Michael Greilsammer

Saturday, November 15, 8:00 p.m.

Member $30 / NonMember $33 / Student $20 (with student card – limited seating)

 Music Lover’s Package $80 Member / $90 NonMember

One ticket for each of Michael Greilsammer, Anna-Lisa Kirby Presents: The Carole King Songbook, Yemen Blues

 TARBUT: FESTIVAL OF JEWISH CULTURE

November 15-23, 2014

Rady Jewish Community Centre

At the Asper Jewish Community Campus

123 Doncaster Street

 TICKETS/INFO

Rady JCC Ph: 204-477-7510

www.radyjcc.com

Michael Greilsammer is an enthusiastic World Music performer – more than anything, he wants to make you happy. The violinist-singer-songwriter brings an energetic beat to every song.

For years, the Israeli musician played classical violin and, separately, wrote songs with his guitar. Then he realized he could bring the songs and the violin together, and the result has brought him acclaim across Israel and around the world. He has a wonderful musical relationship with his wife, Shimrit. Together they write, produce and perform, working collaboratively with the rest of their band. “She has an incredible voice, angelic,” says Greilsammer. “She also knows how to teach. She helped me find my voice.”

The lyrics for his songs are in his native languages French and Hebrew, and also in English. As a fascinating explanation he says, “I use the lyrics more as another sound.” Rock and roll songs, for example, sound right to him with English lyrics.

Greilsammer is influenced by reggae music for more than just its sound – in fact, he explores many world music and pop rhythms in his songs besides reggae. Reggae philosophy, though, is very important to him. Reggae, he says, is designed to get people moving, dancing, singing along and especially, feeling happy. It arose in hard times, and helped people in Jamaica deal with their lives. It's similar in Israel, and in Ireland where Greilsammer studied the traditional Celtic music he played for many years. “Music has a role to bring positiveness and good vibes and I really relate to that.”

Tolerance and peace are also part of the philosophy of reggae. “Bob Marley talked about that a lot,” says Greilsammer. Music can unite people, bringing them together to sing and dance. “I'm also a vegan. I try to keep my environment safe.” He sees a connection between the values of Rastafarianism and the Judaism he learned in Israeli schools – tolerance, peace and acceptance of others.

What he loves best about his work is travelling and meeting people from all around the world. “And sometimes I even get the chance to do something to bridge between cultures.”

Jane Enkin Music and Story at janeenkinmusic.com