The Band
The band unites street musicians with a rich musical background influenced by various genres. Moreover it includes additional young musicians which are an integral part of the project. You are invited to read a little bit about the band members stories.
The project is musically produced by Tom Darom.
Tom Darom- Music Producer
Musician,composer,and musical producer. Produces soundtracks and musical themes for film and video art as well as working and performing with artists such as Assaf Avidan, Efrat Gosh,Tomer Yossef, Assaf Amdurski, Karni Postel and many more...
About the project- "The project for me is a great source of joy. I'm honored to work with a group of such vital and humorous people, who have such a special perspective on life.
In addition, there is a real attempt here to create a professional platform that makes it possible, to make a living from music, which in my eyes is a great added value of this project.
Right from the beginning I felt such a connection with the musicians, the partners, the material and the whole work process, that there was no turning back. Through my work with them I came to see what a courageous choice it is to be a street musician. It is the courage of the decision to earn a living through one’s art despite all the challenges. I came to see what a physically and mentally demanding and frustrating path it is, and I'm inspired to meet on that path, with all its difficulties, such extraordinary musicians with such an upbeat vibe."
photograph: Victor MuperPhoto
The street musicians
Edi Brin-accordion
Originally from Siberia.
"I started playing accordion at the age of 8, thanks to my father, who was a musician.
The music I was exposed to at home was my
private music school. By the age of 12, I had already taught myself to play by ear.I was recruited to the Red Army's band, and later on discovered that being a musician is no easy life, but it is the path that is right for me, where I feel right. A month after I arrived in Israel I started to play on the streets. I enjoy meeting people, sharing my music, and learning through them the language and culture. I especially love the children's reactions, they never lie."
Alexai Sova- violinist &
composer
Originally from Siberia .
"I come from a family of ballet dancers. At the age of five I went for the first time to a concert
of classical music. That's when it clicked, and I knew I was a musician. At the age of 7 I picked up the violin, and haven't put it down since...
In 1995, I was part of the Red Army band. I needed to fix my violin, but didn't have enough money. That's how I found myself performing for the first time on the street. I meet many good people while playing on the street, but one cannot rely on street performing only. It’s very challenging to make ends meet. I want to share my music and am always searching for the next project."
Felix Taplitski-clarinet
Originally from Ukraine.
"I started playing at the age of 10. I started performing on the street six months after I immigrated.
I gradually came to the understanding that it is not about where you play, rather who you are playing for, and how they treat you and the music. Being an immigrant, I strongly feel how music is a language that connects people regardless of the language they speak. As a musician my view is that each time I come to play my clarinet, I play as if it was my last time ever."
Valeri Tabrovsky-Trumpet
originally from Ukraine.
"The first time I played on the street was January 17, 2003. I remember it vividly because I felt very shy and vulnerable.
My whole life I played in the symphonic orchestra, in the opera, the ballet and the circus. In the former Soviet Union it was a profession I could live by, but Israel is a small country and due to the fact I came here at an older age it was very difficult to fit in. That’s how I found myself playing on the street. The trumpet is a part of me, like an extension of my arms and heart. There was I period when I tried to leave music and work in a different job, but three months was enough to make me depressed. I see street music as a somewhat imposed concert, people didn't choose to come, so some people aren't very welcoming towards me, but I am no beggar. I believe street musicians bring culture and and life to the street."
Gandy Sekavich-Saxophone
Originally from Ukraine .
"I began to play seriously at the age of ten, because I wanted to be in the children's band, and I have remained a musician ever since then. I started playing on the street in 2006,
due to financial difficulties. In Russia playing music on the street is looked down on and considered inferior, especially for professional musicians. But with the challenges of making a living in a new country I had no choice. At least when I play on the street here I feel that people respect the music. I especially love when children stop to listen, I feel like I can introduce them to the music."
Rene Borda-pan flute & vocals
Originally from Bolivia.
"I began playing at the age of 8, on a set if flutes I built myself. When I was 23 I came to Israel and haven't stopped playing ever since.
a few years after starting off performing on the street as part of a trio,I began performing solo,and was happy to discover I had more confidence, emotion, expression ,and above all inspiration, than ever. Playing music is my serenity, when I share the music I feel like I'm alive inside it, and that I have the honor to invite people to fly with me in the experience. Street musicians are no beggars we offer what we have from the inside to all, with no discrimination."
Yakov Rozenfeld -
flute & saxophone
Originally from Ukraine.
"I played in the military band and then in the philharmonic of Ukraine.
I realized that that's what I want to do in life by the age of 13, when I first picked up the sax."
Gadi Petar- Drummer
Member of the "kalbai haroach" band.
The drummer of many Israeli artists such as Efrat Gosh, Israel Brite, Ninet and more....
About the project-
"I find the project very powerful, its engaging with a parallel culture of what I do in life, from the aspect of professionalism, work and musical approach. I feel it's a true honor to take a part of something I believe in ideologically. In my opinion, street performing is the ultimate test, from the musical aspect. You need to be able to capture people's attention, in the hectic rhythm of the city, and make them pause and listen. Only a talented and charismatic musician can do that. I have great respect for the musicians of the project, they deal with things I have yet the cordage to do."
Asasf Vegman- bass guitar
About the project-
"Working in this project is so satisfying for me, not only because of the wide musical varaity , but also due to the warm intimate feeling between the members.
Despite the age and cultural differences, we all have a common ground that brings us together. Street performing is the most direct expression of music, with no means of lighting, stage etc' the musicians are so exposed, and that can be awkward at first for player and audience as well. It took me a while to learn how to feel comfortable to stand in front of a musician on the street that caught my ear, and just listen..."
Ran Darom- guitar
A member of "Alon Eder and a band"
About the project-
"For me getting to know these musicians have been very moving, they have so much emotion in their music, which I find rare in such experienced artists.
Being part of this project influenced how I perceive street musicians. Whenever I come across a street performer I start imagining his or her life story. I notice my patience for stopping to listen has deepened, sometimes I come across musical treasures on the street that I wouldn't find elsewhere."
Tair, Liron, and Tagel Haim-singers
an ensemble of three sisters, combining vocal harmonies in Yemen Hebrew and English.
About the project-
"This project is a great pleasure for us,great music, and exceptionally good hearts funny and talented musicians. In our opinion street performing is the most real and tough stage possible. It has simplicity, magic, and lots of courage. since we meet the band members we are excited whenever we see a street musician"
Additional band members