Rock around the clock

January 1, 2010 - 9:02 AM by David · 3 Comments
Filed under: A New Reality, General, Life, Music, Pop Culture 

The Pixies - slated for a June show

The Pixies - slated for a June show

It’s unclear to me which of these are confirmed and which are just ‘in negotations’ and picked up by the most-read Israeli paper Yediot Aharonot as a done deal, but 2010 is shaping up to be another banner year for international pop artists performing here.

One confirmed show is the Pixies who are slated for a June performance in an unamned venue as part of a larger rock festival. And that’s the sure thing, right? Actually, this one sounds reasonable since a PR firm put out a press release about it, and since bassist Kim Deal was here recently with her band The Breeders, and reportedly had a great time.

But here’s the list of who else is supposedly on the way during the spring and summer of ‘10 – Elton John, U2, Beyonce, Rhianna, and most recently announced, Santana. And let’s not forget the perennial Coldplay and Green Day rumors.

It will be the second appearances by Elton -who infamously fled the country in 1994 after a series of miscues upon his arrival, only to return a day alter – and U2, who performed famously in 1999 at Park Hayarkon, including The Edge leading the crowd in a singalong of an Abba song. And while I can’t put a finger on it, Santana’s been around for so long, that I’m sure they must have played here at some point.

While some on the list may be wishful thinking, two artists from the 1980s of a somewhat lesser stature are already signed up to appear in the first few months of the year – The Alan Parsons Project and Joan Armatrading. It’s good to know these oldtimers still have a place to play, and an audience eager to see them.

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Bootylicious, Israeli style

April 19, 2009 - 4:02 PM by David · 1 Comment
Filed under: Music, Pop Culture 

Israeli choreographer Kobi Rosenfeld

Israeli choreographer Kobi Rosenfeld

The next time you watch Beyonce, better check out her dance moves twice. You may find an Israeli step or two, thanks to choreographer Kobi Rosenfeld.

According to Ynet, the Israeli toe tapper has been tapped to choreograph Mrs, Jay Z in her new video for the song “Scared of Lonely.”

Rosenfeld, who is the assistant to Andrea Fuentes – one of Britney Spears’ backup dancers – was tapped to work with Beyonce during the “Carnival,” which is a music industry choreography talent contest.

His performance caught the eye of Beyonce’s people, who asked him to come up with a presentation suitable for her new release. Once the routine was green-lighted, Rosenfeld went on to teach it to her seven backup dancers.

Rosenfeld was born in Rehovot and has been dancing and choreographing all his life. He performed in local Israeli productions of Fun Tazi, Caberet, Peter Pan and K’Mo Be Seret., and has choreographed the Israeli version of Little Mermaid. Rosenfeld has won contests in choreography at the International Carmiel Dance Festival and the Israeli Jazz Contest in Haifa, and choreographed thesteps for the videos and tours of singers Roni Superstar, Mali Levi and Shiri Maimon.

Since trying his luck in the US, he’s choreographed 11 pieces for the California-based Keshet Chaim dance troupe and has been teaching dance. But with Beyonce kicking heels on his side, it’s likely that Rosenfeld won’t have to be teaching classes any more. I wonder, though, if she’ll be dancing from right to left.

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