The Epichorus returns to Race Brook Lodge for the second night of Temenos’ Feast of Mystics Passover program, led by Rabbi Zach Fredman with 70th generation Malian Kora master Yacouba Sissoko and Morocco vocalist Lala Tamar. The ensemble will perform new music from the upcoming Epichorus album featuring Ms Tamar.
The Epichorus performs music drawn from the great lineages of Arabic maqam, Hebrew piyut, and the fusion of influences moving through Brooklyn, New York. Founded in 2012 by oud player, composer, and bandleader, Zach Fredman, they have released three studio albums and one book, performed in venues across North America, and have received radio play on New York Public radio and in the Middle East. The chameleon ensemble, built around Fredman’s oud and compositions, features violin, hammered dulcimer, percussion and upright bass. They have performed as an instrumental ensemble and with special guests including: Sudanese singer Alsarah, master Kora player Yacouba Sissoko, poet James Stone Goodman, Arabic vocalist Zahra Zubaidi, and Grammy nominated vocalist Priya Darshini. No matter the arrangement, their ethereal sound bewilders and transports.
Stay over with us! Guests attending the events on April 23rd and 24th can get a 20% discount on rooms those nights using the discount code “FEAST”. Click here to book your room now. We are also offering a Spring Break special: from April 19-29, book a stay of 3 or more nights and get a 25% discount! Click here for more info about that.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Day 2 of Temenos’ Feast of Mystics Passover Retreat
Doors 7pm / Concert starts at 8pm
In the Barnspace at Race Brook Lodge, 864 South Undermountain road ( AKA Rt 41 ) Sheffield, MA
Tickets: $25 Advance / $30 at the door (Click here for Tickets to this event)
This event is part of a two-day retreat experience with Rabbi Zach Fredman. Click the button below for more info about the two-day program and package booking options. Click here for more info and package booking options for the full two-day retreat
The Stagecoach tavern is open for dinner on the property before the event (be sure to make reservations and leave ample time for a relaxing dinner before the concert. Casual food options will also be available at the concert in the barn. Stagecoach Tavern menu & Info
Race Brook Lodge is a hidden gem in The Berkshires, at the foot of Mt. Race and a short hike from the Appalachian trail. The yoga & event barn at Race Brook is simultaneously rustic and sublime, steeped in hundreds of years of New England history. The Stagecoach Tavern is unpretentious fine dining, exquisite farm-to-table cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Much of the food is sourced from Race Farm, right on the property!
ARTIST BIOS
The Epichorus performs new music drawn from the great lineages of Arabic maqam, Hebrew piyut, and the fusion of influences moving through Brooklyn, New York. Founded in 2012 by oud player, composer, and bandleader, Zach Fredman, they have released three studio albums and one book, performed in venues across North America, and have received radio play on New York Public radio and in the Middle East. The chameleon ensemble, built around Fredman’s oud and compositions, features violin, hammered dulcimer, percussion and upright bass. They have performed as an instrumental ensemble and with special guests including: Sudanese singer Alsarah, master Kora player Yacouba Sissoko, poet James Stone Goodman, Arabic vocalist Zahra Zubaidi, and Grammy nominated vocalist Priya Darshini. No matter the arrangement, their ethereal sound bewilders and transports.
Lala Tamar is a vocalist, musician and the winner of the New Israel Fund’s Grant for Essential Arts. Born to Jewish Moroccan - Brazilian parents Tamar is an independent artist and researcher in the fields of North African, Ladino and Andalusian Jewish music.
She plays percussion instruments, Guembry, composes and writes original music based on the north africans jewish and muslim feminin traditions. Tamar performs and collaborates with musicians worldwide, amongst them: Mehdi Nasuli, Karim Ziad, Mnat Aishta, Yossi Fein, Omri Mor, Aminka and many more.
Lala Tamar has created the first Album ever to be recorded in the lost language of “Haquetia” (Moroccan jewish ladino) and is active in promoting awareness of North African Jewish heritage preservation worldwide. She performs and creates with the Award winning choreographer - Orly Portal. She is a voice teacher and holds North African women’s sacred singing workshops for women all around the world. mostly works between Israel and Morocco.
Master kora player Yacouba Sissoko devotes his musical gift to expand the awareness of West African history and culture, spread the word of peace, and empower his listeners to take charge and realize their imagined futures. His performances have a magical effect on audiences as he skillfully transforms traditional songs and stories that he learned from his forefathers into modern day messages of peace, love, and harmony.
His flexible virtuosity, which enables him to move seamlessly from one musical genre to another, has attracted the attention of an array of musicians who have sought him out as a collaborator.
All the while, Yacoba exposes new audiences to the enchanting sounds of the kora—a 21-stringed instrument that is plucked and produces a distinctive sound that is quickly associated with West Africa.
Yacouba continues to blend his virtuosity effortlessly with other musical styles, whether in Indian ragas or Appalachian tunes. Currently, Yacouba can be seen performing regularly with Regina Carter and his own band, SIYA.
West African influences with modern experimental music approaches. At the heart of Esther's musical practice is a deep love and respect for nature.