Spring !

When the sun is shining and the leaves are peeking out the trees, I have more than ever the desire to go outside and celebrate spring.

I also feel the desire for new things and new things to explore.

And I’m happy to share some new things with you!
In January I went to New York for two performances, including the Shloshim (memorialconcert ) for my friend and mentor Beyle Schaechter – Gottesman . For me, it was a trip back in time , but also a trip back to what’s important to me: Giving Yiddish song a new sound and a future.

Since my trip to America, much has happened:
I have a new agency in New York ( www.goldenland.com ) They are preparing an American tour for this summer.
In addition to that, we started our own production company. ( www.lucettevandenbergproductions.nl ). With this company we’ll produce concerts and all other activities with venues and festivals  in the Netherlands and Europe.
By doing it ourself, lines are shorter and we can organize tailormade programmes.

There is also good news about my ‘brainchild’ Jiddisch Festival Leeuwarden, of whom I am the artistic director.
In 2008, the first festival took place in Leeuwarden. Everyone agreed : This wonderful!
In 2010 , we were back with a second festival, in which again a lot of international artists came to Leeuwarden to make music, to teach and show the beautiful sides of Yiddish culture.
But … in 2012, the festival was canceled by budget cuts . Very sad, indeed.
Fortunately, Jiddisch Festival Leeuwarden is Yiddish culture alike: Strong, passionate, creative and flexible.

So: we’re back! Stronger than ever!

From 30th April to 4th May Jiddisch Festival Leeuwarden will open it’s doors.
There will be concerts, workshops, lectures, films and more! A
And colleagues and friends from all around the world come to Leeuwarden to have a fantastic festival, together wih guests, public and participants.
I will teach, together with Efim Chorny and Susanna Ghergus the Yiddish songworkshop.

Every night there are concerts.
I will appear on stage with my whole band, on Fridaynight May 2nd, with my new program ‘ Benkshaft ‘.

Would you like to get yourself involved in one of the workshops ( Yiddish song , klezmer workshops or Yiddish language workshop ) ? Don’t wait any longer and sign in! For the participants from abroad , there is the opportunity to stay for free at guest families.

All the information you need and more can be found at: www.jiddischfestivalleeuwarden.nl.

Hope to see you , zay mir gezunt ,

Lucette