2011 PERFORMANCES

Get ready for a zany and comical hour with London musical comedienne Kate Shortt. An hour with Kate is like the biggest laugh you had at school with the funniest girl in the class!

She has an outstanding ability to make musical instruments talk, laugh and even impersonate, in addition to her own hilarious imaginative heightened reality comedy sketches.

Kate kicks off a double bill of comedy at the Wardrobe to start the week with a high laughter rampage. Don't miss this incredibly funny young lady.

'A Jewish, Victoria Wood' - Boyz magazine

'A Victor Borg of the cello' - Jeremy Beadle

'Very funny, very polished and a wonderful elastic face' - London Live Radio

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Winner of the Bill Hicks Spirit Award for Thought Provoking Comedy, author of the bestselling satire "Get Rich Cheating," writer for Comedy Central and a regular on American TV, Jeff Kreisler disects US politics and culture and life's trials and tribulations with passion, absurdity and hope.

A frequent visitor to the UK from New York City, he's appeared on the BBC, at the Glasgow Comedy Festival and brought three critically-acclaimed shows to the Edinburgh Fringe.

An ex-lawyer with a Princeton degree, he's excited to compare America's latest dysfunction to the sad pageantry of the Royal Wedding. Cheers!

'Delectable' - New York Times

'Hilarious' - Chicago Tribune

'Very funny, very timely' - Terry Jones (Monty Python)

'A heavy hitter... the smartest political comedy around' - Scotsman

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It is nearing the end of the nineteenth century and Leeds is throbbing with the influx of Eastern European Jews fleeing the pogroms that are destroying their communities.

In Avram Behr's yard, in Bridge Street, preparations are underway for the wedding of neighbours and childhood sweethearts, Jack Simon and Rose Benjamin.

But not everyone in Leeds views the influx of Jews as a positive move and the celebrations are threatened by violence on the streets.

A classic from the pens of Alec Baron and Louis Saipe, this play was first produced to great acclaim in 1950 and brings to life a colourful and uplifting period in the city's history.

This production has been adapted especially for the Festival by Harry Venet as a part of the celebration of '150 Years of Jewish Life in Leeds'.

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Joshua Nelson took the Festival by storm last year with performances that had audiences out of their seats and dancing in the aisles. He's back with a new show for 2011!

With a singing style that is breathtaking in its originality, Joshua takes the well-loved prayers and words we hear in the synagogue and turns them into huge gospel and soul songs.

Born and raised Jewish, Joshua spent a number of years in Israel studying further Judaism after which he returned to America to begin his “revolution in Jewish music” and kosher gospel music was born!

Joshua Nelson has performed for Presidents around the world and has sung with Aretha Franklin. Television presenter Oprah called him “The Next Big Thing” and his huge success in the States is now set to be repeated in the U.K.

For Joshua Nelson, kosher gospel is a way to claim both parts of his identity as a Black Jew. For his audiences, whatever their faith or heritage, kosher gospel has been a revelation!

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Enjoy an evening of laughter and music from the finest local entertainers.

Hosted by Yorkshire's favourite comedian the one and only Howard Lee.

Presented & produced by Alan Harris & Barry Abis.

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150 years after escaping poverty and persecution at the hands of the Russian Empire, the sons and daughters of the Jewish immigrants who settled in Leeds are preparing to face their toughest challenge yet. Once housing the largest proportion of Jews in England, the face of Leeds' Jewry has changed dramatically over the past few decades.

Charting the history of the Leeds Jewish community from the slums of the inner city, along their social and economic climb to the leafy suburbs of Moortown and Alwoodley, this feature documentary by The Zone Youth Club, Simon Glass and Simon Harris captures the story of a community at a cross-roads, as it celebrates its contributions to a city, whilst preparing to face the challenges of the future.

The project has been supported by the generosity of the late Mr Sam Gitlic and Makor, Centre for Jewish Culture.

The documentary will be preceded by a 5-minute short film 'Where Have All The Bagels Gone?' by The Zone's Young Filmmakers. This project has been supported by The Lottery through the UK Film Council's First Light Initiative.

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The London Mozart Trio is firmly established as one of the most versatile and exciting chamber ensembles to emerge in recent years. It has earned critical acclaim for its many committed performances and profound musicianship.

Founded in 1989 by British born pianist Colin Stone, the trio appears frequently at music festivals throughout the UK and abroad as well as having made a number of successful recordings.

Colin, who has performed around the world is a professor at the Royal College of Music in London and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. He is joined by Israeli born Sagi Hartov (cello) who makes a welcome return to the Festival, having last appeared here in 2009. The third member of this talented trio is violinist Krzysztof Smietana, who has played worldwide as well as with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmonia.

The trio will perform:

Mozart Trio in E major K542

Rachmaninov Trio Elegiaque in G minor

Dvorak Dumky Trio

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A rare treat for jazz fans, don't miss Stewart Curtis' K-Groove , returning to the Festival for the second time.

The band's unique style takes an entirely fresh approach to World Jazz, fusing Latin, Klezmer and Arabic melodies with modern dance grooves.

Stuart was a pupil at Leeds College of Music in the 1980’s. He formed K-Groove in the mid-90's, which became renowned for its cutting edge approach to World Jazz.

The group has produced 3 CDs and Stewart has performed and recorded with hit sensations such as Nick Kershaw, Tracey Ullman, The Foundations, Percy Sledge and Mari Wilson to name a few.

Stewart's clarinet playing is also featured on the soundtrack of David Baddiel's film 'The Infidel'.

A trill-tastic clarinet and flute player with plenty of zest - Evening Standard

Excellent! Superb! - Songlines

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Leeds-born Jason Feddy, now living in California, is no ordinary singer/songwriter. With a unique performing style that can wring emotion from grains of sand, he exploded on the Northern UK acoustic scene in the early 90's.

He's been called the Next Big Thing by Time Out London and is often referred to as an edgy hippy guy.

Moving rapidly from modest venues in Yorkshire, he was catapulted to much larger stages with the likes of Tears for Fears and Nick Harper.

Jason has released two albums, 'Fish on the Moon' and 'I Thought the Moon was Meant for Me', which were well received.

The Leeds singer's lush musical arrangements and dry banter displays a cosmopolitan coolness. He has appeared in the UK's most prestigious venues from the Albert Hall, the London Palladium to Sheffield City Hall and Leeds City Varieties.

Grainy voiced, lyrically sentimental but brutally honest, Jason takes the stage at the festival.

Guests on the show include Terri Shaltiel funk/blues singer, and Rich Huxley singer and guitarist.

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Pharaoh's baker has had his life turned upside down. He's not taking it lightly.

Haunting and humorous, Jonathan Gillis’s one-man play takes us into the world of Pharaoh's head baker, a character who was no more than a cipher in the Biblical narrative of Joseph in Egypt, now taking centre stage to tell his own tale.

Here is a story which is both ancient and modern. A universal tale, of untold heroes who strive to preserve their dignity and humanity in the face of resignation, it is one also with a recognisable political resonance: the story of countless inmates of camps, prisons and gulags, whose fates are determined by forces beyond their control.

Jonathan Gillis, writer, actor, lawyer and teacher, was born and grew up in Sunderland and has lived half his life in Jerusalem.

First seen at the Limmud Conference in the UK last year, The Dreamer opened at the Khan Theatre in Jerusalem in a sell-out acclaimed production.

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Don't miss this rare opportunity to experience a sophisticated, professional musical show from Israel's top performing arts academy.

Based in Ramat Gan, Israel , Beit Zvi is the equivalent of London's RADA and is home to some of the most talented individuals in the country.

The academy trains performers to the highest professional level, developing their skills in the areas of acting, voice and movement and has the highest acceptance rate of graduates into the theatre and film industries.

The dynamic cast of twelve has been hand picked to deliver a stunning programme of Gershwin classics such as "The Man I Love", "Summertime" and "It Ain't Necessarily So", as well as other big hits like "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" and "O Sole Mio".

This academy is out to impress - you won't be disappointed!

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Earl Okin, a comedian who counts music legends Sir Paul McCartney and Van Morrison among his friends, is bringing his exceptional talent to this year's Festival.

On the comedy circuit Earl is a bit of a legend himself, having donned bowler hat and umbrella and has been labelled a quintessential eccentric English gentleman.

This international Jazz and Bossa Nova concert performer is also a songwriter but combines this with a whole other career as headline act on the unforgiving London comedy circuit. He has appeared on the Parkinson show and was invited by Nigel Planer to perform at The Comic Strip.

He is no stranger to the Edinburgh Festival, where he has appeared many times. The Scotsman described him as a 'master of the art of cabaret'.

Earl is epic with a capital 'E', and has appeared before Royalty and entertained the Queen. Recently he performed for the King and Queen of Sweden.

'Multi-talented musical supremo' - Cabaret Editor - Time Out (London).

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Jay Foreman is a guitarist/comedian whose unique repertoire falls halfway between live music and sit-down comedy.

Flitting rapidly between subtle humour, catchy sing-alongs and mindless bad taste, Jay entertains in his unique laidback style.

His song, Moon Chavs, became a viral hit on You Tube with more than 200 different videos uploaded to date!

Jay's writing is witty and sharp – he is a must see at this year's Festival!

2009 Best Newcomer, Musical Comedy Awards

'Snap up this young talent' - Three Weeks

'Keeps a spellbinding hold over his audience' - OxFringe Review

'Top 10 Comedians to look out for in 2011' - londonisfunny.com

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This inspirational London-based Klezmer band, She'koyokh, is the best Klezmer ensemble that you are ever likely to hear this side of Krakow.

This award winning ensemble performs Ashkenazi Jewish, Eastern European and Balkan and Turkish folk music at international festivals, as well as in concert halls.

Their distinctive name means “Have strength!” but it can also be translated as “Nice one!”.

She'Koyokh brings Jewish roots music alive with breathtaking solos, lively compositions and new arrangements of traditional Eastern European melodies.

The band has a delightfully dextrous way with soulful music, which they flavour with finely honed rhythms.

Their distinctive style captivates audiences of all ages and walks of life, and is renowned for its musicianship and general joie de vivre.

Winner of the 2008 International Jewish Music Festival in the Netherlands, She'koyokh presents a fresh fusion of musical genres that is guaranteed to have your feet tapping and your arms waving.

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Neil Diamond fever is in the air and the Festival wouldn't be complete without a 'tribute evening' to this outstanding performer.

John Hylton, one of the world's top Neil Diamond tribute artists, will be performing at the Festival with his outstanding band and their 'Jazz Singer ' tour .

This large scale, dynamic show, features songs from the album and film the 'Jazz Singer'. It will include hits such as "Acapulco", "Songs of Life","Jerusalem", "Cracklin' Rosie", "Forever in Blue Jeans" and "Love on the Rocks".

A thrilling feel-good show to end the Festival!

'John's voice is uncannily like Neil's -you really have to see this man for yourself' - The UK Diamond Fan Club

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The festival's last day at The Wardrobe goes out with a bang when Israeli-born Terri Shalitiel and JD73, (aka Dan Goldman), present an evening of soul, blues, jazz, funk and disco with their own bands.

With bookings spanning as far as New York, Terri has been described as “a phenomenal soul/blues singer” and is going from strength to strength.

She has recorded and toured with award-winning British jazz and funk guitarist legend Jim Mullen and her music has recently enjoyed exposure on BBC Radio 6's 'Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show', Radio Aire and BBC Radio Leeds – on which she was featured 'live'.

Based in Leeds and a well known face on the international music scene, Dan Goldman (JD73) has been making waves with a string of much-loved and fresh releases over the last few years, fusing Jazz, Funk Disco, Soul, Boogie and Electronics.

He has played keys with many highly respected acts including Morcheeba, The Jamiroquai Band and Shlomo and has remixed/worked alongside artists in the studio including Corinne Bailey Rae, Andreya Triana, Bonobo, DJ Regal and The New Mastersounds.

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Mon 4th July 2:15pm
Irene Summers Concert Group
Songs and Lovers
We present our musical show – a completely original, newly composed, enchanting story of true love and romance. However, the story also includes, alas, some infidelity and broken hearts. Come and be entertained by spectacular songs and sparkling humour, splendidly performed by our brilliant cast in our heart warming as well as heartrending production, which is sure to delight you.

Tue 5th July 2:15pm
Centre Players
150 years of Leeds Jewish Life
Come and join us for sketches and poems illustrating 150 years of Leeds Jewish Life. Expect much humour and nostalgia, led by Ruth Bush and Helen Lorie.

Wed 6th July 2:15pm
Evergreen
A Broadway Melody
An extravaganza of song and dance mixed with moments of Jewish humour.

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