaughter.com/  !!!IMPORTANT
NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here: consult your
local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Also Sunday, 12/17, Tomer Tzur will be playing with his
Yiddish tinged pop band The Sway Machinery at this week's Tonic
Klezmer Brunch, getting down in the latest style, live and kicking
performing tribal music of the "Jewish People".  The bar is located
above the former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk Street (between
Rivington and Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-7503 or
www.tonic107.com for more info.  There are two sets (second is
acoustic), at 1:30 PM and 3PM, and the cost is $10 each or $15 for
both.  Also check out http://www.geocities.com/swaymachinery2000/

	 Monday, December 18 at 8PM, Basya Schechter of Pharaoh's
Daughter performs solo with oud, guitar and vocals at the Living
Room, 84 Stanton St (the corner of Allan -- take the F train to 2
Ave).  This is a free show and a great opprtunity to hear some of her
more personal/singer songwriter material.  The Lower East Side bar
can be reached at 212-533-7235 or http://www.livingroomny.com/  !!!
IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here: consult
your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Tuesday, December 19 6-8 PM, Soulfarm (formerly Inasense) is
playing a live acoustic performance on WRSU, Rutgers Radio show. For
more info, call 732-932-7801 or check out the new website
http://www.soulfarm.net

	 Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30 PM is the annual YU Chanukah
Concert in Lamport Auditorium on the Main Campus of Yeshiva
Univeristy in Washington Heights.  This year features Mordechai Ben
David, Shloime Dachs, Shlomo Simcha, Yeedle, and Bsamim.  Ticket
prices are $40, $30, and $20, and there is both mixed and separate
seating available.  Tickets can be purchase directly from the web
site http://www.yuconcert.com

	 Thursday December 21 (the first night of Chanukah), my band
Remez is having a concert with the band Shamayim at Kehilath
Jeshurun, 125 E 85 St. (between Lexington and Park), a night of
Jewish soul rock music and entertainment for all ages by the Jewish
New Artists Projects.  Doors open at 7, program is from 7:30 until
11PM.  The concert is co-sponsored by the Orthodox Union Young
Leadership, 212-613-8188 and admission is $15 in advance ($20 at the
door) so be sure to get tickets early!

	 Also Thursday 12/21, if you don't want to come see my band
Remez, Andy Statman is playing his weekly Music of the Mystics at the
Greenwich Village Synagogue from 8-11 PM.  Andy is renowned as a
master of clarinet and mandolin, playing a great mix of klezmer,
Chassidic, and original Jewish melodies.  The shul is located at 53
Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and can be reached at 212-242-6425.
Suggested donation is $10 (students $7) which includes free
refreshments.  Check out the new website:
http://www.citizenkafka.com/andy/

	 Friday, December 22 (2nd night of Chanukah) is Rabbi Fund's
Shabbaton at the Carlebach Shul, 305 W79 St.  For more info, call the
shul at 212-580-2391 or check out http://carlebachshul.org/

	 Saturday night December 23 (3rd night of Chanukah) at 8:30 PM
is Chanuka Stock, a huge concert at the West Side Institutional
Synaogoue, 120 W76 St. (between Columbus and Amsterdam), featuring
Piamenta, Soulfarm, Chaim Kiss, and Aspaklaria.  This is a fundraiser
for the shul, so tickets are $25, $36, $50, or $100 but students can
get in for $20.  I am helping sell tickets for this show, so you can
contact me by replying to this email or call 212-531-3949 and leave
me a message.  Group rates are negotiable through Moshe Fishman at
646-685-2107.

	 Also Saturday night 12/23 at 8pm, Ruth Gerson is appearing in
the East Village at the Sidewalk Cafe, 94 Avenue A at 6 St.  I don't
know much about this singer/songwriter/guitarist but she recently
appeared on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and has openend for Dave
Matthews Band, Hootie and the Blowfish, Lisa Loeb, Peter Himmelman.
For more info, call the bar at 212-473-7373 or check out
http://www.ruthgerson.com/  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha
may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Sunday December 24, from 11AM to 12 noon, Ramat Orah is
having a Chanukah afternoon program at Amsterdam House, which will
include music (I'll be there with my guitar), dance, arts and crafts,
story-telling and more.  The focus is intergenerational, young people
celebrating together with senior residents of the home, located at
Amsterdam and 112 St.  All are welcome to attend; for more
information call the shul at 212-222-2470.

	 Also Sunday, 12/24 at 5PM, enjoy traditional Jewish Klezmer
music by the Klezmer Conservatory Band at Lincoln Center. I was not
able to get anymore information about this show, but you can contact
Sara Horowitz at sahorowitz@... and she might be able to provide
some more details.

	 Also Sunday, 12/24 (4th night of Chanukah) join Rabbi Meir
Fund at the Carlebach Shul for the annual Chanukah Party, from 8PM
til midnight, featuring the music of Michael Poulad and friends.
Admission is $12 in advance and $15 at the door (call 212-580-2391).
The shul is located at 305 W79 St, between West End and Riverside,
and on the web at http://carlebachshul.org/

	 Also Sunday, 12/24 at 8PM, David Broza is playing his annual
concert at Town Hall, 123 West 43 St in Midtown Manhattan.  Call 212-
683-7816 for more information and check out his webiste
http://www.goldenland.com/Broza

	 Monday, December 25 (5th night of Chanukah) at 8PM, Hasidic
New Wave is playing at the Main Performance Space at the The Knitting
Factory, 74 Leonard St.  Tickets are $12 at the door and $10 in
advance (go to the box office or call 212-219-3006 10AM to 6PM
weekdays).  This is part of the Jewsapalooza Festival, the club's
seventh annual celebration of Jewish traditional and non-traditional
music, December 23-30.  Come explore the sublime depths and
exhilarating heights of the Jewish soul through Mid-Eastern
mutations, cacophonous Klezmer, Kabbalistic riffing, Semite swing, a
40 person chorale, and many more sounds performed at the Knit over
eight glorious days (doesn't correspond exactly with Chanukah, but
it's close enough for a New York City bar!)  Check out the full
schedule at http://www.jewmu.com/fest2000.cfm

	 Tuesday, December 26 (6th night of Chanukah) at 8PM, there
will be a Chanukah party at DOROT, 171 W 85 St off Amsterdam Ave.
The cost is $18, tax-deductible because all proceeds go to benefit
DOROT's incredible year-round chesed programs with the elderly.  The
party features great food (all dietary laws observed), fun and
friends, live music and raffles!  Call Lisa Horowitz at 212-316-0585
or check out the online invitation at
http://members.aol.com/chanukahatdorot

	 Wednesday, December 27 (7th night of Chanukah) at 7:30 PM,
don't miss Chanukah on Fire at the Jewish Enrichment Center, 176
Madison Ave.  Burn it up this Chanukah at the acoustic evening of the
year.  Join Matt Turk for a sensational evening of musical energy,
with Mac Gollehon on trumpet and Tomer Zur on percussion.  $10 at the
door gets you good music, great vibes and even greater latkes, hosted
by JEC, Isralight & Livnot as a kruv event.  For more info, call JEC
at 212-889-5532 or goto http://www.jeconline.com/

	 Also Wednesday 12/27 at 9:30 PM Pharaoh's Daughter is
performing lots of newer material during one set in the Main Space of
the Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard st.  Tickets are $12 in advance and
$14 at the door.  This show is part of the weeklong Jewsapalooza
Festival; see above for more info.  Check out their new website
http://www.pharaohsdaughter.com/  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol
Isha may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Thursday December 28 (the 8th and final night of Chanukah),
Andy Statman is playing his weekly Music of the Mystics at the
Greenwich Village Synagogue from 8-11 PM.  Andy is renowned as a
master of clarinet and mandolin, playing a great mix of klezmer,
Chassidic, and original Jewish melodies.  The shul is located at 53
Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and can be reached at 212-242-6425.
Suggested donation is $10 (students $7) which includes free
refreshments.  Check out the new website:
http://www.citizenkafka.com/andy/

	 Also Thursday 12/28 at 8PM, everyone is invited to
Chanukasino at Weissberg Commons on Yeshiva Univerity's Main Campus
in Washington Heights.  The free event is for college students 17 and
above and features an entertaining night of food, gaming, and a
rocking concert by Shalom Morgenstern and the Stand-Up YU Band.  All
proceeds go to charity from money spent at authentic blackjack,
poker, money wheel and roulette (chips won can be redeemed for prizes
only).  For more info, call toll free 866-Lou-Shapp.

	 That should keep you pretty busy for the next two weeks -- I
found at least one event for every night of Chanukah.  Tune in to
next week's email for some special words on our Holiday of Lights.
Meanwhile let's enjoy some Jewish music to counteract the bombardment
from all around us of music for that other (non-Jewish) holiday
coming up!

	 Wishing you and your families a good Shabbos,

		 Gili Houpt

Dear friends,

	 Tonight, Thursday December 21, begins the holiday of
Chanukah, and my band Remez is having a concert on the Upper East
Side at Kehilath Jeshurun, 125 E 85 St. (between Lexington and
Park).  Other performers of the evening are Ritchie Mansour and the
band Shamayim, for a night of Jewish soul rock music and
entertainment for all ages, also featuring the art of Ross Winter.
Doors open at 7, program is from 7:30 until 11PM.  The concert is
part of the Jewish New Artists Projects and co-sponsored by the
Orthodox Union Young Leadership, 212-613-8188 and admission is $15 in
advance ($20 at the door) so be sure to call and order tickets!

	 Also Thursday 12/21, if you don't want to come see my band
Remez, Andy Statman is playing his weekly Music of the Mystics at the
Greenwich Village Synagogue from 8-11 PM.  Andy is renowned as a
master of clarinet and mandolin, playing a great mix of klezmer,
Chassidic, and original Jewish melodies.  The shul is located at 53
Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and can be reached at 212-242-6425.
Suggested donation is $10 (students $7) which includes free
refreshments, latkes for Chaukah at 9:30.

	 Friday, December 22 (2nd night of Chanukah) come enjoy
davening with lots of great singing at the Carlebach Shul, 305 W79
St.  This weekend is a Shabbaton with Rabbi Meir Fund and there will
be Shabbos meals for those who reserve in advance.  For more info,
call the shul at 212-580-2391 or check out http://carlebachshul.org/

	 Also Friday night 12/22 there will be lots of singing at
every Shabbos meal -- that means you!!!  (Come on, it's Chanukah and
Shabbos; don't tell me you don't know any songs)

	 Saturday night December 23 (3rd night of Chanukah) at 8:30 PM
is Chanuka Stock, a huge concert at the West Side Institutional
Synaogoue, 120 W76 St. (between Columbus and Amsterdam), featuring
Piamenta, Soulfarm, Chaim Kiss, and Aspaklaria.  This is a fundraiser
for the shul, so tickets are $25, $36, $50, or $100 but students can
get in for $20.  I am helping sell tickets for this show, so you can
contact me by replying to this email or call 212-531-3949 and leave
me a message.  Group rates are negotiable through Moshe Fishman at
646-685-2107.

	 Also Saturday night 12/23 join the Old Broadway Synagogue for
a Chanukah Melave Malke with accordionist Aron Gershman and the Old
Broadway Children's Group, 7:30 PM.  $10 admission (children free)
includes light refreshments.  Chevra Talmud Torah Anshei Marovi (the
full name of the shul) can be reached at 212-662-9767 and is located
at 15 Old Broadway, between Broadway and Amsterdam, one half block
north of 125 St.  This event is also a special farewell to Rabbi
Abraham Weschler and his family who will be moving to Virginia.

	 Also Saturday night 12/23 at 8pm, Ruth Gerson is appearing in
the East Village at the Sidewalk Cafe, 94 Avenue A at 6 St.  I don't
know much about this singer/songwriter/guitarist but she recently
appeared on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and has openend for Dave
Matthews Band, Hootie and the Blowfish, Lisa Loeb, Peter Himmelman.
For more info, call the bar at 212-473-7373 or check out
http://www.ruthgerson.com/  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha
may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Sunday December 24, from 11AM to 12 noon, Ramat Orah is
having a Chanukah afternoon program at Amsterdam House, which will
include music (I'll be there singing and playing guitar; Jay
Blumenstien on piano), dance, arts and crafts, story-telling and
more.  The focus is intergenerational, young people celebrating
together with senior residents of the home, located at Amsterdam and
112 St.  All are welcome to attend; for more information call the
shul at 212-222-2470.

	 Also Sunday, 12/24 at 5PM, enjoy traditional Jewish Klezmer
music by the Klezmer Conservatory Band at Lincoln Center. I was not
able to get anymore information about this show, but you can try
contacting Sara Horowitz at sahorowitz@... and she might be able
to provide some more details.

	 Also Sunday, 12/24 (4th night of Chanukah) join Rabbi Meir
Fund at the Carlebach Shul for the annual Chanukah Party, from 8PM
til midnight, featuring the music of Michael Poulad and friends.
Admission is $12 in advance and $15 at the door (call 212-580-2391).
The shul is located at 305 W79 St, between West End and Riverside,
and on the web at http://carlebachshul.org/

	 Also Sunday, 12/24 at 8PM, David Broza is playing his annual
concert at Town Hall, 123 West 43 St in Midtown Manhattan.  Call 212-
683-7816 for more information and check out his webiste
http://www.goldenland.com/Broza

	 Monday, December 25 (5th night of Chanukah) at 8PM, Hasidic
New Wave is playing at the Main Performance Space at the The Knitting
Factory, 74 Leonard St.  Tickets are $12 at the door and $10 in
advance (go to the box office or call 212-219-3006 10AM to 6PM
weekdays).  This is part of the Jewsapalooza Festival, the club's
seventh annual celebration of Jewish traditional and non-traditional
music, December 23-30.  Come explore the sublime depths and
exhilarating heights of the Jewish soul through Mid-Eastern
mutations, cacophonous Klezmer, Kabbalistic riffing, Semite swing, a
40 person chorale, and many more sounds performed at the Knit over
eight glorious days (doesn't correspond exactly with Chanukah, but
it's close enough for a New York City bar!)  Check out the full
schedule at http://www.jewmu.com/fest2000.cfm

	 Tuesday, December 26 (6th night of Chanukah) at 8PM, there
will be a Chanukah party at DOROT, 171 W 85 St off Amsterdam Ave.
The cost is $18, tax-deductible because all proceeds go to benefit
DOROT's incredible year-round chesed programs with the elderly.  The
party features great food (all dietary laws observed), fun and
friends, live music and raffles!  Call Lisa Horowitz at 212-316-0585
or check out the online invitation at
http://members.aol.com/chanukahatdorot

	 Wednesday, December 27 (7th night of Chanukah) at 7:30 PM,
don't miss Chanukah on Fire at the Jewish Enrichment Center, 176
Madison Ave.  Burn it up this Chanukah at the acoustic evening of the
year co-sponsored by JEC, Isralight and Livnot.  Join Matt Turk for a
sensational evening of musical energy, with Mac Gollehon on trumpet
and Tomer Zur on percussion.  $10 at the door gets you good music,
great vibes and even greater latkes, geared towards beginners.  For
more info, call JEC at 212-889-5532 or goto http://www.jeconline.com/

	 Also Wednesday 12/27 at 8PM there will be a Mesibas Chanuka
at Congregation Aderes El, 133 E29 St (between Lex & 3 Ave) for Frum
Orthodox singles in their 20s.  $15 in advance or $18 at the door for
live music and traditional Chanuka foods.  For more info contact
Toviyahu Breier at TASHBAZ@... or 718-263-9866.

	 Also Wednesday 12/27 at 9:30 PM Pharaoh's Daughter is
performing lots of newer material during one set in the Main Space of
the Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard st.  Tickets are $12 in advance and
$14 at the door.  This show is part of the weeklong Jewsapalooza
Festival; see above for more info.  Check out their new website
http://www.pharaohsdaughter.com/  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol
Isha may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Thursday December 28 (the 8th and final night of Chanukah),
Andy Statman is playing his weekly Music of the Mystics at the
Greenwich Village Synagogue from 8-11 PM.  Andy is renowned as a
master of clarinet and mandolin, playing a great mix of klezmer,
Chassidic, and original Jewish melodies.  The shul is located at 53
Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and can be reached at 212-242-6425.
Suggested donation is $10 (students $7) which includes free
refreshments.  Check out the new website:
http://www.citizenkafka.com/andy/

	 Also Thursday 12/28 at 8PM, everyone is invited to
Chanukasino at Weissberg Commons on Yeshiva Univerity's Main Campus
in Washington Heights.  The free event is for college students 17 and
above and features an entertaining night of food, gaming, and a
rocking concert by Shalom Morgenstern and the Stand-Up YU Band.  All
proceeds go to charity from money spent at authentic blackjack,
poker, money wheel and roulette (chips won can be redeemed for prizes
only).  For more info, call toll free 866-Lou-Shapp.

	 Also Thursday 12/28 at 10PM, Matt Turk is playing with his
band at the Mercury Lounge, 217 East Houston St (between Ludlow and
Essex).  Admission is $8; restricted to 21 and over.  For more info,
call the club at 212-260-4700 or check out
http://www.mercuryloungenyc.com/ and http://www.turktunes.com/

	 Saturday night December 30 at 10:30 PM [sic] will be
performing another all-acoustic show at CB's Gallery, 313 Bowery St.
Cover charge is $7 at the door or you can purchace tickets at
Ticketweb.com.  For more info on the band, send email to
Iamsic@... and CBGB can be reached at 212-982-4052 or
http://www.cbgb.com/

	 Sunday, December 31 at 7:30 PM is the Post Chanukah Concert &
Dinner to benefit bereaved families of IDF soldiers at the Hebrew
Institute of Riverdale.  The concert stars Riverdaleąs own
Midlife, a band blending elements of Classic Rock, Jazz, and Jewish
Heritage.  The shul is located at 3700 Henry Hudson Parkway in the
Bronx and can be reached at 718-796-4730 or http://www.hir.org/

	 Also Sunday 12/31 is a New Year's Eve party at Bnai Zion, 136
E39 St at Lexington Ave, featuring Ron Eliron and Shmulik Ackerman.
Admission is $75 a person, which includes full dinner, wine,
champagne, music and more.  Please reserve in advance -- limited
number of spots available.  Call the Foundation at 212-725-1211 or
check out http://bnaizion.com/

	 Tonight begins the longest and most public holiday in the
Jewish calendar.  Chanukah last a full eight days (even Biblical
holidays are at most a week) and is celebrated by almost all Jews and
known to much of the non-Jewish world as the "Festival of Lights."
It is no accident that more songs have been written for Chanukah,
since it is a great time to get together and sing while watching the
candles burn.  But we must remember what these lights represent: the
victory of the brave Jewish Macabees over the Greek conquerors who
desecrated their Holy Temple and tried to force them to abandon
Jewish observance.  It's interesting to note that Chanukah is the
only Jewish holiday without a required meal (although we make up for
it with all those latkes!)  The Greeks did not try to destroy us on a
physical plane; they only attacked our commitment to Judaism.  Thus
we are celebrating the victory of spirituality over materialism, and
the only official ritual (mitzvah) of Chanukah is lighting the
candles, the flames flickering heavenward reminding us of the special
message we have to publicize to the world.

	 I wish you a Chanukah filled with light and joy and most of
all spirituality.

		 Gili Houpt

Dear friends,

	 Now that Chanukah is over and we're all tired out from
celebrating someone else's new year, there aren't as many Jewish
Music Events going on in the New York area.  But there are still a
few great things to choose from:

	 Tomorrow night, Thursday January 4, Andy Statman is playing
his weekly Music of the Mystics at the Greenwich Village Synagogue
from 8-11 PM.  Andy is renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin,
playing a great mix of klezmer, Chassidic, and original Jewish
melodies.  The shul is located at 53 Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and
can be reached at 212-242-6425.  Suggested donation is $10 (students
$7) which includes free refreshments.  Tomorrow night's show features
a trio with bass, drum, and Andy on clarinet.

	 Also Thursday 1/4 for those of you looking for a real Jewish
punk band, you're in luck!  Yidcore, on tour from Australia, is
playing the Loop Lounge in Passaic, New Jersey at 12:00 Midnight.
This is not for the faint of heart!  The punk club is located at 373
Broadway and can be reached at 973-365-0807.  Admission is $5.  To
find out more about the band and their other New York dates before
they head back to Australia, send email to yidcore@...

	 Friday evening, January 5, come to Ramat Orah for a davening
with lots of singing.  I have the honour of being the chazzan this
week, and I will do my best to lead everyone from the depths of
fasting into the joys of Shabbos (Friday is the 10th of Teves, one of
the four days in the Jewish calendar when we fast to mourn the
destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem).  Minchah begins at 4:20 PM
followed by Kaballas Shabbos at around 4:45.  Don't worry -- I won't
drag it on too long since I know people will be hungry!

	 Saturday night, January 6, I am making another kumsitz on the
Upper West Side.  This is an opportunity for people to come together
and sing, play musical instruments, and just chill out on a Saturday
night, and it's free!!!  So bring your friends and your voices to the
Columbia building, 275 W96 (corner of Broadway) apt 5E (home of
Steven Alevy).  I'll be there with some of my band, Remez, and other
musicians are invited to bring their instruments.  We are also
celebrating the recent marriage of my good friend Eric Safern to Judy
Tashbook earlier this week in Israel, and they're coming all the way
back to NY just to join us at the kumsitz!  Any questions: call me at
212-531-3949 or reply to this email.

	 Wednesday evening, January 10, Andy Statman will perform in a
brief set with Itzhak Perlman as part of an evening of serious fun,
for the benefit of the Shoah foundation.  E-mail for details:
ckafka@... or check out the webpage
http://www.citizenkafka.com/andy/

	 Thursday, January 11, Andy Statman is playing his weekly
Music of the Mystics at the Greenwich Village Synagogue from 8-11
PM.  Andy is renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin, playing a
great mix of klezmer, Chassidic, and original Jewish melodies.  The
shul is located at 53 Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and can be reached
at 212-242-6425.  Suggested donation is $10 (students $7) which
includes free refreshments.

	 Friday, January 12 to Saturday, January 13, the Winter Oasis
Shabbaton with Rav Binny Freedman and Isralight at Congregation
Kehilath Jeshurun, 125 E85 St.  $60 per person includes 2.5 meals and
classes, programs and hospitality.  But you haveto be registered
before Thursday, January 8.  Call the Isralight office at 212-695-
4877 or check out http://www.isralight.org/

	 Saturday night, January 13 at 8PM, Rav Binny
Freedman, "Master storyteller and talented musician," will be leading
a kumsitz at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, 125 E85 St.  Admission
is $12 at the door.  *Musicians: bring your instruments to jam with
us!

	 Also Saturday night 1/13, Shmulik Ackerman is performing at
the Bnai Zion Foundation, 136 E39 St (at Lexington Ave).  For more
information, call 212-725-1211 or check out http://bnaizion.com/

	 Sunday, January 14, this week's Tonic Klezmer Brunch features
Hasidic Melodies, with Michael Alpert, Sruli Dresdner & Lisa Mayer.
The bar is located above the former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk
Street (between Rivington and Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-
7503 or www.tonic107.com for more info.  There are two sets, at 1:30
PM and 3PM, and the cost is $10 each or $15 for both.  !!!IMPORTANT
NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here: consult your
local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Monday, January 15, Yehuda Glantz is on tour from Israel,
performing at Lincoln Square Synagogue, 200 Amsterdam Ave (@ 70 St).
The shul can be reached at 212-874-6100 or http://www.lss.org/ and
for more information on the musician, send email to
jmn@... or check out http://www.yehudaglantz.com

	 Thursday January 18 at 8:30 PM, Matt Turk is playing at the
Wetlands, 161 Hudson St.  Admission is $10 in advance and  $12 at the
door.  The club can be reached at 212-386-3600 or http://www.wetlands-
preserve.org/ and check out http://www.turktunes.com

	 Also Thursday, 1/18, Andy Statman is playing his weekly Music
of the Mystics at the Greenwich Village Synagogue from 8-11 PM.  Andy
is renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin, playing a great mix
of klezmer, Chassidic, and original Jewish melodies.  The shul is
located at 53 Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and can be reached at 212-
242-6425.  Suggested donation is $10 (students $7) which includes
free refreshments.

	 Saturday January 20, at 8:30 PM Soulfarm (formerly Inasense)
is playing two rockin' sets at Makor, 35 W 67 St.  For more info,
call 212-601-1000 or check out http://www.makor.org and
http://www.soulfarm.net/

	 Also Saturday night 1/20 Neshama Carlebach is performing a
concert at Bnai Jeshurun Temple, 270 W89 St.  The Arts and Culture
Committee is pleased to present music of heart, spirit and soul with
Neshama Carlebach and Friends.  Her musical 'soul' comes from the
heart and the voice of her father - Reb Shlomo Carlebach - as she
describes him, "my best friend, teacher and Rebbe."  Tickets can be
purchased in advance for $20 at West Side Judaica (2412 Broadway,
between 88 & 89 St, 212-362-7846) or at the door for $30.  For more
info, call the shul at 212-787-7600 or check out
http://www.neshamacarlebach.com/  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol
Isha may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Looking ahead: Thursday, February 1 at 7:30 PM, Piamenta
concert with an appearance by my band, Remez!  It's the fourth annual
yud shevat concert at Yeshiva University, and the cost is $15.  For
ticket info call Moshe at 646-528-0890 or email
Chabadconcert@...

	 As we stand at the dawn of this new "millennium," even though
it's an arbitrary date and historically inaccurate for its supposed
significance, we can't help but wonder how we stack up against all
those generation that preceded us.  Are we really so much more
civilized in these modern times?  For every new song I compose I
think about how many people are still living in a state of poverty or
war and don't have the luxury to even listen to music.  This Friday
is a Jewish day of fasting, to remind us that there is still
suffering in the world for which we are not totally blameless.  We
must learn to stop pointing fingers at everyone else and concentrate
on self-improvement, for if we truly merited Redemption then all
fighting would end and we would all coexist peacefully.  I pray that
this be our final fast day and that all our future pain be
transformed to joy.

	 Hope to see you Saturday night,

		 Gili Houpt

Dear friends,

	 I apologize for being a little late with this week's music
update.  For the past week I've been in Arizona and found it
difficult to access the internet -- apparently the desert out here
was bypassed by the information superhighway.  Another thing this
state is lacking is some good Jewish Music, although I did play a
kumsitz for an enthusiastic group of Holocaust survivors.  I also
spent some time hiking through the beautiful Catalina Mountains,
playing guitar to a captive audience of saguaro cactuses and
rattlesnakes.  It's really inspiring to be among the greatness of G-
d's creations, and I'll miss the vast open spaces when I return to
New York later this week.  But it will be good to catch up on all the
music I've been missing, and you can catch next Sunday's concert with
my band Remez and hopefully I'll have some Tucson-inspired new songs
ready by then.  Here's what's coming up:  (sorry if I leave out
anything, but it's tough to keep up-to-date from 3000 miles away)

	 Tomorrow night, Monday, January 15, Yehuda Glantz is on tour
from Israel, performing at Lincoln Square Synagogue, 200 Amsterdam
Ave (@ 70 St).  The shul can be reached at http://www.lss.org/ or 212-
874-6100.  Yehuda has played concerts all over the world, and there
is nothing like his energy in Jewish music today.  For more
information on the musician, send email to jmn@... or
check out http://www.yehudaglantz.com

	 Thursday, January 18 at 11PM the Moshav Band returns to New
York from the West Coast for a few gigs before heading off for their
Israel Tour in February.  They're playing a concert at the Bitter
End, 147 Bleeker St. between Thompson and LaGuardia.  The show costs
$10, and the club can be reached at 212-673-7030 or
http://bitterend.com/  This group has really matured over the last
few years, and they've got some great lyrics and a powerful sound,
not to mention a large following in the Jewish community.  Check out
the website at http://www.moshavband.com/

	 Also Thursday 1/18 at 8:30 PM, Matt Turk is playing at the
Wetlands, 161 Hudson St.  Admission is $10 in advance and  $12 at the
door.  The club can be reached at 212-386-3600 or http://www.wetlands-
preserve.org/ and check out http://www.turktunes.com

	 Also Thursday, 1/18, Andy Statman is playing his weekly Music
of the Mystics at the Greenwich Village Synagogue from 8-11 PM.  Andy
is renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin, playing a great mix
of klezmer, Chassidic, and original Jewish melodies.  The shul is
located at 53 Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and can be reached at 212-
242-6425.  Suggested donation is $10 (students $7) which includes
free refreshments.

	 Friday, January 19 if you're in Queens for Shabbos, be sure
to check out a Carlebach Davening with lots of singing by Oneg Shames
at an unknown location in Kew Garden Hills to be determined shortly.
Contact Oneg for place and time: 516-293-3192 or cheroneg@....

	 Saturday night January 20 at 6:45 PM, if you can make it to
Brooklyn as soon as Shabbos is over, there's a show for all ages at
2166 Benson Ave featuring Yidcore, a real Jewish punk band on tour
from Australia.  I don't have any more information about this show,
but it is not for the faint of heart!  This band combines traditional
Jewish melodies with hardcore punk rock, and more than a touch of
their wacky sense of humor.  Check them out before they head back
Down Under!  For more info, send email to yidcore@... or goto
http://www.YIDcore.com

	 Also Saturday night 1/20, at 8:30 PM Soulfarm (formerly
Inasense) is playing two rockin' sets at Makor, 35 W 67 St.  The show
is 18 and above; id required.  For more info, call 212-601-1000 or
check out http://www.makor.org and http://www.soulfarm.net/

	 Also Saturday night 1/20 Neshama Carlebach is performing a
concert at Bnai Jeshurun Temple, 270 W89 St.  The Arts and Culture
Committee is pleased to present music of heart, spirit and soul with
Neshama Carlebach and Friends.  Her musical 'soul' comes from the
heart and the voice of her father - Reb Shlomo Carlebach - as she
describes him, "my best friend, teacher and Rebbe."  Tickets can be
purchased in advance for $20 at West Side Judaica (2412 Broadway,
between 88 & 89 St, 212-362-7846) or at the door for $30.  For more
info, call the shul at 212-787-7600 or check out
http://www.neshamacarlebach.com/  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol
Isha may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Also Saturday night 1/20 at 8:30 PM, Oneg Shames is playing a
Melava Malka in Kew Garden Hills at Eitz Chayim, 147-19 73rd Ave.
Admission at the door.  Contact Oneg for more info: 516-293-3192 or
cheroneg@...

	 Also Saturday night 1/20 the Moshav Band is playing a concert
in Monsey at Rabbi Tendler's Shul.  I don't have any more info about
this right now, so stay tuned for my next email, or check out their
website at http://www.moshavband.com/

	 Sunday, January 21 check out Song of the Shtetl Jewish Music
Ensemble at this week's Sunday Klezmer Brunch at Tonic.  The bar is
located above the former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk Street (between
Rivington and Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-7503 or
http://www.tonic107.com for more info.  There are two sets, at 1:30
PM and 3PM, and the cost is $10 each or $15 for both.  This concert
of Old World Yiddish Songs, Ballads, and Melodies features Carol
Freeman on vocals, accompanied by the rest of the quartet on
accordion, violin, domra bass, and balalaika.  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the
issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic
authority!!!

	 Also Sunday 1/21 at 7PM my band REMEZ is playing a concert at
the West Side Jewish Center, 347 West 34 St (between 8th & 9th
Avenues).  This program is geared towards singles in their 20s & 30s,
and features a buffet dinner and great music ;-) for only $15.
Proceeds go to supporting the shul, so if nothing else come for the
good cause!  For more info, contact Sandy at 212-268-9439 or
sjubas@...

	 Monday, January 22 Yidcore is playing a show at The Cooler,
416 W14 St (between 9th and 10th Avenues).  Admission is (I think)
around $10-$12 but you can confirm with the club at 212-229-0785.
This is their last concert before heading back to Australia, so be
sure to check it out if you like Jewish punk rock!  For more info on
the band, send email to yidcore@... or goto
http://www.YIDcore.com

	 Tuesday January 23rd at 9PM, the Bartlebys (featuring Rav
Shmuel Skaist) are playing a show at The Wetlands, 161 Hudson St.
Admission is $8 in advance and $10 at the door.  The club can be
reached at 212-386-3600 or http://www.wetlands-preserve.org/  Rabbi
Skaist is known for his previous band Gefilte Fish (and for being one
of the few Orthodox Rabbis to fly here from Israel to follow the band
Phish around the country).  Check out
http://www.gefiltefish.org/2ndPgs/icu.html

	 Thursday night, January 25, Metropolitan Klezmer is playing
two sets (7:30 and 10:30) at The Bottom Line, 15 W4 St.  For more
info, the club can be reached at 212-228-6300 or check out
http://www.metropolitanklezmer.com  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of
Kol Isha may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic
authority!!!

	 Saturday January 27 Melava Malka with Oneg and his Band.
Carlebach music alive in Monsey at the Young Israel of Monsey &
Wesley Hills, 58 Parker Blvd (off Forshay Road).  Admission: $7
students, $10 adults.  Contact Oneg for more info: 516 293-3192 or
cheroneg@...

	 Also Saturday 1/27 at 8PM, Reality Shock is playing 2 full
sets at Borders Books & Music in the Garden State Plaza Mall (Rts. 4
& 17) in Paramus, NJ.  No cover charge!  For more info, call 201-712-
1166 or check out http://members.dencity.com/Isser/RS.html

	 Thursday, February 1 at 7:30 PM, Piamenta is in concert with
my band, Remez!  It's the fourth annual yud shevat concert, sponsored
by Chabad Clubs of Yeshiva University, and the cost is only $15 ($10
with YU id).  The concert will be at Belfer Hall, located at the
Uptown Campus of YU (in Washington Heights).  For ticket info call
Moshe at 646-528-0890 or email Chabadconcert@...

	 I can't wait to get back to New York to take advantage of all
the great Jewish Music going on.  I want to thank my friend Steven
Alevy for hosting the kumsitz a week ago in his apartment on the
Upper West Side.  I was amazed at the incredible turnout: 200 people
came from all over the New York area!  I started this Jewish Music
List a year ago in the hopes that it would create a new online
community, and I want to thank the more than 1000 subscribers for
making that dream a reality, by reading my messages, sending me great
feedback, telling your friends about it, and most of all enjoying the
events I publicize.  It is your appreciation that keeps me doing
this, even when I'm so far away.  Enjoy the music in New York!  I'm
going to go watch the moonrise over the Arizona desert.

		 Gili Houpt

Dear friends,

	 You would not believe how much Jewish music is happening this
weekend, culminating with a concert by my band Remez Sunday night.
But that's the great thing about living in this city: so many choices
of what to do.  I encourage you to take advantage of these
opportunities; people living outside of New York aren't so lucky!
Here's the list:

	 Tonight, Friday, January 19 4:45 PM, if you like davening
with lots of singing, come to Aish Hatorah where I will be the
chazzan, so get ready for lots of Carlebach songs snuck in there.
The shul is located at 313 W83 St (between West End and Riverside)
and this week the Scholar in Residence is Rabbi Dov Heller.

	 Also tonight 1/19 if you're in Queens for Shabbos, be sure to
check out a Carlebach Davening with lots of singing by Oneg Shames at
an unknown location in Kew Garden Hills to be determined shortly.
Contact Oneg for place and time: 516-293-3192 or cheroneg@....

	 Also tonight 1/19 Yehoshua Coren and the chevra from
Columbia/JTS are having davening and dinner with lots of singing at
the West Side Institutional Synagogue, located on 122 W76 St between
Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues (212-877-7652).  For more info call
Yehoshua at 212-870-4365.

	 Also tonight 1/19 at 8PM on the Upper West Side, The Jewish
Center presents an oneg, an evening of great fun and socializing,
good food, divrey torah, and of course singing.  The shul is located
at 131 West 86th Street (between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenue) and
can be reached at 212-724-2700 or http://welcome.to/thejewishcenter

	 Tomorrow night, Saturday January 20 at 7:15 PM there will be
a kumsitz at NYU: the Bronfman Center on 7 E10 St. (between
University Place and 5th Ave.)  All are welcome to attend, and bring
guitars, harmonica, etc.  If you have any questions, contact Dani
Meier at 212-353-0372 or DaniMM18@...

	 Also Saturday night 1/20 at 6:45 PM, if you can make it to
Brooklyn as soon as Shabbos is over, there's a show for all ages at
2166 Benson Ave featuring Yidcore, a real Jewish punk band on tour
from Australia.  This band combines traditional Jewish melodies with
hardcore punk rock, and more than a touch of their wacky sense of
humor.  Check them out before they head back Down Under!  For more
info, send email to yidcore@... or goto
http://www.YIDcore.com  !!!Warning: Some may take offense to the
group's musical style and/or contents of their website (contains
profanity), but I think it's a good thing that there exists a hard
core punk band that wants to express its Jewishness!!!

	 Also Saturday night 1/20 , at 8:30 PM Soulfarm (formerly
Inasense) is playing two rockin' sets at Makor, 35 W 67 St.  The show
is 18 and above; id required to get in.  For more info, call 212-601-
1000 or check out http://www.makor.org and
http://www.soulfarm.net/  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: I believe the food at
Makor is under Rabbinic supervision, but I don't know about the
drinks at the bar!!!

	 Also Saturday night 1/20 the Moshav Band is playing a concert
in Monsey at Kehilath New Hempstead, 720 Union Rd, corner of Brick
Church Rd.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and
children, all tax-deductible to Zichron Shlomo, supporting families
of Israelis who have been killed or injured (anyone interested in
sponsoring the event should contact Nachman Futterman at 845-362-
8318).  This is their last show in the New York area for a few
months.  I just got back from the Moshav Band concert at the Bitter
End and they really rocked!  http://www.moshavband.com/

	 Also Saturday night 1/20 at 8:30 PM, Oneg Shames is playing a
Melava Malka in Kew Garden Hills at Eitz Chayim, 147-19 73rd Ave.
(718-544-4047)  Admission at the door.  Contact Oneg for more info:
516-293-3192 or cheroneg@...

	 Also Saturday night 1/20 Neshama Carlebach is performing a
concert at Congregation Bnai Jeshurun, 257 West 88 St. (btwn Broadway
and West End).  Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 at West
Side Judaica (212-362-7846) or at the door for $30.  For more info,
call the shul at 212-787-7600 or check out
http://www.neshamacarlebach.com/  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol
Isha may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Sunday, January 21 check out Song of the Shtetl Jewish Music
Ensemble at this week's Sunday Klezmer Brunch at Tonic.  The bar is
located above the former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk Street (between
Rivington and Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-7503 or
http://www.tonic107.com for more info.  There are two sets, at 1:30
PM and 3PM, and the cost is $10 each or $15 for both.  This concert
of Old World Yiddish Songs, Ballads, and Melodies features Carol
Freeman on vocals, accompanied by the rest of the quartet on
accordion, violin, domra bass, and balalaika.  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the
issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic
authority!!!

	 Also Sunday 1/21 at 7PM my band Remez is playing a concert at
the West Side Jewish Center, 347 West 34 St (between 8th & 9th
Avenues).  This program is for singles in their 20s & 30s, and
features a buffet Chinese dinner for only $15.  Good food, great
music, and very good probability of meeting your bashert (over 100
very eligible singles are expected!)  For more info, contact Sandy at
212-268-9439 or sjubas@... and check out my band's new website
http://www.remezmusic.com

	 Monday, January 22 Yidcore is playing a show at The Cooler,
416 W14 St (between 9th and 10th Avenues).  Admission is (I think)
around $10-$12 but you can confirm with the club at 212-229-0785.
This is their last concert before heading back to Australia, so be
sure to check it out if you like Jewish punk rock!  See above for
more info on the band.  Also appearing at The Cooler the same night:
Dimestore Scenario.  I don't know much about this band except they've
got a great Jewish drummer and backup vocalist named Ivan Drucker.

	 Tuesday January 23rd at 9PM, the Bartlebees (featuring Rav
Shmuel Skaist) are playing a show at The Wetlands, 161 Hudson St.
Admission is $8 in advance and $10 at the door.  The club can be
reached at 212-386-3600 or http://www.wetlands-preserve.org/  Rabbi
Skaist is known for his previous band Gefilte Fish (and for being one
of the few Orthodox Rabbis to fly here from Israel to follow the band
Phish around the country).  http://www.gefiltefish.org/2ndPgs/icu.html

	 Thursday, January 25 at 12:30 PM, Rabbi DovBer Pinson,
renowned author, thinker, and lecturer will be speaking about the
spirituality of music.  The lecture is located at and sponsored by
Chabad Lubavitch of Midtown, 509 Fifth Ave (bet 42nd & 43rd).
Admission is free.  For reservations and info call: 212-972-0770

	 Thursday night, January 25, Andy Statman is playing his
weekly Music of the Mystics at the Greenwich Village Synagogue from 8-
11 PM.  Andy is renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin,
playing a great mix of klezmer, Chassidic, and original Jewish
melodies.  The shul is located at 53 Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and
can be reached at 212-242-6425.  Suggested donation is $10 (students
$7) which includes free refreshments.

	 Also Thursday 1/25, Metropolitan Klezmer is playing two sets
(7:30 and 10:30) at The Bottom Line, 15 W4 St.  For more info, the
club can be reached at 212-228-6300 or check out
http://www.metropolitanklezmer.com  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of
Kol Isha may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic
authority!!!

	 Friday, January 26, The Old Broadway Synagogue is having its
second Shabbaton with Rabbi Avrumy Heschel. The program begins at 9PM
with an Oneg Shabbat with Rabbi Heschel (leave your name and number
on the shul's voice mail and they will get back to you about the
location).  Following Minchah at 4:45 PM, Rabbi Heschel will hold a
Chasidic shalosh-seudes with lots of singing.  The shul is located at
15 Old Broadway, 1/2 block east of Broadway between 125th and 126th
streets, 212-662-9767

	 Saturday January 27 Melava Malka with Oneg Shames and his
band.  Carlebach music alive in Monsey at the Young Israel of Monsey
& Wesley Hills, 58 Parker Blvd (off Forshay Road).  Admission: $7
students, $10 adults.  Contact Oneg for more info: 516 293-3192 or
cheroneg@...

	 Also Saturday 1/27 at 8PM, Reality Shock is playing 2 full
sets at Borders Books & Music in the Garden State Plaza Mall (Rts. 4
& 17) in Paramus, NJ.  No cover charge!  For more info, call 201-712-
1166 or check out http://members.dencity.com/Isser/RS.html

	 Sunday, January 28, this week's Sunday Klezmer Brunch at
Tonic features Kleztraphobix, described as Klezmer with attitude.
The bar is located above the former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk
Street (between Rivington and Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-
7503 or http://www.tonic107.com for more info.  There are two sets,
at 1:30 PM and 3PM, and the cost is $10 each or $15 for both.

	 Tuesday, January 30, at 7PM my band Remez is playing at the
Triad Theatre, 158 W72 St. (between Amsterdam and Columbus)  The bar
can be reached at 212-362-2590.  Stick around after we go off stage
at 9PM for Triad's open mike night.  Lots of great music for only $7
(plus 2 drink minimum).  Check out our new website:
http://www.remezmusic.com  !!!Caution: this concert is in a bar.  If
you cannot be near alcohol or if you are under the appropriate age,
catch one of our other shows instead!!!

	 Thursday, February 1 at 7:30 PM, Piamenta is playing the
fourth annual yud shevat concert, with my band Remez opening, at
Belfer Hall, 2495 Amsterdam Ave.  The show is open to all, sponsored
by Chabad Clubs of Yeshiva University, and the cost is only $15 ($10
with YU id).  For ticket info call Yosef Levine at 718-756-0919 or
email Chabadconcert@....  Don't come too late if you want to
catch Remez, because we're only playing for a short time before
giving the stage to the incredible Piamenta!

	 Sunday, February 4, HASC is having its annual concert at the
Metropolitan Opera House, featuring Mordechai Ben David and Avraham
Fried.  This is always a great concert every year, and it's a
fundraiser for the Hebrew Academy for Special Children.  Almost all
the tickets are sold out already, so call soon: 718-851-6100 and
check out http://www.hasc.net

	 February 13-18 and/or 20-25 Isralight spiritual retreat in
Orlando, Florida features a kumzits every night around the campfire
(I'll be there with my guitar) and Shabbos is rockin and jammin with
dancing and singing on the beachfront of the campground.  You cant
beat that!!!  There are only a few spaces left so call now to reserve
212-695-4877 and check out http://www.isralight.org

	 That should keep you busy for a while!  I hope to see you at
some of these events and meet you if I haven't already.  All the time
I spend working on these emails is made worthwhile because behind
every email address on my list is a holy neshama with whom I'm
communicating, and I consider myself lucky to be able to touch so
many lives through the wonders of modern technology.  Feel free to
reply to this email and let me know what you think, and be sure to
check out the egroups website that I am constantly updating.  Have a
great Shabbos!

		 Gili Houpt

Dear friends,

	 Yesterday we celebrated Rosh Chodesh, the first day of the
Jewish month of Shevat.  Even though here in New York we're still
experiencing surprise blizzards and the ground is covered by a few
inches of snow, in Israel this month marks the beginning of
springtime.  The trees are just beginning to flower and all of nature
is starting to wake up (the Talmud even refers to this as the "New
Year for Trees" but the accepted opinion is that we wait another two
weeks for the holiday of Tu B'Shvat).  It's a great opportunity of
rebirth to invigorate our souls with all the great music coming up:

	 Tonight, Friday, January 26 4:30 PM, if you're in New
Brunswick for Shabbos and you like davening with lots of singing,
come to the Hillel at Rutgers where my band mate Seth Nadel will be
leading a Carlebach minyan.  For more info, contact Tova Messer at
732-373-8021.

	 If you're on the Upper West Side for Shabbos, make sure you
check out one of the following three onegs going on, featuring lots
of singing of Shabbos zemiros:

	 I am making an oneg with my girlfriend Chaya at her
apartment, the Key West building, 750 Columbus Ave (96 St) #3L from
9:30 to 10:45 PM.  All are welcome for good company, plenty of food &
drink, and enough singing to melt the snow outside.

	 Also in the Key West building, at the apartment of Rafael
Danzger (#5L), there is a discussion/oneg at 9:30 PM by Yair Yaish on
the topic of: "In the Beginning: The Adam and Eve Paradigm --
Cosmogony, Eschatology or Both."  There will be drinks, refreshments,
and even a cholent, and stick around after the discussion for singing
until 11:30 PM.  For more info about this sicha/oneg series, email
Yair at yyaish@...

	 The Old Broadway Synagogue is having an Oneg Shabbat at 9PM
as part of its second annual Shabbaton with Rabbi Avrumy Heschel at
West End Ave and 105 St.  Call 212-864-6049 for more info.  The
program continues Shabbos afternoon following Minchah at 4:45 PM,
with a Chasidic shalosh-seudes by Rabbi Heschel featuring Chassidic
melodies.  The shul is located at 15 Old Broadway, 1/2 block east of
Broadway between 125th and 126th streets, and can be reached at 212-
662-9767 or http://www.geocities.com/oldbroadway_shul/index.html

	 Saturday night January 27, 7:30 PM there is a melave malka
with Oneg Shames and his band.  Carlebach music alive in Monsey at
the Young Israel of Monsey & Wesley Hills, 58 Parker Blvd (off
Forshay Road).  Admission: $7 students, $10 adults.  Contact Oneg for
more info: 516-293-3192 or cheroneg@...

	 Also Saturday 1/27 at 8PM, Reality Shock is playing 2 full
sets at Borders Books & Music in the Garden State Plaza Mall (Rts. 4
& 17) in Paramus, NJ.  No cover charge!  For more info, call 201-712-
1166 or check out http://members.dencity.com/Isser/RS.html

	 Also Saturday 1/27 at 8:30 PM, the Sephardic House sponsors
an evening of Moroccan Piyutim with Mark Hazan and his ensemble at
Congregation Shearith Israel (the Spanish & Portuguese Synagogue) 4
W70 St. (off Central Park West)  Admission is $22; for more info call
the shul at 212-294-6170 and see http://www.sephardichouse.com or
http://www.shearith-israel.org

	 If you're up early Sunday morning, January 28 at 6AM, turn on
Channel 7 to watch "A Sacred Noise: the New Jewish Music," the first
Jewish rockumentary ever seen on network TV.  It was broadcast
nationally on ABC in December of 2000, but is being given a special
rebroadcast in the New York area.  Taped on location around
Manhattan, this program features the sounds and stories of a variety
of talented artists and groups including: Frank London, Debbie
Friedman, Craig Taubman, Peri Smilow, Seth Glass, George Mordecai,
The Klezmatics, Pharaoh's Daughter, Shirim, Klezical Tradition,
Vocolot and Zamir Chorale.  If you're going to be sleeping in, be
sure to set your VCR Saturday night!

	 Also Sunday 1/28, this week's Klezmer Brunch at Tonic
features Kleztraphobix, described as Klezmer with attitude.  The bar
is located above the former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk Street
(between Rivington and Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-7503
or http://www.tonic107.com for more info.  There are two sets, at
1:30 PM and 3PM, and the cost is $10 each or $15 for both.  !!!
IMPORTANT NOTE: I don't think the food at Tonic is kosher, but the
music definitely is!!!

	 Tuesday, January 30, at 7PM my band Remez is playing at the
Triad Theatre, 158 W72 St. (between Amsterdam and Columbus) 212-362-
2590.  Stick around after we go off stage at 9PM for Triad's emerging
artist forum.  Lots of great music for only $7 (2 drink minimum for
sitting at the tables).  For all of you who have been saying, "One of
these days I'm going to have to check out your band," this is the one
to see -- we've a got a few new songs and we're taping the show for a
live album!  Check out our new website: http://www.remezmusic.com  !!!
Caution: this concert is in an establishment that sells alcohol and
may not be appropriate for minors.  If you are under the appropriate
age, please act responsibly, or catch one of our other shows
instead!!!

	 Also Tuesday 1/30 at 10PM (after the Remez gig is over) The
Moshav Band will be playing one more time on their way back to
California, a last minute show at the Bitter End, 147 Bleeker St
(between Thompson and LaGuardia) http://bitterend.com 212-673-7030.
Admission is $10, and there is a 2 drink minimum.  I went to see them
last week and they've got a lot of great new material.  Check out
http://www.moshavband.com

	 Also Tuesday 1/30 if you don't want to see my band Remez,
check out the Gersh brothers at the Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard St,
in the Knitactive Space, admission $8.  At 8PM Geoff Gersh begins
with his monthly series called "Recess" on guitar, and then at 8:30
he is joined by Akiva Gersh on percussion.  They will be playing
across the musical spectrum: Jewish, African, jazz, etc.  For more
info send email to agersh@... or see
http://www.knittingfactory.com

	 Thursday, February 1 at 7:30 PM, my band Remez is opening for
Piamenta at the fourth annual yud shevat concert, at Belfer Hall,
2495 Amsterdam Ave.  The show is open to all, sponsored by Chabad
Clubs of Yeshiva University, and the cost is only $15 ($10 with YU
id).  For ticket info call Yosef Levine at 718-756-0919 or email
Chabadconcert@....  Don't come too late if you want to catch
Remez, because we're only playing for a short time before giving up
the stage to the incredible Piamenta!

	 Also Thursday 2/1, Andy Statman is playing his weekly Music
of the Mystics at the Greenwich Village Synagogue from 8-11 PM.  Andy
is renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin, playing a great mix
of klezmer, Chassidic, and original Jewish melodies.  The shul is
located at 53 Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and can be reached at 212-
242-6425.  Suggested donation is $10 (students $7) which includes
free refreshments.

	 Also Thursday 2/1, from 8:30 to 9:30 PM, Soulfarm is playing
in Stanhope, NJ at the Stanhope House, 45 Main St (about half an hour
from the city, depending on who's driving).  This show is for ages 21
and over; for more info, call 973-347-0458, or see
http://www.soulfarm.net

	 Sunday, February 4, HASC is having its annual concert at the
Metropolitan Opera House, featuring Mordechai Ben David and Avraham
Fried.  This is always a great concert every year, and it's a
fundraiser for the Hebrew Academy for Special Children.  I think
there might be a few tickets left, so call soon: 718-851-6100 and
check out http://www.hasc.net

	 Also Sunday 2/4 at 3 PM, go to Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway
(95 St) to see Alhambra, a presentation of the World Music Institute
of Sephardic songs of Spain and the Near East.  Tickets are $21; for
more info, call 864-5400 or see http://heartheworld.org and
http://www.symphonyspace.org  !!!IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol
Isha may be applicable here: consult your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Also Sunday 2/4 at 3PM there is a public concert at The
Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street.  Yoel Ben-Simhon and
The Sultana Ensemble present "Mediterranean Collage," A Jewish
Moroccan musical experience which incorporates Middle Eastern and
Western influences into a cross-cultural fusion.  Tickets are $16
(less for students and children).  For more info, call 212-423-3337
or see http://www.thejewishmuseum.org

	 February 13-18 and/or 20-25 Isralight spiritual retreat in
Orlando, Florida features a kumsitz every night around the campfire
(I'll be there with my guitar) and Shabbos is an incredible
experience with dancing and singing on the beachfront of the
campground.  There might be a few spaces left so call now to reserve
212-695-4877 and see http://www.isralight.org

	 Yesterday I attended an excellent lecture by Rabbi DovBer
Pinson on "The Kabbalah of Music" -- all about the soul and how it
relates to Jewish Music, and I wanted to share just a few of his
ideas (but I'm not really doing the topic justice in a few lines; you
really have to see his book "Inner Rhythms" for the complete
picture).  In ancient times, prophets used music to get into a
spiritual frame of mind to receive words of God, and modern Rabbis
incorporate it into their prayers and to achieve Deveikut, closeness
with the Creator.  The Hebrew word zemer (song) comes from a root
meaning to separate, since music has the power to isolate feelings
and uproot negativity.  At the same time, there is a powerful uniting
force within music in the way it can bring people together.  Secular
music is external, moving the listener towards something else, while
Jewish Music has a reflecting effect on the person, causing
introspection, and ultimately effecting spiritual growth.  One final
note: you can read all you want about music, but nothing is the same
as experiencing it, so I hope you get to enjoy some of these events.

	 Have a great Shabbos and a rejuvenating month of Shevat!

		 Gili Houpt

Dear friends,

	 Last night my band Remez played a concert at Yeshiva
University with Piamenta, who was awesome.  And Tuesday night we
played at Triad on the Upper West Side.  I want to thank all our fans
who came out to see us this week and gave us the chance to showcase
outr new material.  Sending out these weekly emails has given me a
lot of opportunities: I've met many incredible musicians, attended
lots of great concerts, and best of all I'm in touch with 1100+
people who share my love for Jewish Music.  Thank you for being a
part of this!  Check out some of the great Jewish Music this weekend
and beyond:

	 Tonight, Friday February 2 begins the Yachad Shabbaton at
Congregation Ohab Zedek on the Upper West Side.  Yachad is a program
to bring people from the community togteher with individuals who are
physically and/or mentally challenged.  Music is a language all can
understand, and it's a great way to reach people who have trouble
communicating and make them understand they're an importnat part of
society.  A highlight of these shabbatons is when everybody is
singing together at davening and the meals in the shul, so all are
encouraged to participate in this big chesed.  Call the shul to
reserve for the meals 212-749-5150

	 Tomorrow night, Saturday February 3 there is a concert at OZ,
118 W95 St, as a fundraiser to benefit the Tefillin Project.  Laibel
Ben Moshe & Danny Leitner are playing from 8PM to midnight and
admission is only $5.  This is the conclusion of the Yachad
Shabbaton, so besides the great music you're doing two great
mitzvahs.  For info, call 212-749-5150 or goto
http://CongregationOhabZedek.org

	 Also Tomorrow night, Saturday February 3, 8:30 PM "Bring Life
to your Soul" at a Melava Malka with Oneg Shames, Michael Poulad &
Friends at the Carlebach Shul (Congregation Kehilath Jacob) 305 W79
St.  Admission at the door: $7 students, $10 adults.  Contact Oneg
for more info: 516-293-3192 or cheroneg@...

	 Also Tomorrow night 2/3, at 9PM Andy Statman will be playing
at Ansche Chesed, 251 W100 St at West End Ave.  It is customary to
start preparing for holidays a month in advance, so this will be a
pre-Purim concert, complete with all the hamentaschen you can eat
(from David's Cookies, under OU supervision), and all those arriving
in Purim costume will pay only $5 admission ($20 for conventional
clothing).  For more info, call 212-865-0600 or
http://www.anschechesed.org

	 Also Tomorrow night 2/3, if you're wondering where I'm going
to be, there's a LAVE Shabbaton at the Teaneck Jewish Center in New
Jersey.  My band mate Seth and I are going to be playing a kumsitz at
9:30 PM for public-schools kids who attend this bi-annual weekend
retreat.  Let me tell you, these teenagers have got a lot of ruach!

	 Sunday, February 4, HASC is having its annual concert at the
Metropolitan Opera House, featuring Ruby Harris, Mordechai Ben David
and Avraham Fried.  This is always a great concert every year, and
it's a fundraiser for the Hebrew Academy for Special Children.  Call
718-851-6100 and check out http://www.hasc.net

	 Also Sunday 2/4 at 3 PM, go to Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway
(95 St) to see Alhambra, a presentation of the World Music Institute
of Sephardic songs of Spain and the Near East.  Tickets are $21 ($15
students); for more info, call 864-5400 or see
http://heartheworld.org and http://www.symphonyspace.org  !!!
IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here: consult
your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Also Sunday 2/4 at 3PM there is a public concert at The
Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street.  Yoel Ben-Simhon and
The Sultana Ensemble present "Mediterranean Collage," A Jewish
Moroccan musical experience which incorporates Middle Eastern and
Western influences into a cross-cultural fusion.  Tickets are $16
(less for students and children).  For more info, call 212-423-3337
or see http://www.thejewishmuseum.org

	 Tuesday February 6, at 9PM Ruth Gerson is playing two rockin'
sets at Makor, 35 W 67 St.  Admission is $7 to see Ruth and other
local bands from 7 until 10PM.  For more info, call 212-601-1000 or
check out http://www.makor.org and http://www.ruthgerson.com  !!!
IMPORTANT NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here: consult
your local Rabbinic authority.  Also, the food at Makor is under
Rabbinic supervision, but check the drinks at the bar!!!

	 Also Tuesday night 2/6, at 11PM check out Citigrass at the
Hog Pit, 22 Ninth Ave at 13th St.  This new Bluegrass band features
some great Jewsih musicians, including Noah Solomon from the band
Soulfarm, formerly Inasense.  For more info, call the bar at 212-604-
0092 or email Sandy at citigrass@...

	 Wednesday February 7 is Tu B'shvat and amazaingly I've found
no Jewish Music events yet.  If I don't find anything going on in a
few days, I'm going to try organizing a concert or a kumsitz or
something, so stay tuned.  Check the website for updates:
http://www.remezmusic.com

	 Thursday February 8, Andy Statman is playing his weekly Music
of the Mystics at the Greenwich Village Synagogue from 8-11 PM.  Andy
is renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin, playing a great mix
of klezmer, Chassidic, and original Jewish melodies.  The shul is
located at 53 Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and can be reached at 212-
242-6425.  Suggested donation is $10 (students $7) which includes
free refreshments.

	 Also Thursday 2/8, check out "Sessions at 17 West" at the
Orange Bear, 47 Murry street between West Broadway and Church.  This
is the second show by Dani and Noah, playing covers and some of their
original songs on their just-released CD.  Admission is free; for
more info call the bar at 212-566-3705.

	 Friday night February 9 The Old Broadway Synagogue is having
their Fifth Singles Shabbat Dinner, with lots of singing.  No prior
Shabbat experience necessary.  Davening, followed by dinner, starts
at 5PM and will be at the Old Broadway Synagogue, 15 Old Broadway
(1/2 block east of B'way between 125th and 126th streets).  Please
reserve by ednesday, February 7th by calling 212-662-9767; $18 per
person.  http://www.geocities.com/oldbroadway_shul/index.html

	 Saturday night, February 10, Kleztrophobix is playing a
concert at Congregation Ohab Zedek, 118 W95 St.  I went to see this
band this past Sunday at Tonic, and they're really amazing klezmer
musicians, drawing from an eclectic mix of influences.  This is part
of the incredible Saturday night concert series at OZ, and the $15
admission includes free pizza and beverages.  For more info, call the
shul at 212-749-5150, and check out the band's website:
http:/www.kleztraphobix.com

	 Also Saturday night 2/10, at 7:30 PM Rabbi James Stone
Goodman's New York Quartet playing a "Melave Malka" at 344 E. 14th
St.  Admission is $5 at the door.  James is coming all the way from
Missouri to play this show; for more info email him at
Stavisker@...

	 Sunday, February 11, from 3 to 6PM, Rabbi Goodman is playing
again in a special performance for the opening of Todd Weinstein's
photography exhibit "The 36 Unknown" at the Yeshiva University Museum
in the Center for Jewish History 15 West 16th Street.  For more info
email him at Stavisker@...

	 February 13-18 and/or 20-25 Isralight spiritual retreat in
Orlando, Florida features a kumsitz every night around the campfire
(I'll be there the second week with my guitar) and Shabbos is an
incredible experience with dancing and singing on the beachfront of
the campground.  Scholarships are avilable but limited, so call now
to reserve 212-695-4877.  http://www.isralight.org

	 I hope you get to enjoy some of these music events.  Let me
know what you think: just reply to this message.  And don't forget to
check out the website on yahoogroups with lots of great music links
and other features.  Have a great Shabbos!

		 Gili Houpt

Dear friends,

	 Late breaking music events for tonight, Wednesday, February
7, the Jewish holiday of Tu B'svat:  (many thanks to everyone who
sent me info)

	 My friend Randy Lazarus is having a Tu B'shvat seder at his
house in Monsey: 66 Carlton Rd.  The seder will start at 8PM,
followed by a kumsitz (I'll be there with my guitar).  Call for more
info: 845-365-3985

	 The Carlebach Shul is having a Tu B'shvat concert starting at
7PM, featuring Michael Poulad and friends.  The shul is located on
305 W79 St (between West End and Riverside) and can be reached at 212-
580-SHUL.  http://carlebachshul.org/

	 KOE is having a Tu B'shvat seder at 8PM in the boardroom of
the youth hostel (Amsterdam between 103 & 104) with singing,
learning, chasidic stories, and more.  A light supper will be served
for a cost of $12 at the door.  Please bring your own dairy non-
disposable cups, plates and utensils.  For more information, contact
Doug Loring at dloring@... or 212-865-3972

	 Tomorrow, Thursday February 8, Andy Statman is playing his
weekly Music of the Mystics at the Greenwich Village Synagogue from 8-
11 PM.  Andy is renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin,
playing a great mix of klezmer, Chassidic, and original Jewish
melodies.  The shul is located at 53 Charles St. (near W 4th St.) and
can be reached at 212-242-6425.  Suggested donation is $10 (students
$7) which includes free refreshments.

	 Also Thursday 2/8 9PM, check out "Sessions at 17 West" at the
Orange Bear, 47 Murray street between West Broadway and Church.  This
is the second show by Dani and Noah, playing covers and some original
songs off their just-released CD.  This show will also feature
special guest Seth Nadel on harmonica.  Admission is free, but space
is limited so please RSVP at 212-566-3705 or dweinstock@...

	 Friday night February 9 The Old Broadway Synagogue is having
their Fifth Singles Shabbat Dinner, with lots of singing.  No prior
Shabbat experience necessary.  Davening, followed by dinner, starts
at 5PM and will be at the Old Broadway Synagogue, 15 Old Broadway
(1/2 block east of B'way between 125th and 126th streets).  Cost is
$18 per person.  Please reserve as soon as possible by calling 212-
662-9767.  http://www.geocities.com/oldbroadway_shul/index.html

	 Also Friday 2/9 the Jewish Center will be having an oneg at
around 9PM, "Young Leadership Tisch" featuring singing Shabbos
zemiros.  The shul is located between Columbus & Amsterdam on 131 W86
St.  For more info: 212-724-2700 or http://welcome.to/thejewishcenter

	 Saturday night, February 10, Kleztrophobix is playing a
concert at Congregation Ohab Zedek, 118 W95 St.  I went to see this
band this past Sunday at Tonic, and they're really amazing klezmer
musicians, drawing from an eclectic mix of influences.  This is part
of the incredible Saturday night concert series at OZ, and the $15
admission includes free pizza and beverages.  For more info, call the
shul at 212-749-5150, and check out the band's website:
http:/www.kleztraphobix.com

	 Also Saturday night 2/10, 8:30 PM the Young Israel of
Manhattan is having its Annual Concert, at Seward Park High School,
350 Grand St. at the corner of Essex St.  The show will feature
Avraham Fried, Yoel Sharabi, and the Neshoma Orchestra.  Admission:
$22 balcony and $30 orchestra.  For reservations and information,
call 212-732-0966 days, and 212-780-9847 evenings.

	 Also Saturday night 2/10, at 7:30 PM Rabbi James Goodman is
playing a Melave Malka with his New York Quartet at 344 E. 14th St.
Admission is $5 at the door.  James is coming all the way from
Missouri to play this show; for more info email him at
Stavisker@... and see his website: http://www.neveshalom.org

	 Sunday, February 11, from 3 to 6PM, Rabbi Goodman is playing
again in a special performance for the opening of Todd Weinstein's
photography exhibit "The 36 Unknown" at the Yeshiva University Museum
in the Center for Jewish History 15 West 16th Street.  For more info
email him at Stavisker@... and see his website:
http://www.neveshalom.org

	 Also Sunday 2/11, The Jewish Collegiate Festival of the
Performing Arts is happenning at the Jewish Theological Seminary,
Broadway & 122 St.  This festival features Jewish A Capella and
Israeli Dance by college groups from all over the country.  There are
two shows, at 1PM and 4PM.  Tickets are $5 for students and $8 for
non-students.  For more info or to reserve tickets visit the web site
at http://www.columbia.edu/~das108  !!!IMPORTANT:  The issue of Kol
Isha may be applicable here:  consult your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Also Sunday 2/11, the Ari Ben Moses band will be appearing at
Shine, 285 West Broadway at Canal St.  The group plays a unique blend
of Reggae, Latin Rock, Afro-Beat and Middle Eastern music.  For more
info, call 212-941-0900.  http://www.mp3.com/aribenmosesband

	 Wednesday, February 14, at 10PM the Ari Ben Moses band
playing at the Gemini Lounge, 221 2nd Avenue at 13th St.  Cover
charge is $5.  See above for info.

	 Also Wednesday 2/14, 8:45 PM Matt Turk is playing at the
Wetlands 161 Hudson St.  See Matt's website:
http://www.turktunes.com  The club can be reached at 212-386-3600 or
http://www.wetlands-preserve.org

	 February 13-18 and/or 20-25 Isralight spiritual retreat in
Orlando, Florida features a kumsitz every night around the campfire
(I'll be there the second week with my guitar) and Shabbos is an
incredible experience with dancing and singing on the beachfront of
the campground.  Scholarships are avilable but limited, so call now
to reserve 212-695-4877.  http://www.isralight.org

	 Tu B'shvat commemorates the beginning of springtime, the
constant renewal of nature, the beauty of G-d's Creation.  We should
remember that the world was set up to be ever-changing, and  our role
in this dynamic system is not to destroy, but to be partners with our
Creator in making sure everything co-exists in harmony.  Let us join
together to sing a new song as we celebrate this holiday tonight.
Enjoy the music!

		 Gili Houpt

Dear friends,

	 Every week I browse the web, read hundreds of emails, sift
though newspaper ads, correspond with dozens of musicians and
promoters, search for fliers all over the city and even organize some
events on my own, just to bring you the latest update of Jewish Music
around New York City.  I don't ask for anything in return, except
that you get off your lazy touches and experience some of the music.
If you want you can let me know what you think of my list or any of
the events I publicize -- just reply to this email.  Now go enjoy
some music:

	 Tonight, Friday February 16, I will be leading the davening
with lots of singing at Aish Hatorah on the Upper West Side.  The
shul is located on 313 W 83 St (between West End & Riverside) and
Mincha is called for 5:20.

	 Also tonight, if you happen to be in Brooklyn for Shabbos, my
friend Simcha Nath is making an oneg at his home, 850 East 13 St
(between Ave I and the dead end).  All are welcome to attend -- just
show up at his door after dinnertime.  For more info, you can email
Simcha at rreagan1@...

	 Tomorrow night, Saturday February 17 at 9PM there will be a
kumsitz & melave malka FOR WOMEN ONLY at the home of Chaya Lung, in
the Key West, 750 Columbus Ave (between 96 & 97), apt 3L.  This is
open to anyone of the female gender: bring an instrument, bring a
friend, and bring your voices -- there won't be any men around so you
don't have to worry about Kol Isha!!!

	 Also tomorrow night 2/17 at 9 PM, Yavneh Olami presents a
Melave Malka Concert with MickyMoshe Shur (formerly of the Diaspora
Yeshiva Band) in the Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel at 110 Davidson
Ave in Somerset, NJ.  Admission is $10 and refreshments will be
served.  For more information, contact Dena at YavnehNY@...

	 Also tomorrow night 2/17, at 11PM, Matt Turk will be playing
CBGB's Gallery, with special guests Zukis Zawel on trombone and Jock
Guthrie on electric guitar.  The Max Fisher Group will be opening at
8PM.  The club is located in the Lower East Side at 313 Bowery
(Bleeker between 1st and 2nd St) and can be reached at 212-982-4052.
The music is not necessarily Jewish, but the musicians are playing
from their Jewish souls.  See http://www.cbgb.com/ and
http://www.turktunes.com/

	 Sunday, February 18, at 9PM, check out Seth Glass and many
other great musicians at the ASCAP Songwriters showcase.  It is
taking place at the Firebird Cabaret Cafe, 365 W46 St. between 8 & 9
Ave.  Reservations are required: call 212-621-6240, and the number of
the club is 212-586-0244.  See http://www.ascap.com/calendar  !!!
IMPORTANT:  The issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here:  consult
your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Monday, February 19, from noon until 1:30 PM, Shloime Dachs
is giving a concert with Neshoma Orchestra (in conjunction with Ohel)
at Yeshiva University: room 502 of Belfer Hall, 2495 Amsterdam Ave.
This is an event promoting the annual SOY Seforim Sale, with great
discounts on Jewish books and all kinds of Jewish Music, so make sure
you check it out before they close on 2/25.  For more information
call 212-960-0156 or goto http://www.soyseforim.org/

	 Tuesday, February 20 through Sunday 2/25 is the Isralight
spiritual retreat in Orlando, Florida.  This incredible trip features
a kumsitz every night around the campfire (I'll be there playing my
guitar, bazouki, and doumbek) and Shabbos is an experience with
dancing and singing on the beachfront of the campground.  This is
your last chance to reserve -- scholarships are available but
limited -- call 212-695-4877.  http://www.isralight.org

	 Wednesday, February 21, from 7PM to 9:30, the Ari Ben Moses
band will be performing at Tribeca Blues, 16 Warren St.  The group
plays a unique blend of Reggae, Latin Rock, Afro-Beat and Middle
Eastern music.  $5 cover charge.
http://www.mp3.com/aribenmosesband

	 Thursday February 22, Andy Statman is playing his weekly
Music of the Mystics at the Greenwich Village Synagogue from 8-11
PM.  Andy is renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin, playing a
great mix of klezmer, Chassidic, and original Jewish melodies.  Every
week is a different show: new instruments, songs, rhythms, and
musical styles!  The shul is located at 53 Charles St. (near W 4th
St.) and can be reached at 212-242-6425.  Suggested donation is $10
(students $7), which includes free refreshments.

	 Also Thursday 2/22, just back from two weeks of gigs in
Italy, Ruth Gerson is playing at The Bottom Line, "Nightbirds" 15 W4
St.  For more info, the club can be reached at 212-228-6300.  This
singer gives an electrifying performance as she accompanies herself
on both piano and guitar, and her original songs feature profound
lyrics and beautiful melodies.  http://www.ruthgerson.com  !!!
IMPORTANT:  The issue of Kol Isha may be applicable here:  consult
your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Also Thursday 2/22 at 9:30 PM, the band [sic] is playing at
Desmond's Tavern, 433 Park Ave South, between 29 & 30 St.  They're
playing 2 sets, one of [sic] originals and another of 80's covers.
Admission: $5; for more info call the bar at 212-725-9864 or send
email to Iamsic@...

	 Friday night, February 23 there are two great dinners on the
Upper West Side with lots of singing Shabbos songs: Congregation Ohab
Zedek, (118 W95 St) is having Rav Rosensweig as a scholar in
residence.  I was in his shiur at YU, and his brilliant lectures are
not to be missed.  For more info, call the shul at 212-749-5150 and
goto http://congregationohabzedek.org

	 Also Friday night, 2/23 the Young Israel of the Upper West
Side (91 St between Amsterdam & Columbus) is having a Friday Night
Dinner.  This is one of the oldest shuls in the area, and one of the
biggest.  The current renovations are unmasking the beautiful
architecture, and the shul membership is growing rapidly.  Come to
daven and stay for dinner: only $10 per person.  Call Shelley Fine at
212-662-5236

	 Saturday night, February 24 at 8PM there is a "Fresh Air
Concert" at Congregation Ohab Zedek with Simply Tsfat.  This string
trio (two guitars and a violin, with special guest Seth Nadel on
percussion) hail from the Holy City of Tsfat, playing the music of
Breslov Chasiddus.  I went to see this group in concert last time
they were in town and they're really amazing!  OZ is located at 118
W95 St and can be reached at 212-749-5150 for more info.  See
http://www.simplytsfat.com/

	 Also Saturday night, 2/24 at 8:30 PM, "Bring Life to Your
Soul" at a melave malka with Oneg Shames, Michael Poulad & Friends at
the Carlebach Shul, 305 west 79th Street.  $10 suggested donation.
The shul is located on 305 W79 St (between West End and Riverside)
and can be reached at 212-580-SHUL.  http://carlebachshul.org/

	 Also Saturday night, 2/24 at 8PM, go to Aish HaTorah for an
evening of music, singing, pizza dinner with Yom Tov Glazer, former
world class surfer and current Rabbi who really know how to live to
the max!  $10 pre-registered (by Friday, 2/23 2PM) or $15 at the
door.  The shul is located at 313 W83 St (between West End &
Riverside) and can be reached at 212-579-1388 or
http://aish.com/branches/ny/

	 Looking ahead: I've got two gigs coming up to raise money for
Israel.  Saturday, March 3, at 8:30 PM I'm leading a kumsitz at the
Washington Heights Congregation, 815 W179 St (corner of Pinehurst)
near the A,1,9 trains.  Bring your own instruments and sing along!
$12 Admissions fee will be distributed and appropriated to
communities in Isreal.  For more information call Gershon Stadtmauer
at 212-928-0802 or email Molsaiger@...

	 Sunday March 4 at 6PM, my band Remez is playing Kahal's
Annual Benefit Concert, organized by and located at the Frisch
Yeshiva High School, in Paramus, NJ, and this year proceeds go
towards victims of terrorism in Israel.  Remez is opening for Avraham
Rosenblum & Diaspora, and tickets are just $25; $15 for students.
Come out and support our brothers and sisters in Israel.  For tickets
and additional information, email kahal2001@... or call Sarah
Rubin at 201-567-4010.  Check out http://remezmusic.com

	 That's all for now -- I've got to get to sleep!  But first:
this Shabbos we read Parshat Yitro, which features the Ten
Commandments.  Take notice how the music of the trop (tune for
reading the Torah) usually punctuates individual verses.  But his
week (if the ba'al koreh know what he's doing) you'll notice that
each Commandment is treated as a verse-unit, even though some
commandments comprise more than one verse and some are just verse
fragments.  Just another way Jewish Music can enhance our
spirituality!

		 Have a great Shabbos!

			 Gili Houpt

Dear Friends,

	 I'm taking a much-needed vacation down in sunny Florida, but
I'm still thinking of all my friends freezing back in New York and
thought you could use some Jewish Music to warm you up.  It's
actually not a vacation but a spiritual retreat with an incredible
program called Isralight, for people of different backgrounds from
all over the country who want to get more in touch with Judaism.
There are lots of great activities, amazing Torah classes, and
awesome music (a kumsitz every night around the bonfire by the
lake).  Don't miss the trip next year!

	 Tomorrow night, Friday February 22, there are two great
dinners on the Upper West Side with lots of singing Shabbos songs:
Congregation Ohab Zedek, (118 W95 St) is having Rav Rosensweig as a
scholar in residence.  I was in his shiur at YU, and his brilliant
lectures are not to be missed.  For more info, call the shul at 212-
749-5150 and goto http://congregationohabzedek.org

	 Also tomorrow night, 2/23 the Young Israel of the Upper West
Side (91 St between Amsterdam & Columbus) is having a Friday Night
Dinner.  This is one of the oldest shuls in the area, and one of the
biggest.  The current renovations are unmasking the beautiful
architecture, and the shul membership is growing rapidly.  Come to
daven and stay for dinner: only $10 per person.  Call Shelley Fine at
212-662-5236

	 Also tomorrow night, 2/23 the Upper West Side Sicha/Oneg
series continues, featuring an insightful discussion by Dov Weiss on
the topic of: "Can Women Be Motze Men In Kiddush? Havdalah?"  The
discussion will begin at 10PM at 730 Columbus Ave (the Westmont) Apt
#6H.  There will be drinks and other refreshments, chulent, singing
and great company.  For more info, email yairy@...

	 Also tomorrow night, 2/23 at 9PM The Jewish Center's Young
Leadership Committee is having a Tisch featuring a Devar Torah by
Rabbi Yair Khan of Yeshivat Har Etzion.  Please join for food,
laughs, Torah and song on the main floor of The Jewish Center, 131
W86 St between Columbus and Amsterdam Ave.  For more info, email
Wendy at askwendyd@... or call 212-724-2700
http://welcome.to/thejewishcenter

	 Saturday, February 24th the Old Broadway Shul is having a
lunch with lots of singing, and featuring Jonathan Crane, rabbinic
intern at the AJWS, who will speak about "All the Torah's Paths Are
Peace: The Mission of the American Jewish World Service."  The cost
of the luncheon is $18 per person, and reservations are required:
call Paul at 212-864-6049 or http://www.geocities.com/oldbroadway_shul

	 Saturday night, February 24 at 8PM there is a "Fresh Air
Concert" at Congregation Ohab Zedek with Simply Tsfat.  This string
trio (two guitars and a violin, with special guest Seth Nadel on
percussion) hails from the Holy City of Tsfat, playing the music of
Breslov Chasiddus.  I went to see this group in concert last time
they were in town and they're really amazing!  They're also playing
one more show on Sunday before leaving the area, in Lakewood, NJ, but
I don't have the info for that concert.  OZ is located at 118 W95 St
and can be reached at 212-749-5150 for more info.  See
http://www.simplytsfat.com/

	 Also Saturday night, 2/24 at 8:30 PM, "Bring Life to Your
Soul" at a melave malka with Oneg Shames, Michael Poulad & Friends at
the Carlebach Shul, 305 west 79th Street.  Join them to celebrate
Rosh Chodesh Adar: $10 suggested donation.  The shul is located on
305 W79 St (between West End and Riverside) and can be reached at 212-
580-SHUL.  For more info, email cheroneg@... or goto
http://carlebachshul.org/

	 Also Saturday night, 2/24 at 8PM, go to Aish HaTorah for an
evening of music, singing, pizza dinner with Yom Tov Glazer, former
world class surfer and current Rabbi who really know how to live to
the max!  $10 pre-registered (by Friday, 2/23 2PM) or $15 at the
door.  The shul is located at 313 W83 St (between West End &
Riverside) and can be reached at 212-579-1388 or
http://aish.com/branches/ny/

	 Sunday February 25, this week's Klezmer Brunch at Tonic
features Isle of Klezbos, an all-female klezmer band.  There are two
sets, at 1:30 PM and 3PM, and the cost is $10 each or $15 for both.
The bar is located above the former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk
Street (between Rivington and Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-
7503 or http://www.tonic107.com  !!!PLEASE NOTE: The food at Tonic is
not strictly kosher, and the issue of Kol Isha may be applicable:
consult your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Tuesday, February 27, Makor is having a Songwriters Hall of
Fame with an Open Mike at 6:30 PM.  I don't know who will be there,
but maybe you'll discover the next great Jewish musician!  Admission
is $6 and location is 35 W 67 St.  For more info, call 212-601-1000
or check out http://www.makor.org  !!!PLEASE NOTE: the issue of Kol
Isha may be applicable -- consult your local Rabbinic authority!!!

	 Thursday March 1, Andy Statman is playing his weekly Music
of the Mystics at the Greenwich Village Synagogue from 8-11 PM.
Andy is renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin, playing a
great mix of klezmer, Chassidic, and original Jewish melodies.  Every
week is a different show: new instruments, songs, rhythms, and
musical styles!  The shul is located at 53 Charles St. (near W4 St.)
and can be reached at 212-242-6425.  Suggested donation is $10
(students $7), which includes free refreshments.

	 Also Thursday 3/1 10:30 PM, the Moshav Band is playing a pre-
Purim performance (pardon the alliteration) at the Bitter End, 147
Bleeker St (between Thompson and LaGuardia) http://bitterend.com 212-
673-7030.  Admission is $10, and there is a 2 drink minimum.  This is
their first show back from a trip to Israel so I'm sure the music
will be very holy.  Check out http://www.moshavband.com

	 Friday night March 2, I will be leading the davening with
lots of singing at Congregation Ramath Orah.  This shabbaton is co-
sponsored by Congregation Ohab Zedek for an outstanding Scholar-in
Residence Program featuring HaRav Yochanan Zweig, Rosh HaYeshiva of
the Talmudic University of Florida.  He will be speaking at dinner
Friday night at Ramat Orah and at OZ Shabbos morning.  For more info
call the shul at 212-749-5150.

	 Saturday, March 3, at 8:30 PM I'm leading a kumsitz at the
Washington Heights Congregation, 815 W179 St (corner of Pinehurst)
near the A,1,9 trains.  Bring your own instruments and sing along!
$12 Admissions fee will be distributed to communities in Isreal --
come out and support our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land!  For
more information call Gershon Stadtmauer at 212-928-0802 or email
Molsaiger@...

	 Sunday March 4 at 6PM, my band Remez is playing Kahal's
Annual Benefit Concert, organized by and located at the Frisch
Yeshiva High School, in Paramus, NJ, and this year proceeds go
towards victims of terrorism in Israel.  Remez is opening for Avraham
Rosenblum & Diaspora, and tickets are just $25; $15 for students.
This show is selling out fast, so don't wait to order tickets: email
kahal2001@... or call Sarah Rubin at 201-567-4010.  And check
out http://remezmusic.com

	 That's all I have time for now -- I've got to get down to the
lake to play for the kumsitz!  I just wanted to apologize to anyone
who misunderstood my introduction to last week's email.  I am happy
to continue providing these updates as long as people are finding
them useful in some way.  While I encourage you to attend any events
that pique your interest and I welcome your feedback, I know that
people are often busy and I did not mean to call you lazy.  My tone
was intended to be lighthearted, and I'm sorry if anyone interpreted
it as frustration instead of humor.

	 Have a great Shabbos!

		 Gili Houpt

Dear Friends,

	 I was devastated this week by the crash of my computer
system.  I lost all my email from the past two years, including all
my records of future events in addition to all messages I have
received (I like to keep everything, especially all the incredible
feedback I have received since I started this list).  It was so
upsetting that I almost did not want to continue, since it will take
weeks to rebuild all my contacts.  But then I decided to put it into
perspective: I am performing two shows this weekend to raise money
for victims of terror in Israel (I'm leading a kumsitz Saturday night
and I'm playing a concert with my band Remez on Sunday).  I realized
that people in the Holy Land have had their lives turned upside-down:
houses destroyed, limbs blown off, children orphaned.  These are
irreplaceable!  My effort on the music list pales in comparison to
the hardships Israelis must face to rebuild their lives.  So I
apologize for leaving out any events this week, and please resend any
messages that you emailed to me.  And I urge you to attend these
events and support our brothers and sisters in Israel!

	 Tonight, Friday March 2, I will be leading the davening with
lots of singing at Congregation Ramath Orah, located at 550 W 110 St
(between Broadway and Amsterdam).  Mincha starts at 5:35 PM and
davening will be followed by dinner featuring HaRav Yochanan Zweig,
Rosh HaYeshiva of the Talmudic University of Florida.  For dinner
reservations call the shul office at 212-222-2470.

	 Tomorrow night, Saturday, March 3, at 8:30 PM I'm leading a
kumsitz at the Washington Heights Congregation, 815 W179 St (corner
of Pinehurst) near the George Washington Bridge and the A,1,9
trains.  Bring your own instruments and sing along!  $12 admission
will be distributed to communities in Israel.  For more information
call Gershon Stadtmauer at 212-928-0802 or email Molsaiger@...

	 Also Saturday night 3/3, at 8:30 PM, Congregation Ohab
Zedek's Motzai Shabbos concert series continues with Avraham
Rosenblum "Unplugged" featuring Mo Shapiro on guitar.  Admission
(includes refreshments) is $15 and $10 for members.  OZ is located at
118 West 95th Street (between Columbus and Amsterdam) and can be
reached at 212-749-5150.  http://www.diasporaband.com/

	 Also Saturday night 3/3 at 8:45 PM, Dedi and Yehuda are
playing a pre-Purim concert as a fundraiser for the Yeshiva Ketana of
Manhattan.  The performance will be held at Martin Luther King High
School on W65 St between Amsterdam and West End.  Tickets are $25 and
up and can be purchased at the door or over the phone: 718-548-4649

	 Also Saturday night 3/3 at 8:45 PM, the Moshav Band is
performing at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, 3700 Henry Hudson
Parkway, in the Bronx.  For more information: call the shul office at
718-796-4730 or goto http://www.hir.org

	 Also Saturday night 3/3 at 10PM, Matt Turk is playing with
special guests at Two Boots, 514 2nd Ave in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
See his website for more info: http://www.turktunes.com/

	 Sunday March 4 at 6PM, my band Remez is playing Kahal's
Annual Benefit Concert, at the Frisch Yeshiva High School, in
Paramus, NJ, and this year proceeds go towards victims of terrorism
in Israel.  Remez is opening for Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora, and
tickets are just $25; $15 for students.  To order tickets: email
kahal2001@... or call Sarah Rubin at 201-567-4010.  And check
out http://remezmusic.com for other Remez concerts

	 Also Sunday 3/4, this week's Klezmer Brunch at Tonic features
a Klezmer Jam Session.  There are two sets, at 1:30 PM and 3PM, and
the cost is $10 each or $15 for both.  Bring your instrument and
play: admission is only $5 for both sets if you participate!  The bar
is located above the former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk Street
(between Rivington and Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-7503
or http://www.tonic107.com  !PLEASE NOTE: The food at Tonic is not
strictly kosher, and the issue of Kol Isha may be applicable: consult
your local Rabbinic authority!

	 Also Sunday 3/4, at 2PM Piamenta is playing a concert at the
Center for Jewish History, 15 W16 St.  This performance of modern
Sephardic songs is co-sponsored by the American Sephardi Federation
and Sephardic House.  Yossi Piamenta is a 14th generation Jerusalem
born Sephardi who grew up in Israel surrounded by the sounds of
Middle Eastern music, and he also happens to be one of the best
guitarists in the world!  Admission is $22 and $18 for members.  For
more info, call 212-294-8350 or check http://www.amsephfed.org and
http://www.piamenta.com

	 Also Sunday 3/4 at 2PM Safam is doing a concert for Rutgers
University Hillel at the State Theater in New Brunswick, NJ.  These
guys are the Rolling Stones of Jewish music, performing before most
of you were born, and they're still rocking after all these years!
http://www.safam.com/safam/

	 Also Sunday 3/4 at 6PM Shlock Rock in concert at the South
Huntington Jewish Center out on Long Island.  For more info call 1-
800-233-9494 or goto http://www.shlockrock.com

	 Also Sunday 3/4 at 11AM the 92nd St Y is having a pre-Purim
carnival at 11AM followed by Music of the Jewish Spirit at 3PM.
Dedicated to exploring the best of the Jewish musical heritage, this
series features the transformation of traditional melodies hidden
behind the mask of modernity.  The concert features The Kinor
Ensemble and The New York Concert Singers.  Admission is $15 with
special web code: TC5MJ01-01.  The Y is located at 1395 Lexington
Avenue and can be reached at 212-415-5500 or
http://www.92ndsty.org/index.html  !PLEASE NOTE: the issue of Kol
Isha may be applicable -- consult your local Rabbinic authority!

	 Monday March 5 at 7:30 to 10:30 PM, Queens College Hillel
presents the Moshav Band in a pre-Purim concert open to all.  $5
donation requested includes snacks.  For more info, call 718-792-2222
or goto http://www.qchillel.org/

	 Tuesday March 6 at 7PM is an all-star Purim gala concert at
the West Side Institutional Synagogue to support children of fallen
soldiers of the Israeli Defense Force.  This incredible show features
13 performers, including Soulfarm, Avraham Rosenblum, Yisroel
Williger, Yoel Sharabi, and many more.  The shul is located at 120
W76 St (between Columbus and Amsterdam).  Tickets can be purchased at
Jewish stores all over the city. For more info call 212-838-2770.
http://www.inx.net/~health/WIS.html

	 Also Tuesday 3/6 at 8:30 PM, the Moshav Band is playing
at "Our Place" in Brooklyn.  See http://www.moshavband.com

	 Wednesday, March 7, the Moshav Band is finishing up its New
York tour in Great Neck.  I don't have any more info about the
concert, but check their website for more details:
http://www.moshavband.com

	 Thursday night March 8 is Purim, and there's a lot going on:
the Old Broadway shul is having a party after megillah reading; stay
tuned for more details.  The shul is located at 15 Old Broadway (1/2
block east of B'way between 125 & 126 St) and can be reached at 212-
662-9767 or http://www.geocities.com/oldbroadway_shul/index.html

	 Also Thursday 3/8 the Binmyomin Ginzberg Trio is playing a
Purim Chagiga at OZ from 8PM til the wee hours of the morning.
Admission is $15; $10 for members.  Congregation Ohab Zedek is
located at 118 W95 St and can be reached at 212-749-5150.  For more
info on Binyomin's band see http://jewishmusician.com/

	 Also Thursday 3/8 at 7:30 PM, Chabad of Washington Square is
sponsoring: a Moroccan Rockin' Purim Party at the Viliage Crown
Restaurant, 96 3rd Ave (between 12 & 13 St) featuring all you can eat
buffet of gourmet Moroccan Cuisine, reading of the Megillah, and live
music by "Shamayim".  Recommended price is $36 per person.  For
reservations, call Chabad at 646-336-7272 and check out
http://www.shamayim.com/

	 Also Thursday 3/8 at 8:30 PM, Makor is having a Purim Blowout
Party featuring DJ Peretz (Perry Farrell) + Mishpucha DJs.  For those
who don't know, Perry Farrell is the former frontman of Jane's
Addiction and founder of Lollapalooza, and in recent years he has
begun to assert his Jewish roots by performing under the guise of DJ
Peretz, bringing the very best of Purim high spirits with his
turntable magic.  Admission: $50 includes open bar and complimentary
hamantaschen.  Costumes encouraged!  Makor is located at 35 W67 St
and can be reached at 212-601-1000.  http://www.makor.org

	 Also Thursday 3/8 at 8:30 PM join music sensation Matt Turk &
other magical musicians (Mac Gollehon on trumpet and percussionist
Tomer Tzur) for a holiday JAM like no other at the Jewish Enrichment
Center, 176 Madison Ave (between 33 & 34 St).  Admission: $10 at the
door; costumes optional.  For more information call 212-889-5532 or
email jec@... or goto http://www.jeconline.com/

	 Also Thursday 3/8 Soulfarm is playing at Lion's Den, 214
Sullivan St (between Bleecker and W3 St).  Admission is $15; doors
open at 9PM and show starts at 10PM.  Call the club at 212-477-2782.
http://www.soulfarm.net

	 Also Thursday 3/8, Kehilat Orach Eliezer is having a Purim
chagiga with food and live music.  KOE meets in the youth hostel on
Amsterdam @103 St.  The suggested fee for the chagiga is $5.  For
more information, contact Shuli Passow at 212-866-4599 or
shulip@... or goto http://koe.org/thisweek.htm

	 Friday, March 9 is Purim, so don't forget to have a big meal
and sing a lot!

	 Saturday night March 10 at 8:30 PM, Matt Turk is playing at
Makor, 35 W67 St.  For more info call 212-601-1000 or goto
http://www.makor.org and http://www.turktunes.com/

	 Please don't hesitate to reply to this message (and remind me
who you are, since I lost my database linking names and email
addresses).  Have a great Shabbos and enjoy the music!

		 Gili Houpt

Dear Friends,

	 Purim is here tomorrow night, Thursday March 8, and there is
an unbelievable amount of Jewish Music around New York City.  In case
you're wondering why I'm not around, I'm going to Toronto to lead a
Purim chagigah at the Clanton Park Synagogue.  But don't worry:  I'll
be back Sunday in time for the concert with my band, Remez, in New
Jersey (rescheduled due to last week's blizzard scare), and we're
also doing a Post-Purim concert on the Upper West Side next Thursday
3/15.  See the end for more details.  Now here's eleven things to
choose from on Purim:

	 The Old Broadway shul is having a Purim celebration after
megillah reading, featuring singer and accordionist Aron Gershman.
There will be plenty of great food, and concluding the evening will
be a holiday costume contest with prizes for the winner.  $10
suggested donation.  Mincha is 5:45 and the megillah is after maariv
at 6:45 PM.  The shul is located at 15 Old Broadway (1/2 block east
of B'way between 125 & 126 St) and can be reached at 212-662-9767 or
http://www.geocities.com/oldbroadway_shul/index.html

	 The Binyomin Ginzberg Trio is playing a Purim Chagiga at OZ
from 8PM til the wee hours of the morning.  Admission is $15; $10 for
members.  Congregation Ohab Zedek is located at 118 W95 St and can be
reached at 212-749-5150.  For more info on Binyomin's band see
http://jewishmusician.com/

	 A tribute to Shlomo Carlebach at 8:45 PM with music by the
Klezmatics, Cantor Joseph Malovany and others, at Martin Luther King
High School on 122 Amsterdam Ave at 65 St.  The event is free and
will feature a discussion with Rabbis William Berkowitz, Sammy
Intrator, and Baruch Melman.

	 Yeshivat Chovevei Torah will be having a Purim Chagigah at
Ramath Orah, 550 W110 St (between Broadway and Amsterdam) from 9:30
PM to midnight.  There will be refreshmnets, and the Shirei Zemer
orchestra will be playing.  For more info call the shul at 212-222-
2470

	 Chabad of Washington Square is sponsoring a Moroccan Rockin'
Purim Party at 7:30 PM at the Village Crown Restaurant, 96 3rd Ave
(between 12 & 13 St) featuring all-you-can-eat buffet of gourmet
Moroccan Cuisine, reading of the Megillah, and live music
by "Shamayim".  Recommended price is $36 per person.  For
reservations, call Chabad at 646-336-7272 and check out
http://www.shamayim.com/

	 Makor is having a Purim Blowout Party at 8:30 PM, featuring
DJ Peretz (Perry Farrell) + Mishpucha DJs.  For those who don't know,
Perry Farrell is the former frontman of Jane's Addiction and founder
of Lollapalooza, and in recent years he has begun to assert his
Jewish roots by performing under the guise of DJ Peretz, bringing the
very best of Purim high spirits with his turntable magic.  Admission:
$50 includes open bar and complimentary hamantaschen.  Costumes
encouraged!  Makor is located at 35 W67 St and can be reached at 212-
601-1000.  http://www.makor.org

	 Isralight and Livnot are co-sponsoring the JEC holiday JAM at
8:30 PM.  Join music sensation Matt Turk & other magical musicians
(Mac Gollehon on trumpet and percussionist Tomer Tzur) for a unique
Purim experience at the Jewish Enrichment Center, 176 Madison Ave
(between 33 & 34 St).  Admission: $10 at the door; costumes
optional.  For more information call 212-889-5532 or goto
http://www.jeconline.com/

	 Soulfarm is playing at Lion's Den, 214 Sullivan St (between
Bleecker and W3 St).  Admission is $15; doors open at 9PM and show
starts at 10PM.  Call the club at 212-477-2782.  ID required!
http://www.soulfarm.net

	 Kehilat Orach Eliezer is having a Purim chagiga with plenty
of food and live music by the Goldman twins and friends.  KOE is
located in the youth hostel on Amsterdam @103 St.  The suggested fee
for the chagiga is $5.  For more information, contact Shuli Passow at
212-866-4599 or shulip@... or goto http://koe.org/thisweek.htm

	 The Jewish Center is having a Purim party with the music of
Jonathan Rimberg, following davening at 6:30 PM.  Admission is $15,
which includes dinner by Dougie's, popcorn, cotton candy, balloons,
etc.  The shul is located at 131 W86 St (bet. Columbus & Amsterdam)
and can be reached at 212-724-2700 or
http://welcome.to/thejewishcenter

	 The American Sephardi Federation presents a Purim Sephardi
Party at 7:30 PM, an evening filled with music, dance and
entertainment.  Meet new people in an exotic Persian atmosphere, at
the Center for Jewish History, 15 W16 St (bet 5 & 6 Aves).  Cost: $28
($20 for members).  For reservations call 917-606-8200.  For
questions contact Simmy Cohen at SCohen@... or 212-294-8350.
http://www.amsephfed.org

	 Friday, March 9 is Purim, so have a big meal, drink a little
and sing a lot!  And don't forget to invite people who don't have a
place.

	 Saturday night March 10 at 8:30 PM, Orthodox Singles ages 25
to 40 are invited to a Purim Melave Malka in Queens, at Sephardic
Jewish Congregation, 101-17 67th Drive (off Queens Blvd) in Forest
Hills.  Admission is $15, which includes live music by Michael
Poulad, hot buffet, exciting Purim activities & door prizes.  This is
open to all Jews, but they're especially hoping to attract the
Sephardic community.  For more info, call the shul at 718-544-6932 or
Rafi at 917-405-1154.

	 Also Saturday 3/10 at 8:30 PM, Matt Turk is playing at Makor,
35 W67 St.  For more info call 212-601-1000 or goto
http://www.makor.org and http://www.turktunes.com/

	 Also Saturday 3/10 Neshama Carlebach and her band are
performing two sets at the Mazer Theatre, 197 East Broadway.  The
first set will be of traditional music at 8:30 PM, and then at 11 PM
will be a more modern set.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the
door.  For tickets call 212-780-0800 x 278 and check out
http://www.neshamacarlebach.com

	 Sunday March 11 at 6PM, my band Remez is playing Kahal's
Annual Benefit Concert, at the Frisch Yeshiva High School, in
Paramus, NJ, and this year proceeds go towards victims of terrorism
in Israel.  Remez is opening for Avraham Rosenblum & Diaspora, and
tickets are just $25; $15 for students.  This concert was supposed to
be last week, but was postponed due to the weather.  To order
tickets: email kahal2001@... or call Sarah Rubin at 201-567-
4010.

	 Also Sunday 3/11, this week's Klezmer Brunch at Tonic
features a the Klezmer band Nosh, a new local band that brings
together various musical influences.   There are two sets, at 1:30 PM
and 3PM, and the cost is $10 each or $15 for both.  The bar is
located above the former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk Street (between
Rivington and Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-7503 or
http://www.tonic107.com  !PLEASE NOTE: The food at Tonic is not
strictly kosher: consult your local Rabbinic authority!

	 Also Sunday, 3/11 at 7PM there is a concert sponsored by
Havurat Yisroel & Queens College Student Association, featuring
Shalsheles, Shloime Dacks, Nachum Stark, and more, at Town Hall, 126
W43 St.  Tickets starting at $18 are available at Jewish book stores
and by calling 718-261-5500.  Proceeds go towards Israeli children.

	 Wednesday, March 14 from 7:30 to 11:30 PM is Israeli Simcha
Dancing on all levels (for women only) at The Jewish Center of
Teaneck, 70 Sterling Place, in New Jersey.  There will be live music
by a 7 piece band and admission is $18 (all proceeds go to Israel's
forsaken children).  For more info, call Gitty Ackerman at 201-692-
9210 or Renee Burak 201-837-8709.  Thanks to Chaviva Waxman for
sending me this.

	 Thursday, March 15, from 8 to 10PM, my band Remez is playing
a Post-Purim Concert at the Triad Theater, 158 W72 St (between
Columbus & Broadway).  By then you'll have had a week to recover from
all the Purim partying, and you'll be ready for some good Jewish
Music played from the heart to inspire the soul.  Admission is only
$8 (with a 2 drink minimum).  For more info call Triad at 212-362-
2590 or check out http://remezmusic.com

	 "Men plan and G-d laughs."  I had been carefully saving every
email I received over the past two years, and then last week the
computer crashed and all the backups were ineffective, so everything
was lost.  We were planning a big concert last Sunday, with hundreds
of tickets sold and thousands of dollars raised for Israel, but then
it looked like it would snow so the concert was pushed off to this
coming Sunday.  In the end it hardly snowed at all!!!  It just goes
to show that no matter how much we think we control things it's just
an illusion.  The realization that we really don't run the world
leads to the corollary that Someone Else does, even though we don't
always understand His reasons for things.  This is the lesson of
Purim, that whatever happens it's all part of G-d's plan.  The Purim
story is a microcosm of history, to give us a glimpse into the way
seemingly disjointed incidents converge to save the Jewish People.
The challenge then is to apply this lesson to our every day
experiences, to see the events of our lives and understand that there
are no coincidences, that when things seem dark it's only because we
are wearing a blindfold.  I bless you all with an enlightening Purim!

		 Gili Houpt

Dear Friends,

	 I hope you got to enjoy some music over the extended Purim
weekend.  With so many options to choose from, there are also a lot
of things you miss!  But don't worry: there's much more Jewish Music
coming your way:

	 Tonight Thursday, March 15, my band Remez is playing a Post-
Purim Concert at the Triad Theater, 158 W72 St (between Columbus &
Broadway).  Come join us for an hour of Jewish Music played from the
heart to inspire the soul.  PLEASE NOTE: the show is from 10 to 11PM,
not 8-10 as previously advertised.  Admission is only $8 (plus a 2
drink minimum).  For more info call Triad at 212-362-2590 or check
out http://remezmusic.com

	 Also tonight 3/15, after a two-week hiatus Andy Statman is
continuing his weekly Music of the Mystics at the Greenwich Village
Synagogue from 8-11 PM.  Andy is renowned as a master of clarinet and
mandolin, playing a great mix of klezmer, Chassidic, and original
Jewish melodies.  The shul is located at 53 Charles St. (near W4 St.)
and can be reached at 212-242-6425.  Suggested donation is $10
(students $7), which includes free refreshments.  See
http://www.citizenkafka.com/andy

	 Tomorrow night, Friday March 16, The Old Broadway shul is
having a Singles Dinner with lots of singing Shabbos songs, following
5:45 PM services.  Please reserve today by calling the shul at 212-
662-9767 and leaving your name and number on the voice mail, send an
$18 check.  While you're at it, you can also sign up for the
community luncheon, Saturday 3/24, also $18 (reserve by Wednesday,
3/21).  The shul is located at 15 Old Broadway (1/2 block east of
B'way between 125 & 126 St) and
http://www.geocities.com/oldbroadway_shul/index.html

	 Saturday night, March 17, at 8PM, "Bring Life to Your Soul"
at a cabaret night with Oneg Shames at Sons of Israel in Woodmere, NY
(111 Irving Place).  The price of $25 includes: Oneg in concert, a
hot kosher dairy dinner, and comedian Neil Gronowetter.  For more
info, email cheroneg@...

	 Also Saturday night 3/17 if you're wondering what I'm doing,
I'll be leading a kumsitz for teenagers at the JCC in Tenafly.  It
will start around 10PM, at the conclusion of their BCHSJS Shabbaton,
and you should come if you want to see how these high school kids
really get into the singing.

	 Sunday, March 18, Shlock Rock is doing a concert at the
Westchester Jewish Center, in Mamaroneck.  The opening act is
Klezska, beginning at 3:30 PM.  For further info please call the
synagogue office at 914-698-2960 or check out
http://www.shlockrock.com and http://www.mp3.com/klezska

	 Also Sunday 3/18 at 3PM Haim Avitsur will be performing on
trombone with the Degas String Quartet and Kyle Adams on piano.  The
show will feature music from Israel and the US, including some of
Haim's own compositions.  It will be part of Music Under Construction
at The Construction Company, 10 East 18 St, 3rd floor, between 5th
Ave and Broadway.  Admission is $12; students: $10.  For reservations
call 212-924-7882 and see http://www.HaimAvitsur.com or
http://www.theconstructioncompany.org/

	 Also Sunday 3/18 at 7:30 PM, USY presents Safam in concert at
the Forest Hills Jewish Center, 106-06 Queens Blvd.  Tickets are $18
each, but sponsors are also welcome, and group rates are available.
Call 212-533-7800 x2318 or email sisk@... or
http://www.uscj.org/usy/anniversary/safam.html

	 Monday, March 19, 7:30 to 10:30 PM, The Moshav Band in
concert at Queens College Hillel.  $5 requested donation includes
snacks, raffles to win prizes, etc.  Queens College is Exit 24 off
the LIE, and Hillel is located in the Student Union Building 206, on
the corner of Kissena and Melbourne Ave.  For more info, call Ami at
718-793-2222 or goto http://www.qchillel.org/

	 Tuesday, March 20 at 9PM, Stephen Hazan Arnoff will be
performing at the Orange Bear, 47 Murray St between West Broadway and
Church.  The solo, acoustic, one-hour performance will include music
from a rock opera inspired by The Book of Jonah.  For more info call
the bar at 212-566-3705 or email Sara Horowitz at sahorowitz@...

	 Also Tuesday 3/20 at 9:30 PM, Pharaoh's Daughter is playing
at Cornelia street café, 29 Cornelia St between Bleeker and W4 St.

For more info call the coffeehouse at 212-989-9319 or see
http://www.pharaohsdaughter.com/

	 Also Tuesday 3/20 at 7PM, the Brian Gelfand Orchestra is
playing at Makor, 35 W 67 St, 212-601-1000.  The all-star band
includes the incredible guitarist Mo Shapiro.  Admission is only $7
for one great set.  For info, call 201-836-3653 or email
briangelfand@... or see http://www.makor.org

	 Wednesday March 21 at 9:30 PM, Matt Turk is playing at
Wetlands, 161 Hudson St.  Admission is $10 in advance and  $12 at the
door.  The club can be reached at 212-386-3600 or http://www.wetlands-
preserve.org/ and check out http://www.turktunes.com

	 Also Wednesday 3/21 at 10:30 PM, the Moshav Band is playing
at the Bitter End, 147 Bleeker St (between Thompson and LaGuardia)
http://bitterend.com 212-673-7030.  Admission is $10, and there is a
2 drink minimum.  Check out http://www.moshavband.com

	 Thursday, March 22 the Torah Academy of Bergen County is
having a concert with Piamenta and the Moshav Band to raise money for
the town of Talmon in Israel to buy a bulletproof ambulance.  The
show will be at the Teaneck Jewish Center, 70 Sterling Place, in
Teaneck, NJ.  Ticket prices are $25 for Adults and $15 for Students.
For more info call 201-837-7696 x613.  Also see
http://www.piamenta.com

	 Also Thursday 3/22 at 8PM, Seth Glass and Turkish musician
Omar Faruk Tekbilek will be performing at Makor, 35 W 67 St.  Omar is
one of the world's foremost performers of Middle Eastern music, and
Seth Glass is joined by pianist David Morgen bringing a new sound to
ancient Jewish themes.  Admission is $15; for more info, call 212-601-
1000 or check out http://www.makor.org

	 Also Thursday 3/22, Andy Statman is playing his weekly Music
of the Mystics at the Greenwich Village Synagogue from 8-11 PM.  Andy
is renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin, playing a great mix
of klezmer, Chassidic, and original Jewish melodies.  The shul is
located at 53 Charles St. (near W4 St.) and can be reached at 212-242-
6425.  Suggested donation is $10 (students $7), which includes free
refreshments.  There might be a special surprise this week: stay
tuned for more details!

	 Mishenichnas Adar Marbim B'simcha -- our Rabbis tell us that
we are to increase our happiness during this Jewish month of Adar, in
which we find ourselves for only one more week.  Music is our link
from our external being to that inner joy, as a concrete expression
of the eternal soul, through the fusion of a material world used to
create sounds and a spiritual realm in which their beauty can be
appreciated.  Make sure you tap into that happiness and enjoy some
music before the month is over -- I hope to see you at my concert
tonight!

		 Gili Houpt

Dear Friends,

	 As the holiday of Pesach is just around the corner, we only
have a few more weeks to enjoy live music events before the mourning
period of the sefirah sets in.  So get it while you can:

	 Tonight, Thursday March 22 the Torah Academy of Bergen County
is having a concert with Piamenta and the Moshav Band to raise money
for the town of Talmon in Israel to buy a bulletproof ambulance.  The
show will be at the Teaneck Jewish Center, 70 Sterling Place, in
Teaneck, NJ.  Ticket prices are $25 for Adults and $12 for Students.
For more info call 201-837-7696 x613.  Also see
http://www.piamenta.com

	 Also tonight 3/22 at 8PM, Seth Glass and Turkish musician
Omar Faruk Tekbilek will be performing at Makor, 35 W 67 St.  Omar is
one of the world's foremost performers of Middle Eastern music, and
Seth Glass is joined by pianist David Morgen bringing a new sound to
ancient Jewish themes.  Admission is $15; for more info, call 212-601-
1000 or check out http://www.makor.org

	 Also tonight 3/22, Andy Statman is playing his weekly Music
of the Mystics at the Greenwich Village Synagogue, one long set from
8-10 PM.  Andy is renowned as a master of clarinet and mandolin,
playing a great mix of klezmer, Chassidic, and original Jewish
melodies.  The shul is located at 53 Charles St. (near W4 St.) and
can be reached at 212-242-6425.  Suggested donation is $10 (students
$7), which includes free refreshments.  See
http://www.citizenkafka.com/andy

	 Also tonight 3/22 at 8PM, Yeshiva University invites all
college students to Abracajazzbra, a night of magic, jazz, and an all-
you-can eat Italian food buffet, and featuring the sensational magic
of Ahron Glazer and the upbeat sound of Bob Kindred who has played
with the Saturday Night Live Band.  There is no charge for this
event, but please bring college id.  Location: 184 St and Amsterdam
Ave.  For more info, call toll free 1-866-Lou-Shapp or email
Abracajazzbra@...

	 Also tonight 3/22 The Bartlebees will be performing at
Brandeis Hillel.  The group features Rabbi Shmuel Skaist, known for
his previous band Gefilte Fish (and for being an Orthodox Rabbi who
follows the band Phish around the country).  Rav Skaist will be
spending the weekend at Brandeis and speaking at the Shabbos meals
about music and Jewish unity.  For more info, see
http://www.bartlebees.com

	 Tomorrow night, Friday March 23 is "Shabbat across America"
an incredible event by the National Jewish Outreach Program to bring
a meaningful Shabbos experience to communities all over the country,
including Friday night dinner with lots of singing.  Many shuls in
the city are participating: for more info call 1-888-SHABBAT

	 Also tomorrow 3/23 Makor is having a Friday Night dinner with
Elissa Weiss performing Ladino Songs at 9:30 PM.  Admissions is $10
and pre-registration is required by 3PM Friday.  Makor is at 35 W 67
St and can be reached at 212-601-1000 and http://www.makor.org
!PLEASE NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha may be applicable -- consult your
local Rabbinic authority!

	 Saturday March 24th, The Old Broadway shul is having a
Shabbos Luncheon with lots of singing zemiros, following 9:15
services.  The meal also features Ms. Adina Berkawitz who will be
speaking about Jewish Women's Learning and Leadership Across the
Milenia.  Please reserve asap: call the shul at 212-662-9767 and
leave your name and number on the voice mail, send an $18 check.  The
shul is located at 15 Old Broadway (1/2 block east of B'way between
125 & 126 St) and http://www.geocities.com/oldbroadway_shul/index.html

	 Saturday night March 24 at 8PM the American Sephardi
Federation and the Center for Jewish History (15 W16 St) present
Flory Jagoda in concert: Two Guitars at a Balkan Banquet.
Accompanied by family members, she paints a vibrant picture of life
in pre-World War II Sarajevo interweaving Balkan, Turkish, and Greek
elements with the music of 15th century Spain.  Admission is $25 and
for more info call Mazol Ustaeav at 212-294-8350.  !PLEASE NOTE: the
issue of Kol Isha may be applicable -- consult your local Rabbinic
authority!

	 Also 3/24 at 9PM, Beat'achon celebrates the release of their
third album, "West Side Z'mirot," with a concert at JTS in Feingold
Auditorium (enter B'way btwn W122 & 123 under yellow sign).  Also
presenting special guests, Queens College's Tizmoret.  Beat'achon is
the acclaimed Jewish a cappella group, rocking audiences all over the
world with their infectious renditions of original songs and some old
favorites, in both English and Hebrew.  Admission at the door is $15
($10 with valid student ID).  For more info call 718-377-2892 or
email info@...  !PLEASE NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha may be
applicable -- consult your local Rabbinic authority!

	 Also 3/24 at 9PM, there is a melave malka & concert featuring
Avigdor Gazal, alternative Jewish Music at it's best, at Congregation
Shaare Tova, 84-24 Abington Road (corner of Lefforts Blvd) in Kew
Gardens, Queens.  Special guest speaker will be R' Moshe Weinberger,
Internationally acclaimed lecturer and Rav of Cong. Aish Kodesh in
Woodmere.  Tickets @ Safra Books (Jewel Ave off Main St): $15 in
advance, $18 at the door; or call 718-263-5500 press 0.  !PLEASE
NOTE: separate seating!

	 Also 3/24 at 9PM, Pharaoh's Daughter is playing at the
Teaneck Jewish Center, 70 Sterling Place (off Cedar Lane) in Teaneck,
NJ.  For more info call the shul at 201-833-0515 or see
http://www.pharaohsdaughter.com  !PLEASE NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha
may be applicable -- consult your local Rabbinic authority!

	 Also 3/24 at 9PM, Reality Shock performing at Emeralds &
Pearls Cafe and Gifts, 535 Bangs Ave. in Asbury Park, NJ.  For
directions or information, call 732-774-3522 and see
http://members.dencity.com/Isser/RS.html

	 Also 3/24 at 9PM, "Bring Life to Your Soul" with Oneg Shames
and the Moshav Band at the Young Israel of Wesley Hills, 58 Parker
Blvd. off Forshay Road.  For more info, email cheroneg@... or see
http://www.moshavband.com

	 Also 3/24 if you're wondering what I'm doing, my band Remez
is playing a concert in Fair Lawn, NJ.  Sorry, this is a private
affair, but if you want to book Remez for a performance see info on
the website http://remezmusic.com

	 Sunday, March 25 this week's Klezmer Brunch at Tonic features
Pharaoh's Daughter.  There are two sets, at 1:30 PM and 3PM, and
the
cost is $10 each or $15 for both.  The bar is located above the
former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk Street (between Rivington and
Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-7503 or
http://www.tonic107.com  !PLEASE NOTE: Verify for yourself that the
food meets your personal standards of kashrut, and the issue of Kol
Isha may be applicable: consult your local Rabbinic authority!

	 Also 3/25 there will be a special radio show from 1-3PM in
honor of the birthday of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. Two hours of
Breslov music hosted by Rabbi Eliezer Garner on WSIA.FM on the
internet and 88.9 FM in the NY Metro area.  For more info on the
Garners' weekly Friday morning radio show, see
http://wsia.csi.cuny.edu/schedule/garners.html

	 Also 3/25 at 4PM the "Song of the Shtetl Jewish Music
Ensemble" will be playing a concert of Old World Yiddish Songs and
Melodies at Temple Zion Social Hall, 62 Maryland Avenue, West Long
Beach, NY.  The group features many accomplished musicians, led by
vocalist Carol Freeman.  Admission $18 includes light supper
following the performance.  For more info, contact Stephen Krown at
212-366-8229, (evenings: 516-569-8324) or sgkrown@...  !PLEASE
NOTE: Verify for yourself that the food meets your personal standards
of kashrut, and the issue of Kol Isha may be applicable: consult your
local Rabbinic authority!

	 Tuesday, March 27, Basya Schechter (from Pharaoh's Daughter)
will be doing a solo workshop at the JCC on the Upper West Side, 15
W65 St. 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM  !PLEASE NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha may be
applicable -- consult your local Rabbinic authority!

	 Also 3/27, at 8PM, the Recess series continues at the
Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard St (between Church and Broadway) in the
Knitactive Space, admission $8.  The quartet (including Geoff and
Akiva Gersh from the band Achim) will be playing across the musical
spectrum: Jewish, African, jazz, etc.  For more info send email to
agersh@... or see http://www.knittingfactory.com

	 Also 3/27, Makor is having a Songwriters Hall of Fame
Showcase night at 8PM.  I don't know who will be there, but it will
feature 16 songs chosen from over 100 submissions!  Admission is $10
and location is 35 W 67 St.  For more info, call 212-601-1000 or
check out http://www.makor.org  !PLEASE NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha
may be applicable -- consult your local Rabbinic authority!

	 Thursday March 29 at 8:30 PM, Soulfarm (formerly Inasense) is
playing at The Bitter End, 147 Bleecker St. (between Thompson and
LaGuardia).  The club can be reached at 212-673-7030 or
http://bitterend.com and see http://www.soulfarm.net

	 Also 3/29 at 9 PM The Bartlebees are playing the lounge at
the Wetlands, 161 Hudson Street (3 blocks south of Canal) $10
Admission.  The club can be reached at 212-386-3600 or
http://www.wetlands-preserve.org/ and check out
http://www.turktunes.com or http://www.bartlebees.com

	 Also 3/29 at 8PM, come hear Niranena in a free Jewish A
Capella Concert at Shaare Tzedek.  The shul is located on W93 St
between B'way and Amsterdam.  !PLEASE NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha may
be applicable -- consult your local Rabbinic authority!

	 Saturday night March 31, Chaya Lung is organizing a melave
malka on the Upper West Side for women only, featuring lots of
singing and open to all musical instruments.  Stay tuned for more
details, or contact Chaya directly at chayalung@...

	 This Sunday we celebrate Rosh Chodesh Nisan, the first day of
the springtime month of Nisan.  As we look around at the annual
rebirth of nature, let us remember the source of it all and be
inspired to begin a spiritual rebirth, just in time for Pesach, the
holiday celebrating national rebirth.  May the song of nature inspire
your inner music, and may you in turn inspire harmony for the entire
Jewish People.

	 Good Shabbos!

		 Gili Houpt

Pre-Pesach Jewish Music

Dear Friends,

	 There's nothing like some great Jewish Music to get you into
the Pesach spirit.  If you want to take a break from cleaning up all
those breadcrumbs, check out my band tomorrow night or any of these
other cool events:

	 Tonight, Friday March 30 at 7:30 PM, is Shabbat for 1000 at
NYU.  This free Shabbos meal is open to all students from NYU and all
neighboring colleges, at the Puck Building, (Lafayette and East
Houston).  Imagine how great it will be to sing Shabbos zemiros with
999 other people!  After the dinner, everyone is welcome for an Oneg,
snacks, and a performance by Ani V'Ata, NYU's premier Jewish A
Capella group, at the Bronfman Center, 7 E10 Street, between 5th
Avenue and University Place.  Sign up at
http://www.nyu.edu/bronfman/s1k/ or send email to
shabbat1000@egroups.com  !PLEASE NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha may be
applicable -- consult your local Rabbinic authority!

	 Tomorrow night, Saturday March 31 at 9PM I will be performing
with my band at the Post-Shabbat for 1000 Melave Malka Blowout at
NYU.  All are invited to attend, and there will be free food, at the
Bronfman Center, 7 E10 St (between 5th Avenue and University Place).
This incredible event is sponsored by Ohr Torah, the Jewish
Educational Club at NYU.  For more information, see
http://www.nyu.edu/bronfman/s1k or http://pages.nyu.edu/clubs/ohrtorah

	 Also tomorrow night 3/31 at 9PM there will be a free melava
malka for women only at the apartment of Chaya Lung, Key West
Building, 750 Columbus Ave (96 St) apt 3L.  This is a kumsitz, so
everyone is encouraged to bring instruments and tell your female
friends to come sing.  For more information, contact Chaya at 212-665-
4360 or chayalung@...

	 Sunday, April 1 at 3PM, Pharaoh's Daughter will be performing
at the Museum of Jewish Heritage of New York City, One Battery Park
Plaza.  The concert is free to all visitors with the purchase of an
admission ticket to the museum.  For more information, call 212-968-
1800 or see http://www.pharaohsdaughter.com or
http://www.mjhnyc.org  !PLEASE NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha may be
applicable -- consult your local Rabbinic authority!

	 Also 4/1, the Center for Traditional Music and Dance presents
Nashi Traditsii -- celebrating old-world klezmer musician German
Goldenshteyn and his group Di Molever Kompanye, at the Shorefront YM-
YWHA, 3300 Coney Island Ave. in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn.  There are
free workshops on different aspects of the Jewish Wedding: Klezmer
Music and Dance at 1:30, and Wedding Vocal Traditions at 2:30.  At
4PM there will be a gala performance and dance party.  For tickets to
the concert ($10; $5 students) call 212-528-1201.  For more info,
call 212-571-1555 or see http://www.ctmd.org  !PLEASE NOTE: the issue
of Kol Isha may be applicable -- consult your local Rabbinic
authority!

	 Also 4/1, at 7PM, Shamayim is performing at Caravan of
Dreams, 1st Ave & 6th St in the East Village.  They will be playing
an "unplugged set" of original biblical rock and Shlomo Carlebach
melodies.  Admission is free.  For more info, email
ejerome@... or see http://www.shamayim.com/

	 Also 4/1, at 7:30 PM, the New Orleans Klezmer All Stars are
playing at the Knitting Factory Main Space.  These guys have been
called "Fiddler on the Roof on acid!"  Tickets are $10; the club is
located at 74 Leonard St (between Church and Broadway) and can be
reached at 212-219-3006 or http://www.knittingfactory.com

	 Also 4/1, this week's Klezmer Brunch at Tonic features a
Klezmer Jam Session.  There are two sets, at 1:30 PM and 3PM, and the
cost is $10 each or $15 for both.  Bring your instrument and play:
admission is only $5 for both sets if you participate!  The bar is
located above the former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk Street (between
Rivington and Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-7503 or
http://www.tonic107.com  !PLEASE NOTE: The food at Tonic is not
strictly kosher, and the issue of Kol Isha may be applicable: consult
your local Rabbinic authority!

	 Monday, April 2 at 7PM, the 'FLY' band featuring Mo Shapiro
will be playing live at CBGB's 313 Gallery (313 Bowery, just north of
Houston).  For more info, send Mo an email at klezman1969@...
or see http://www.cbgb.com  !PLEASE NOTE: the issue of Kol Isha may
be applicable -- consult your local Rabbinic authority!

	 Tuesday, April 3, at 7:30 PM, The Jason Caplan Quartet is
playing at the Elbow Room, 144 Bleeker St.  This band is made up of
four excellent musicians from Yeshiva University.  For more info, the
club can be reached at 212-979-8434 or email the guitarist Anthony
Wexler at jcq4@...

	 Also 4/3 at 9PM, Matt Turk is playing at the Knitting Factory
Knitactive Sound Stage.  Tickets are $6; the club is located at 74
Leonard St (between Church and Broadway) and can be reached at 212-
219-3006 or http://www.knittingfactory.com and see
http://www.turktunes.com

	 I don't know of anything else going on the rest of the week,
probably because everybody is too busy with their "spring cleaning."
It is no accident that Passover falls out in the springtime.  For
eight days we are supposed to rid our lives of all types of bread, to
not eat or even own any leavened products.  Instead we eat matzoh,
the bread of affliction, food of the poor.  It is literally and
metaphorically a humbling experience; we are to take a step back from
the works of our hands and recognize the work of G-d.  As all of
nature is being reborn around us, we are to remember the birth of the
Jewish Nation at the Exodus from Egypt 3313 years ago.  We remove all
our bread, a symbol of arrogance, to make way for our own personal
growth, which can only begin with humility and recognition or our
special connection with our Creator.  So good luck with your cleaning
and have a good Shabbos!

		 Gili Houpt

Dear friends,

	 The intermediate days of Pesach (Tuesday through Friday of
next week) are called Chol Hamoed, a mixture of holiday and weekday.
While we try to imbue these days with the spirit of Passover, we are
nevertheless permitted to take part in many activities that are
prohibited on the first two and last two days.  The types of "work"
that are allowed are those that contribute to our happiness on the
holiday, and according to most authorities this includes music!  So
enjoy these last few days before the month-long period of mourning
sets in after Pesach ends.
	 I usually restrict my listings to the New York Metro area,
but since so many people are going out of town I decided to include
events for the two most popular Passover destinations, the resorts of
the Catskills and the Florida hotels.  So for those taking part in
this Exodus, scroll down to the bottom:

		 New York Events (for those brave souls who remain)

	 Tuesday, April 10, NCSY presents the 20th Annual Pesach
outing at Six Flags Great Adventure featuring Avraham Rosenblum &
Diaspora in concert (two sets at 1PM and 3PM).  Tickets are $33,
which includes unlimited use of all rides, shows and attractions, and
the Wild Safari Park.  Kosher for Passover food available at extra
cost.  For more information (bus transportation, group rates and
ticket sales) call NCSY at 718-461-1200 or see
http://www.ou.org/events/5761/sixflags61.htm

	 Also Tuesday 4/10 from 7:30 to 9PM, The JCC on the Upper West
Side presents Creative Romani-Jewish Connection, featuring Yale Strom
with a taste of his music from Hot P'strami and clips from his
films "The Last Klezmer" and "Carpati", which deal with the
relationship between Romani (Gypsy) and Klezmer music.  Admission
$12.  The JCC is located in the Guild Building at 15 W 65 St. and can
be reached at 212-580-0299, press 4.  See http://www.jccnyc.org

	 Also Tuesday 4/10 at 11PM, Citigrass is playing at the Hog
Pit, 22 Ninth Ave at 13th St.  This Bluegrass band features some
great Jewish musicians, including Noah Solomon from the band
Soulfarm.  I went to check out these guys last time they played there
and it was awesome!  For more info, call the bar at 212-604-0092 or
email Sandy at citigrass@...

	 Also Tuesday 4/10 as well as Wednesday 4/11, at 7:30PM both
nights: Kineret concerts by women for women, at Shulameth Auditorium:
Avenue M & East 14 Street.  The shows feature Esti Eisner, Miri &
Riki (sensational singing sisters), Esther Brill (6-year-old star
violinist), Yocheved Rosenberger, accomponied by an all-female
Symphonic Orchestra.  Admission $32.  More info: 718-627-1386 or
http://www.whatasimcha.com

	 Tuesday through Thursday, April 10-12 is the Pesach Amazing
Fun Park at Gateway National Recreation Area Jacob Riis Park: music,
circus animals, acrobats, juggling, amusement park rides, petting
zoo, and more.  Circus is indoors so come rain or shine.  Admission
is $15 for everything.  More info: 718-627-1386 or
http://www.whatasimcha.com

	 Tuesday through Friday, April 10-13, 10AM-6PM Pesach
Spectacular: rides, music, entertainment, military marching bands; at
18th Ave & 47th St, in Brooklyn.  For more info, call 718-851-5300

	 Thursday April 12, at 8PM, my band Remez is playing a Pesach
concert at Congregation Ramat Orah, 550 W 110 St (between Broadway
and Amsterdam).  The event is co-sponsored by Isralight and Livnot,
so come see old friends and meet new ones.  Admission $10, includes
light refreshments and helps support the shul.  For more info, call
the shul at 212-222-2470, and check out http://remezmusic.com

	 Also Thursday 4/12 at 7:45 PM, if you're in Brooklyn, there
is a concert at Jacob Riis Park, featuring Avraham Fried, Shloime
Dachs, Yeedle, and more.  Tickets are $25.  For more info: call 718-
627-1386 or see http://www.whatasimcha.com

	 Saturday, April 14, the 7th day Pesach, all are invited to a
special Shabbos lunch at 1PM followed by the 11th Annual Highland
Park Song of Songs sing-athon, featuring songs from Shir Hashirim
that anyone knows, music of every genre: folk, ethnic, modern, &
choral.  This incredible event is organized and hosted by the flute
player from my band Remez, Jonathan Zimet, at his home in Highland
Park, NJ: 11 Raritan Ave. #C2 (betw Adelaide Ave & River Road).
Reservations are necessary for lunch but not for singing.  Overnight
accommodations available for 1 or 2 nights, but requires advance
notice.  For more info and RSVP, contact Jonathan at 732-249-8471 or
jdz@...


		 Catskills Events (for those going Upstate NY)

	 Yehuda Glantz will be performing at the Granite Hotel: on
April 11 at the Husdon valley Resort, and on April 12 at the Vernon
Valley Resort.  Yehuda is coming all the from Israel to perform his
unique blend of Hasidic melodies, Ladino ballads, traditional klezmer
and a folk Latin beat.   For more info, see
http://www.yehudaglantz.com

	 Ruby Harris, one of the original members of the Diaspora
Yeshiva Band, who helped invent Jewish Rock and pioneer the Klezmer
Revival, will be appearing in concert at the Homowack Hotel in Spring
Glen.  He will be performing a mix of klezmer blues, Chassidic Cajun,
Yiddish Jazz and Jewish rock, Monday night 4/9 and Tuesday night 4/10
at 10PM in the King David Room.   For more info, call 845-647-6800 or
see http://rubyharrismusic.com


		 Florida events (if you go South for the Spring)

	 The New York group Bsamim will be in Florida for Pesach and
will perform 3 times: Tuesday 4/10 at Bonaventure in Fort Lauderdale;
Wednesday 4/11 at PGA National in Palm Beach; and Thursday 4/12 at
Fountainebleu in Miami Beach.  Call the hotels for more info or check
out http://www.bsamim.com

	 Thursday, April 12, at 7PM is a free Passover Concert: "From
Bondage to Freedom" commemorating the 56th anniversary of the
liberation of Buchenwald.  This will be a poignant journey of music
and poetry featuring Cantor Yehuda Shifman and 14 Cantors and
violinists.  The concert will take place at the Holocaust Memorial,
1933-45 Meridian Ave. in Miami Beach.  For more info, call 305-538-
1663


	 Before I close, just wanted to share a quick thought on the
seder: most people are familiar with the symbols and the rituals of
the Haggadah, but we often forget the purpose of the whole thing.
I'm up late writing a new song about it (come to my concert Thursday
night if you want to hear it) and it made me understand that the
reason we go through all these motions is to relive the events of the
Exodus.  But not just in a disconnected historical sense; rather we
must actually experience feelings of slavery and redemption, get in
touch with what enslaves us in our lives, and figure out how with G-
d's help we can free ourselves.  I wish you all a successful journey
from bondage to freedom and a chag kasher vesameach, a holiday filled
with happiness and matzah -- just don't eat too much!!!  Now if
you'll excuse me, I have to clean out all my bread before it gets
light outside.

	 Gili Houpt

Dear friends,

	 I hope you are having an inspiring Pesach.  Tonight is the
fourth day of the Omer, and we are entering into the annual mourning
period during which we refrain from, among other things, attending
live music events.  See below for complete details about the Omer
mourning.  This may be the last chance to get Jewish music for a long
time, so I hope you can make it to my concert or one of the other
things happening before the end of the Passover holiday:

	 Tomorrow, Thursday April 12 at 8PM, my band Remez is playing
a Pesach concert at Congregation Ramat Orah, 550 W 110 St (between
Broadway and Amsterdam).  The event is co-sponsored by Isralight and
Livnot, so come see old friends and meet new ones.  Admission $10,
includes light refreshments and helps support the shul.  For more
info, call the shul at 212-222-2470, and check out
http://remezmusic.com

	 Also Thursday 4/12 at 7:45 PM, if you're in Brooklyn, there
is a concert at Jacob Riis Park, featuring Avraham Fried, Shloime
Dachs, Yeedle, and more.  Tickets are $25.  For more info: call 718-
627-1386 or see http://www.whatasimcha.com

	 Also Thursday 4/12 is the Pesach Amazing Fun Park at Gateway
National Recreation Area Jacob Riis Park: music, circus animals,
acrobats, juggling, amusement park rides, petting zoo, and more.
Circus is indoors so come rain or shine.  Admission is $15 for
everything.  More info: 718-627-1386 or http://www.whatasimcha.com

	 Also Thursday and Friday, April 12-13, 10AM-6PM Pesach
Spectacular: rides, music, entertainment, military marching bands; at
18th Ave & 47th St, in Brooklyn.  For more info, call 718-851-5300

	 Saturday, April 14, the 7th day Pesach, all are invited to a
special Shabbos lunch at 1PM followed by the 11th Annual Highland
Park Song of Songs sing-athon, featuring songs from Shir Hashirim
that anyone knows, music of every genre: folk, ethnic, modern, &
choral.  This incredible event is organized and hosted by the flute
player from my band Remez, Jonathan Zimet, at his home in Highland
Park, NJ: 11 Raritan Ave. #C2 (betw Adelaide Ave & River Road).
Reservations are necessary for lunch but not for singing.  Overnight
accommodations available for 1 or 2 nights, but requires advance
notice.  For more info and RSVP, contact Jonathan at 732-249-8471 or
jdz@...

	 I decided to write a short essay explaining the custom of
abstaining from live music during this time period.  It is included
below for anyone interested.  I hope you find this helpful.  Enjoy
the rest of the holiday: have a chag sameach!

		 Gili Houpt

NO MUSIC BETWEEN PESACH AND SHAVUOS

	 The time period between Pesach and Shavuos is known as
Sefiras ha'Omer (the counting of the Omer) because of the Biblical
commandment (Leviticus 23:9-16) to count every day for seven weeks.
This begins with the second day of Pesach, on which the first barley
harvest was brought as an offering (equal to the measurement of an
Omer, about two liters) to the Temple.  This was originally a happy
time in our calendar, when we prepare ourselves to commemorate the
receiving of the Torah on Shavuos with much rejoicing.  However,
during the second century, soon after the destruction of the second
Temple, these weeks were transformed to a time of sadness for the
Jewish people.  The gemara recounts (Yevamos 62B) how the 24,000
students of Rabbi Akiva died at one time in a plague because they did
not show respect to each other, and this interval is identified as
lasting from Pesach to Shavuos.  Therefore this time period was set
aside as a time of mourning and introspection, for if these great
sages were punished for lack of respect, then how much more so do we
have to examine our behavior to our fellow Jews.

	 The earliest reference to mourning during this time period is
found a few centuries after the Talmud, in Gaonic Literature, that
weddings are forbidden for these seven weeks.  In the Thirteenth
Century, various Rishonim quote this custom and also mention no
haircuts or shaving during the same time period, also external signs
of mourning.  Later sources also forbid bathing for pleasure and
wearing new clothes.

	 There arose a difference of opinion as to which days we
should observe the mourning customs.  While the Geonim had the minhag
of the entire 49 days from Pesach until Shavuos, an alternative
interpretation of the Gemara (held by many Rabbis from the Sephardic
tradition) is that the students stopped dying 15 days before
Shavuos.  Thus the mourning should only last until the 34th day of
the Omer (right after the 33rd, since part of the day counts for the
whole day).  Similar to this opinion is that the 33rd day (Lag
ba'Omer) is considered a happy occasion since that is when the plague
stopped.  However, there is another custom (originating in
Ashkenazic -- European -- writings) to observe the last 33 days of
Sefiras ha'Omer, starting from from the first day of Iyar (16th of
the Omer) and continuing until the end.

	 This latter custom developed during the Middle Ages in
Ashkenazik countries so that the mourning would include and focus on
remembering the Jews murdered during the First Crusade of 1096.  It
happened that many of the cities in Europe were targets for Jew-
killing during this time period as the crusade began -- 8th of Iyar:
Speyer (Bavaria), 23rd of Iyar: Worms (Germany), 2nd of Sivan: Neuss
(Prussia), 3rd of Sivan: Mainz (Germany), 5th of Sivan: Bachrach
(Germany), 6th of Sivan: Cologne (Germany), and the killings
continued for three years as the Crusdaers swept across France,
Germany, Hungary, and the Holy Land on their way to capture
Jerusalem.  Altogether tens of thousands of Jews were massacred in
communities throughout Europe, and it was such a loss to the Jewish
world that the Sefiras ha'Omer took on a new level of mourning during
the last 33 days, and new prohibitions were added.

	 Nowadays, in addition to all the aforementioned restrictions,
the clearest sign of mourning for us is to refrain from music.
Opinions range from prohibiting any type (including recorded music)
to only forbidding live concerts or big parties, and some authorities
permit celebrations on Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day)
and/or Yom Yerushalayim (Liberation of Jersulaem).  Furthemore, all
three time intervals (first 33 days, last 33 days, entire 49 days)
are held as valid halachik traditions plus variations thereof.  Each
individual should follow his or her own custom or consult a local
Rabbi.  As hard as it may be to abstain from music in some form, it
can be a very meaningful restriction.  Let us take this time when we
would otherwise be partying to reflect on our own lives and see how
we can improve our thoughts and actions.  We should remember that our
generation is no more righteous than those who saw the Temple
destroyed, since we have not yet lived to see it rebuilt.  Let us
learn the bitter lessons taught us by the Crusades and Rabbi Akiva's
students, so that we will merit the Final Redemption when we will
sing together at the steps of the Third Temple Bimheira V'yameinu
(speedily in our days) Amen.


	 BIBLIOGRAPHY:
The following two books were especially useful as reference: Minhagei
Yisrael (Jewish Customs) by Daniel Sperber (written in Hebrew -- I
don't know if an English translation is available); and  The Jewish
Timeline Encyclopedia by Mattis Cantor (an excellent source of
historical information)

Dear Friends,

	 We are now in the midst of the annual mourning period of the
sefira (for details see the last email at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NYCJewishMusic/message/33).  Therefore
I'm not going to be listing live Jewish music events for the next few
weeks, with a couple of exceptions.  According to many authorities,
it is permissible to attend an event featuring acappella singing, as
long as there are no musical instruments.  Also, this Wednesday night
(and Thursday) is Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel Independence Day, considered
by many to be a sufficiently happy day to override the mourning, so
the music prohibitions don't apply according to these opinions.  I'm
going to list these events, but you should follow your own custom or
consult a halachik source:

	 Today, Sunday, April 22, this week's Klezmer Brunch at Tonic
features Vocolot, an all-women acappella ensemble (from San
Francisco) performing original music with universal heart, Jewish
soul, and social conscience.  There are two sets, at 1:30 PM and 3PM,
and the cost is $10 each or $15 for both.  The bar is located above
the former Kedem winery at 107 Norfolk Street (between Rivington and
Delancey) and can be reached at 212-358-7503 or
http://www.tonic107.com  !PLEASE NOTE: The food at Tonic is not
strictly kosher, and the issue of Kol Isha may be applicable: consult
your local Rabbinic authority!  Also see
http://www.sirius.com/~vocolot

	 Tonight, 4/22 at 7PM, there will be a performance by Ani
V'Ata, the Jewish acappella group at NYU.  The Spring Concert is at
The Bronfman Center, 7 E10 St, between 5th Ave and University Place.
All are welcome for great singing and free dessert.  For more info,
see http://homepages.nyu.edu/~dlb245  !PLEASE NOTE: the issue of Kol
Isha may be applicable: consult your local Rabbinic authority!

	 Wednesday, April 25 at 7:30 PM, I am pleased to announce the
debut of my friends' band "Chopped Liver," consisting of Gershon
Statdmauer, Koby Frances, and Ely Pinto.  The Yom Ha'atzmaut event is
in Washington Heights at the Mount Sinai Jewish Center, 135 Bennett
Ave, at 187 St.  In addition to the great music, the program also
features refreshments and a shiur from Rabbi Shmuely Marcus on the
topic of Shmitah.  For more info call the shul at 212-568-1900

	 Also 4/25 at 7:30 PM, celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut at Lincoln
Square Synagogue 200 Amsterdam Ave, at 69 St.  Co-sponsored by The
Jewish Center & OZ, there will be special services, live music, and
Israeli food will be available for purchase.  For more info, call the
shul at 212-874-6100 or see http://www.lss.org

	 Also 4/25 if you're in Riverdale goto the monument at 239 St
for a special memorial ceremony at 6:15.  This is followed at 7:30 PM
by a free Yom Ha'atzmaut celebration at the Hebrew Institute of
Riverdale, 3700 HH Parkway, featuring the incredible Piamenta.  For
more info, call the shul at 718-796-4730 or see http://www.hir.org
and http://www.piamenta.com

	 Also 4/25 Shloime Dachs will be doing an accapella
performance on the Intrepid for the Hebron Fund Dinner.  For more
info, see http://www.shloimedachs.com

	 Thursday, April 26 my band Remez will be playing a chagiga at
the Frisch School in honour of Yom Ha'atzmaut.  For more info on the
band, check out our websites (they're still under construction, but
tell me which format you like better) at: http://remez.org and
http://remezmusic.com

	 Also 4/26 at 5:30 PM, join the Lincoln Square Synagogue
Kollel for a Yom Ha'atzmaut Celebration at a barbecue with music
and
entertainment in the MDS backyard, 310 W 175 St.  Cost is $5 per
person.  For reservations and more info call the shul at 212-874-6100
or see http://www.lss.org

	 Also 4/26 at 8PM, celebrate Israel Independance Day at Makor
with Israeli singer Alon Oleartchik in concert, co-sponsored with the
New Israel Fund.  Makor is located at 35 W 67 St and can be reached
at 212-601-1000 or http://www.makor.org

	 Also 4/26 at 6PM Reality Shock will be on the radio: tune
into "Restore By The Shore" with Maureen Nevin on WYGG 88.1 FM in
Asbury Park, NJ.  For more info on the band, see
http://members.dencity.com/Isser/RS.html

	 Friday evening, April 27 I will be leading the davening at
Congregation Ramat Orah, 550 W110 St (between Broadway and
Amsterdam).  It is a tremendous honour for me to be the chazan there
every few weeks, since the entire congregation is very inspiring with
all the energy and singing.  For more info, call the shul at 212-222-
2470

	 Also 4/27 there will be an acappella perfromance at the Kraft
Center at Columbia University, 606 West 115 St. featuring the Jewish
groups Ani V'Ata from NYU and Ki Tov of Columbia.  For more info see
http://homepages.nyu.edu/~dlb245/

	 Saturday afternoon, April 28 Chaya Lung is organizing a
shalesheudos (third Shabbat meal) for women only with lots of
singing.  Location will be at an apartment on the Upper West Side,
and there is no cost so feel free to stop by and tell your female
friends.  For more details, contact Chaya at 212-665-4360 or
chayalung@...

	 This week we commemorate 53 years of Israel Independence on
Wednesday night, but the day before that comes Yom Hazikaron, the
memorial day for all the soldiers who have died defending our Jewish
State.  The juxtopisition of these two days is no accident: we
recognize the importance of having autonomy in our homeland and every
year we celebrate how with G-d's help we've built up the tiny country
into a world power.  But this success comes at great cost, and we
appropriately choose the preceeding day to remember all who have
given their lives so the Jewish people can live in scurity.
Unfourtunately, we have not yet reached the ideal of harmonious
existence, and people are still being killed in the fight for peace.
This year more than ever, let us join together to remember those who
continue to live and die for us in Israel.  May this be the last year
of strife for the Jewish people and next year may we all celebrate
together in the Rebuilt Jerusalem.

		 Gili Houpt