The Ford Presents JERUSALEM SOUL 10/9

This October, Los Angeles-based Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble will collaborate with Israeli pop sensation Rami Kleinstein, Israeli mega-star Miri Mesika, and the multi-ethnic, interfaith Agape International Choir to present new works for dance and song that spread a communal message of peace and healing. "Jerusalem Soul" takes place on Saturday, October 9 at 8:30 pm at the Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood.

Jerusalem and all it represents is a source of spiritual strength able to bridge cultures. The Ford, designed in the style of ancient Judaic architecture to resemble the gates of Jerusalem, is the perfect backdrop to honor the ancient city - and all it symbolizes for the future of humanity - with an uplifting and entertaining evening of music and dance.

Keshet Chaim (Hebrew for Rainbow of Life) is an American-Israeli contemporary dance company dedicated to celebrating the inclusive spirit of Israeli culture and Judaism throughout the world. The company operates under the belief that cultural diffusion and dissemination of artistic values are key to the betterment of society.

" 'Jerusalem Soul' is an interfaith, intercultural performance that we hope will help build bridges between communities through our common love of Jerusalem and of the art of music and dance," explains Keshet Chaim executive director Genie Benson. "Kobi Rozenfeld will choreograph new pieces that our dancers will premiere at the Ford. Rami Kleinsein and Miri Mesika will travel from Israel to work with Keshet and the Agape International Choir. We will bring leaders from the many different spiritual communities in Los Angeles to participate in the concert with the reading of a psalm in different languages."

Israeli singer Miri Mesika studied at the Rimon School for Music and Sofi Moskovich School of the Arts in Israel. Her debut, self-titled album hit record stores in 2005 and went platinum after selling over 40,000 copies, an unprecedented achievement in the local music industry. Miri was recognized as "Singer of the Year," and her song, "Le Sham," received the Gal Galatz "Song of the Year" award. Miri's second album, "Shalom La Emunot," was released two years later, rose quickly to platinum status, and earned her a second national award, that of "Female Singer of the Year." Her third album "Chadshot Tovot" has just been released and is expected to break all her previous records. As an actress, Miri performed in The Dybuk in Haifa and in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Habima National Theatre, and she appeared in the film Shalosh Imahot (Three Mothers).

Known as one of Israel's greatest composers, Rami Kleinstein has often been compared to Elton John and Billy Joel. Like John and Joel, Rami is known for his beautiful love songs, soothing voice, and delicate piano-playing. Early in his career, Rami was elected Israeli Radio and Television's "Singer of the Year" after his "Tapuchim U' Tmarim" (Apples and Dates) album reached triple platinum. "Tagit At Zeh" (Say It) achieved platinum status within a few months of its release, and "Kol Ma She Tirtzi" (Everything You Want), reached triple platinum after only ten days. Rami's latest album, "Harbe Panim" (Many Faces), has received rave reviews and many of its songs made it to the top of the charts in Israel.

The multi-ethnic Agape International Choir, under the direction of Rickie Byars Beckwith, is the core music ministry of the Agape International Spiritual Center. Agape Choir music is known for its signature sectional harmonies, counterpoint tempo-patterns, devotional power, and energetic enthusiasm. The "sound" of the Agape Choir has truly had an international reach. Through either live appearances, Choir Sunday CDs/tapes, or studio and live concert CDs/tapes, Agape Choir music has been heard from Santa Monica to South Central; from Somalia to South Africa; and from across the United States to all around the world. From the power of a cappella prayer to rousing rhythmic celebration and affirmations, Agape Choir music moves listeners from all walks of life from tears of inexpressible joy to literally dancing in the aisles.

Israeli chorepgrapher Kobi Rozenfeld has choreographed new works for Keshet Chaim Dance Company that have been performed at Disney Hall, The Kodak Theatre, Paramount Studios, and as a PBS television special. He has also presented his work at the prestigious choreographer's "Carnival" ball at the Key Club in Hollywood. Recent choreography credits include Beyonce's 2009 World Tour, a workshop with Britney Spears, So You Think You Can Dance - Israel, the musical show in Legoland Amusement Park, and teaching master classes at the Broadway Dance Center in New York. In January Rozenfeld performed as one of the dancers at the Grammy Awards with Beyonce.

Influenced by world music, the multi-ethnic roots of the Jewish people, and a constant drive for interpreting and exploring Jewish values through art, Keshet Chaim Dance Ensemble serves as both a repertory ensemble for traditional dance forms and a laboratory for contemporary works based on these traditions. Under the guidance of artistic director Eytan Avisar, Keshet Chaim creates, develops and presents original choreography which fuses contemporary Israeli dance with Jewish folk dance traditions from across the Jewish Diaspora. The company's mission is to both preserve and extend the heritage of ethnic dance and music found in these diverse communities. Keshet Chaim has become a pioneer in the development of Jewish dance and seeks to focus its mission by teaching the richness of the many and varied cultures within the Jewish community to Jews and non-Jews alike.

"Jerusalem Soul" takes place on Saturday, October 9 at 8:30 pm. Tickets range from $40-$80; buyers can save $5 per ticket by purchasing at least 7 days before the performance date. Children 12 and under are $12.

The Ford Amphitheatre is located at 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, off the 101 Hollywood freeway across from the Hollywood Bowl and south of Universal Studios. On-site, stacked parking costs $5 per vehicle. FREE non-stacked parking serviced by a FREE shuttle to the Ford is available at the Universal City Metro Station at Lankershim Blvd. and Campo de Cahuenga; the shuttle, which cycles every 15-20 minutes, stops in the "kiss and ride" area. The Ford is disabled accessible. Portable wireless listening devices are available upon request. The Ford offers a number of dining options: a variety of food and beverages is available on site and box dinners for evening events may be ordered in advance. Picnicking is encouraged. For a complete season schedule, directions, parking information, and reservations, the public should call the Ford Theatres Box Office at (323) 461-3673 or go to www.FordTheatres.org.

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