David Broza Comes To Brooklyn Center 3/21

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College concludes its 2009-2010 World Stages series with Israeli singer/songwriter David Broza on Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 2pm.

Since the mid 1970s, David Broza has been steadily gaining international recognition as a world music performer. A superstar in his homeland of Israel, this multi-platinum selling artist's unique style blends Middle Eastern pop and folk influences with flamenco and American country, rock and blues to create a true world music sound. His songs, performed in English, Spanish, and Hebrew, feature lyrics borrowed from the world's greatest poets, tying him closely to the tradition of the troubadours. His discography includes severAl Gold, platinum, and multi-platinum sellers, most notably his 1983 Hebrew release Haisha Sheiti (The Woman by My Side), which is still one of the best selling albums of all time in Israel.

The son of an Israeli/British businessman and a folk singer, Broza was born in Haifa, Israel (where his grandfather founded an Arab-Israeli settlement) and was raised and educated in England and Spain. Musical influences from all three of these cultures can be found in his music. Broza originally planned to study graphic design at the Rhode Island School of Design. However, after high school graduation, he was drafted into a three-year term in the Israeli military. Stationed away from family and friends, he began playing guitar in cafés to earn extra money, and was offered a record deal. Since he still hoped to attend the Rhode Island School of Design, he declined. He later recorded a tape to promote his live shows, and one of the songs became a #1 hit in Israel.

More than a singer/songwriter, David Broza is well known for his commitment and dedication to several humanitarian causes, predominantly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He has worked to bring the message of peace to the masses through his hit song "Yihye Tov" ("It Will Be Good"), which has become the anthem of the 'Peace Now' movement. His song "Belibi" ("In My Heart"), was recorded with the Palestinian music group Sabreen and features two children's choirs, one from each side of the conflict. "Belibi" has met with strongly favorable responses from both Israelis and Palestinians. The United Nations D.C. based organization, In Search for Common Ground, presented awards to both artists in November of 2006.

Broza's concert tours include appearances Belgium, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Venezuela, Mexico, Brazil and the United States. He has performed live with prominent musical figures such as Paul Simon, Jackson Brown, Bob Dylan, Spyro Gyra, Van Morrison, Jose Fernandez, and Sting. His 1989 American debut album, Away From Home was praised by The New York Times as one of the best pop albums of the year.His one-hour PBS television event, David Broza at Masada: The Sunrise Concert with Jackson Browne and Shawn Colvin, was shot in South Israel at the 2000 year old fortress and aired nationwide in the U.S. He has been honored with a Goya Award nomination by the Spanish Film Academy, and last year he was awarded a Spanish royal medal of honor by King Juan Carlos 1 for his contribution to both Israel-Spain relations and his promotion of tolerance. Broza is also a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF.

About Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Founded in 1954, the mission of Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts is to present outstanding performing arts and arts education programs, reflective of Brooklyn's diverse communities, at affordable prices. Brooklyn Center's presentations explore both the classical traditions and the boldest contemporary performances, embracing the world culture that defines Brooklyn. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts welcomes over 70,000 people to the 2,400 seat Walt Whitman Theatre each season, and boasts one of the largest arts education programs in the borough, serving schoolchildren from over 300 schools annually.

David Broza at Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College, 2900 Campus Road, Brooklyn
Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 2pm
Tickets: $25

Online orders: BrooklynCenterOnline.org
Box Office: (718) 951-4500, Tuesday - Saturday, 1PM - 6PM
Groups of 15 or more: (718) 951-4600, ext. 33

Major support for Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' World Stages: Music series is provided by National Grid.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' programs are made possible in part with public funding from the City of New York Department of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Funding for the 2009-2010 season is provided by: Target; JP Morgan Chase; Brooklyn Community Foundation; Con Edison; Macy's; TD Bank; the Carnegie Corporation of New York; Air Jamaica; The Harkness Foundation for Dance; and the Lila Acheson Wallace Theater Fund, established in the New York Community Trust by founders of The Reader's Digest Association. Additional support provided by CNG Publications, The Brooklyn Eagle, and WBGO. Marriott New York LaGuardia Airport is the official hotel of Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts 2009-2010 season. Backstage catering is graciously provided by Applebee's.

Brooklyn Center acknowledges the support of Assemblymembers Karim Camara, Steven H. Cymbrowitz, Rhoda Jacobs, Alan Maisel, Joan L. Millman, N. Nick Perry, Annette Robinson, and Helene E. Weinstein, members of the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York State Assembly, and New York State Senators Martine Malavé Dilan, Kevin S. Parker, and John L. Sampson. Special thanks to Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Councilman Domenic M. Recchia, Jr. Councilmembers Kendall B. Stewart and Albert Vann, and Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin.

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