Idan Raichel Project

October 30, 2013, 7:30
Maxcy Hall, SUNY Potsdam

Click here for Ticket Information

Community Performance Series will be presenting The Idan Raichel Project on October 30 in SUNY Potsdam’s Maxcy Hall.  Idan is an Israeli pop star, who has formed a collective of 12 musicians from countries including Israel, Ethiopia, Brazil, France, and Sudan.  His mission through this project is to celebrate diversity and rise above differences through the power of music.  In addition to the important social themes that Idan’s work illuminates, his concerts are very lively and entertaining.  We are likening him to the Israeli Dave Matthews.

In the past four years, Raichel has co-written numerous songs and toured with GRAMMY winner India.Arie, performed at the Nobel Peace Prize awards ceremony in Oslo, Norway, co-written a song calling for racial harmony with Israeli President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shimon Peres, performed for President Obama and family at the Kennedy Center on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, performed at the ceremony inaugurating the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington DC, sold out shows at Radio City Music Hall and other major venues worldwide, toured India, South America and Africa and released the highly praised Tel Aviv Session album with Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Touré. This year, Idan joined pop star Alicia Keys on stage as a special guest during her July concert in Tel Aviv. In August, Patrick Bruel met Idan during his visit in Israel. The instant chemistry between them has created a moving performance on stage.

We also recently learned that Idan’s October tour has been designated as a Daniel Pearl World Music Days event.  The Daniel Pearl Foundation is based in the United States. The organization was formed by his parents Ruth and Judea Pearl after musician and Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and murdered by terrorists in 2002. The organization’s mission is to promote cross-cultural understanding through journalism, music, and innovative communications.

Daniel Pearl was a violinist in addition to being a journalist. To honor his musical spirit and promote tolerance, Daniel Pearl World Music Days is a network of global concerts celebrated each year in October. Daniel Pearl World Music Days uses “the power of music to promote tolerance and inspire respect for differences”. The first Daniel Pearl World Music Days was held on October 10, 2002, and now yearly includes more than 8,900 performances in 119 countries. More information available here: http://www.danielpearlmusicdays.org/about.php

More information about the Idan Raichel Proejct and to hear their music, visit  http://www.idanraichelproject.com/en/  and, I’ve attached a word document that explains Idan’s story and how he developed the project.  Potsdam is one of only 16 cities to be visted by the Idan Raichel Project during this year’s tour.  This is an amazing opportunity for our community.  I hope you might be able to help us spread the word about this extraordinary event.  Please let me know if you need further info.  Tickets can be purchased through our box office by calling 267-2277 or online at CPSPotsdam.org.