THE SHUK ENSEMBLE
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The Shuk features a lineup of leading musicians with a diverse selection of talents. We are pleased to work with top musicians from many different genres (jazz, rock, Middle Eastern, world, classical, reggae, and more) from across Israel, the United States, and Europe.
The Shuk is a dynamic ensemble of musicians dedicated to using music to explore Israeli and Jewish culture. Take a moment to meet some of the incredibly-talented musicians that help make The Shuk a melting pot of musical styles and influences.
The Shuk is a dynamic ensemble of musicians dedicated to using music to explore Israeli and Jewish culture. Take a moment to meet some of the incredibly-talented musicians that help make The Shuk a melting pot of musical styles and influences.
Yoni Avital
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Vocals, World Flutes, Guitar
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Yoni Avital spent his formative years growing up both on a moshav in Israel and in New York City. As a singer, musician, cantor, educator and dynamic leader, Yoni has and continues to bring vitality to events and communities both in Israel and across the world. His world travels have led him to performances across India, Nepal, Australia, Southeast Asia, Central, North and South America, and Europe.
(Click here to read more)
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Yoni Avital spent his formative years growing up both on a moshav in Israel and in New York City. As a singer, musician, cantor, educator and dynamic leader, Yoni has and continues to bring vitality to events and communities both in Israel and across the world. His world travels have led him to performances across India, Nepal, Australia, Southeast Asia, Central, North and South America, and Europe.
(Click here to read more)
Ami Yares
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Guitar, Oud, Banjo, Vocals
Ami Yares hails from Southern New Jersey. His full name, Ami Chai, means ‘my people live’ in Hebrew. Needless to say, it was not the easiest of names for non-Hebrew speakers to pronounce in the Jersey suburbs. Growing up with such a unique name proved to be a wonderful, but challenging gift, creating a constant dialogue and connection with his roots.
(Click here to read more)
Ami Yares hails from Southern New Jersey. His full name, Ami Chai, means ‘my people live’ in Hebrew. Needless to say, it was not the easiest of names for non-Hebrew speakers to pronounce in the Jersey suburbs. Growing up with such a unique name proved to be a wonderful, but challenging gift, creating a constant dialogue and connection with his roots.
(Click here to read more)
Eliran Motiuk
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Piano, Keyboard, Composition
Eliran, 27, performs regularly in an number of productions, groups, festivals and events across Israel. He has composed and arranged in collaboration with the singer Nadav Inbar in an original Ladino project currently performing in Israel. Eliran performs in tranformational workshops that are related to music, meditation, and spiritual singing. He is a keyboardist in the private event group known as the 'Sheek' and of course of The Shuk.
Eliran, 27, performs regularly in an number of productions, groups, festivals and events across Israel. He has composed and arranged in collaboration with the singer Nadav Inbar in an original Ladino project currently performing in Israel. Eliran performs in tranformational workshops that are related to music, meditation, and spiritual singing. He is a keyboardist in the private event group known as the 'Sheek' and of course of The Shuk.
Nadav Hoshea
Drums, Multi-Instrumentalist, Music Production & Sound Engineering
Based in Tel Aviv, Nadav is a rock influenced musician and plays drums, keyboards,bass, and guitars. He has been playing with many groups in Israel in different styles such as alternative rock group 'Adir & The Girls.' Nadav brings to The Shuk the live energy of rock club.
A composer and singer-songwriter, Nadav is recording his own music in his ''Fuzzy-Logic'' Studios in Tel Aviv and working with artists as a producer and sound engineer.
Based in Tel Aviv, Nadav is a rock influenced musician and plays drums, keyboards,bass, and guitars. He has been playing with many groups in Israel in different styles such as alternative rock group 'Adir & The Girls.' Nadav brings to The Shuk the live energy of rock club.
A composer and singer-songwriter, Nadav is recording his own music in his ''Fuzzy-Logic'' Studios in Tel Aviv and working with artists as a producer and sound engineer.
Maya Johanna Menachem
Vocals
A graduate of the Rimon School of Jazz & Contemporary Music and a former member of the IDF's Navy Band, Maya currently appeares in the play Tuesdays with Morrie at Tel Aviv's Cameri Theatre, performs regularly with singer Dudu Zakai, is a singer in the music group 'My Sound' as well as the band 'The Trees and the Bees.' Maya has performed in a number of different productions including: 'The Best of Queen' with Momi Levi, the children's show 'The Little Prince' with Nitza Shaul at the Israeli Opera, in the Galilee's Kol Hamuzika Festival, B'tzavta tribute shows, Jacob's Ladder Festival, and the Abu Gosh Festival.
Maya has also sung in Queen and Pink Floyd tribute shows with the group Oblins (2008-2011) and the gospel choir of Iris and Ofer Portugaly (2007-2010). In 2008, she sung lead vocals on Shimrit Orr's song Zoh Haita Ha'hava Nehederet, a song that was released on Orr's special collection album titled Od Tir'i Et Haderech. Maya Johanna Menachem appears regularly across Israel together with musical accompaniment of veteran guitarist Shay Tochner, performing folk, country, and Irish music. Together, they have released two albums: From London to Melbourne (2011) and Ain't Goin' Nowhere (2012), a tribute to Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. She is currently working on original material.
A graduate of the Rimon School of Jazz & Contemporary Music and a former member of the IDF's Navy Band, Maya currently appeares in the play Tuesdays with Morrie at Tel Aviv's Cameri Theatre, performs regularly with singer Dudu Zakai, is a singer in the music group 'My Sound' as well as the band 'The Trees and the Bees.' Maya has performed in a number of different productions including: 'The Best of Queen' with Momi Levi, the children's show 'The Little Prince' with Nitza Shaul at the Israeli Opera, in the Galilee's Kol Hamuzika Festival, B'tzavta tribute shows, Jacob's Ladder Festival, and the Abu Gosh Festival.
Maya has also sung in Queen and Pink Floyd tribute shows with the group Oblins (2008-2011) and the gospel choir of Iris and Ofer Portugaly (2007-2010). In 2008, she sung lead vocals on Shimrit Orr's song Zoh Haita Ha'hava Nehederet, a song that was released on Orr's special collection album titled Od Tir'i Et Haderech. Maya Johanna Menachem appears regularly across Israel together with musical accompaniment of veteran guitarist Shay Tochner, performing folk, country, and Irish music. Together, they have released two albums: From London to Melbourne (2011) and Ain't Goin' Nowhere (2012), a tribute to Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan. She is currently working on original material.
Alexey Kochetkov
Violin
Around Jerusalem, the name of the violinist 'Alexey' is widely known. Although classically-trained, Alexey specializes in world music as well as Irish, Balkan, Gypsy, Mediterranean and the like. Alexey is known for brining a unique sense of joy and energy to the stage with the fantastic qualities of a true virtuoso. He has appeared on stages at notable events in Jerusalem as well as smaller pubs and music venues.
He has collaborated with many artists, bands and appeared solo at the Israel Festival in 2011. Among the artists who worked with Alexei names like David D'Or, Shahar Even Tzur, Amos Gitai, Moni Arnon and others.
Around Jerusalem, the name of the violinist 'Alexey' is widely known. Although classically-trained, Alexey specializes in world music as well as Irish, Balkan, Gypsy, Mediterranean and the like. Alexey is known for brining a unique sense of joy and energy to the stage with the fantastic qualities of a true virtuoso. He has appeared on stages at notable events in Jerusalem as well as smaller pubs and music venues.
He has collaborated with many artists, bands and appeared solo at the Israel Festival in 2011. Among the artists who worked with Alexei names like David D'Or, Shahar Even Tzur, Amos Gitai, Moni Arnon and others.
David Freeman
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Percussion, Drums, Tabla
David K. Freeman is an accomplished performer, composer and educator based in Brooklyn, NY. He has extensive experience as both bandleader and collaborator in the Unites States and abroad, working with a number of bands in diverse musical genres as well as collaborating with artists working in film, dance and the visual arts.
Upon completing a bachelor's degree at Rutgers University in 2000, Freeman traveled abroad extensively to study music in the Dominican Republic and India. Freeman’s passion for jazz, world and folk music traditions is a signifying element found throughout his work, which deals primarily with identity and the negotiations of elements and influences that combine and define the individual. Click here to read more.
Eliran Kononowicz
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Drums, Assorted Percussion, Sound Engineering
Drumming since the tender age of 9, Eliran was educated in various conservatories around the world under top-level teachers. As he tours with The Shuk, Eliran tries to bring his field of expertise - the funky, R&B, and bluesy style into the vast musical tapestry that is The Shuk.
Eliran also plays Cajon, Darbuka, Djembe and other assorted percussion with The Shuk. He is an audio engineer and engineered The Shuk's first album in June 2009 as well as The Shuk's second album in May 2011. You can catch him performing around Israel with The Hogla, HOLLER! and the Asaf Buchman band.
Visit Eliran on the web at: www.elirankon.com
Drumming since the tender age of 9, Eliran was educated in various conservatories around the world under top-level teachers. As he tours with The Shuk, Eliran tries to bring his field of expertise - the funky, R&B, and bluesy style into the vast musical tapestry that is The Shuk.
Eliran also plays Cajon, Darbuka, Djembe and other assorted percussion with The Shuk. He is an audio engineer and engineered The Shuk's first album in June 2009 as well as The Shuk's second album in May 2011. You can catch him performing around Israel with The Hogla, HOLLER! and the Asaf Buchman band.
Visit Eliran on the web at: www.elirankon.com
Yaniv Horovitz
Vocals, Bansuri (Indian Flute), Guitar, Composition
Originally from Kibbutz Givat Haim, Yaniv currently resides in Tel Aviv and is an accomplished singer/songwriter and teacher who specializes in both Western and Indian music along with the Bansuri (an Indian flute made of bamboo).
Yaniv performs his original work in both Hebrew and English; influenced by Amerian and Israeli folk with an ethnic touch. He has performed across Israel, New York and Holland with his debut album released in September 2010. Since 2004, he has performed regularly, leading sing along events with his group 'Ash Layla.'
Click here to visit Yaniv online.
Originally from Kibbutz Givat Haim, Yaniv currently resides in Tel Aviv and is an accomplished singer/songwriter and teacher who specializes in both Western and Indian music along with the Bansuri (an Indian flute made of bamboo).
Yaniv performs his original work in both Hebrew and English; influenced by Amerian and Israeli folk with an ethnic touch. He has performed across Israel, New York and Holland with his debut album released in September 2010. Since 2004, he has performed regularly, leading sing along events with his group 'Ash Layla.'
Click here to visit Yaniv online.
Yoshie Fruchter
Bass, Guitar, Oud, Composition
Yoshie grew up in a musical family and began playing the guitar at age thirteen. Though he was spending most of his time transcribing Jimmy Page solos, and listening to Nirvana, he got his first gig playing with his fathers wedding band. After spending a year studying at a Jewish seminary in Israel, and playing on street corners for shekels, he began school at the University of Maryland. After his freshman year, he began taking classes through the jazz program studying guitar, and took lessons with faculty guitarist Gerry Kunkel. During this time he also studied with area jazz guitarist, Paul Wingo.
While in college, Yoshie became involved in a number of musical projects including Juez, a rabble rousing avante-Klezmer group that traveled all the way to Moscow to showcase their shenanigans; Bellflur, an ambient post rock group, heavily influenced by bands like Radiohead and Pink Floyd; and M-Theory, a jazz/fusion quintet with some of Yoshie's compatriots at school. He also freelanced in the DC area, and had a regular gig with the James Robinsson trio at Utopia Café. Click here to read more. Yoshie on the web at: www.yoshiefruchter.com
While in college, Yoshie became involved in a number of musical projects including Juez, a rabble rousing avante-Klezmer group that traveled all the way to Moscow to showcase their shenanigans; Bellflur, an ambient post rock group, heavily influenced by bands like Radiohead and Pink Floyd; and M-Theory, a jazz/fusion quintet with some of Yoshie's compatriots at school. He also freelanced in the DC area, and had a regular gig with the James Robinsson trio at Utopia Café. Click here to read more. Yoshie on the web at: www.yoshiefruchter.com
Dan Pugach
Drums, Percussion
Visit Dan on the web at www.danpugach.com
Dan Pugach is a drummer and composer living in Brooklyn, NY. He was born in Raanana, Israel in 1983 and is enrolled at the City College of New York, pursuing his masters in jazz performance. He currently studies with Ari Hoenig. John Patitucci and Mike Holober. He received his undergraduate degree from Berklee College of Music as a recipient of the Berklee World Scholarship Tour, studying with Terri Lynn Carrington, Hal Crook, and Joe Lovano. Dan traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and studied drum set and percussion with the leading samba musicians, such as Marcos Suzano, Marcio Bahia and Paulinho Braga.
His recent activities include performances and recordings at venues such as Blue Note Jazz Club, City Winery, Zinc Bar, Red Sea Jazz Festival, New Orleans Jazz Festival, BeanTown Jazz Festival and New York City Winter Jazz Festival. A recent jazz album review on DownBeat Magazine described Dan’s playing as “rock solid on drums”. Currently, Dan is composing original music for his nine-piece ensemble. He is the recipient of the 2011 ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Award for his piece “Discourse This.” In addition, he has been selected to participate in the 2011 Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Residency Program in Washington, D.C.
His recent activities include performances and recordings at venues such as Blue Note Jazz Club, City Winery, Zinc Bar, Red Sea Jazz Festival, New Orleans Jazz Festival, BeanTown Jazz Festival and New York City Winter Jazz Festival. A recent jazz album review on DownBeat Magazine described Dan’s playing as “rock solid on drums”. Currently, Dan is composing original music for his nine-piece ensemble. He is the recipient of the 2011 ASCAP Foundation Young Jazz Composer Award for his piece “Discourse This.” In addition, he has been selected to participate in the 2011 Betty Carter Jazz Ahead Residency Program in Washington, D.C.
Visit Dan on the web at www.danpugach.com
Ari Folman-Cohen
Double Bass, Electric Bass
Ari Folman-Cohen started his musical career at age four by playing Suzuki Violin. After about 10 years he decided to switch to the electric bass and was much happier. He then attended the Harrt School of Music where he had the great opportunity to study under the legendary alto sax player Jackie Mclean. The two years following his graduation Ari spent his time touring the United States with trumpet player and vocalist Jennifer Hartswick. Since moving to Brooklyn in 2005 he has been busy performing and recording a diverse range of music ranging from the Indie Soul sounds of his band Aabaraki to the Heavy Metal Yiddish 80's rock of the band Yiddish Princess...and everything in between. Ari continues to perform, tour and record nationally, internationally and galatically.
Ari Folman-Cohen started his musical career at age four by playing Suzuki Violin. After about 10 years he decided to switch to the electric bass and was much happier. He then attended the Harrt School of Music where he had the great opportunity to study under the legendary alto sax player Jackie Mclean. The two years following his graduation Ari spent his time touring the United States with trumpet player and vocalist Jennifer Hartswick. Since moving to Brooklyn in 2005 he has been busy performing and recording a diverse range of music ranging from the Indie Soul sounds of his band Aabaraki to the Heavy Metal Yiddish 80's rock of the band Yiddish Princess...and everything in between. Ari continues to perform, tour and record nationally, internationally and galatically.
Gavri Tov Yares
Contrabass
Gavri Tov Yares likes to walk the ways of old and new . . . whether he is making music on the contrabass or teaching music in a classroom. While a youth in the suburbs of southern New Jersey, Gavri Tov began his studies of the contrabass at his local public school's summer enrichment music program. Gavri Tov had no idea that the contrabass would become such a driving force in his life. The contrabass has taken Gavri Tov all the way to Carnegie Hall, the Knitting Factory, World Cafe Live, Makor at the 92nd Street Y, and Israel. Click here to read more.
Gavri Tov Yares likes to walk the ways of old and new . . . whether he is making music on the contrabass or teaching music in a classroom. While a youth in the suburbs of southern New Jersey, Gavri Tov began his studies of the contrabass at his local public school's summer enrichment music program. Gavri Tov had no idea that the contrabass would become such a driving force in his life. The contrabass has taken Gavri Tov all the way to Carnegie Hall, the Knitting Factory, World Cafe Live, Makor at the 92nd Street Y, and Israel. Click here to read more.
Visit Gavri online at: www.gavritovyares.com