Well… they loved us. A little surprisingly, since it was unclear what the audience was going to be, but it worked out great. The Ladino songs went over particularly well, as did the more energetic tunes. We had one issue- Lee was using a new bass amp and had a lot of feedback issues with the vocals, and may not be able to use the acoustic bass guitar in these situations. Nonetheless, that didn’t stop the show from sounding good.
Arthur Javier, the Bread & Roses rep, had this to say:
This is the first time I have hosted a group like this. There were 5 members, Rivka – Vocalist, Doron – Electric Guitar, Nathan – plays the Violin, piano and guitar, Victoria or Vicky – plays the Guitar, flute and piano, Lee – Electric bass guitar. They have such versatility, passion and energy. Rivka is a statuesque lady with a lot of presence and even plays the hand drum and the castanets. Her vibrancy brought excitement as she sang a unique blend of songs dating back to days when the Jews left Spain and carried with them the style of songs called “LADINO” and still being sung today in different parts of the world.
Their repertoire was full of spirit especially with the harmony of the violin, the piano, the guitars and the bass. This was a combination of their love for music every time they played. Lee, the bass player and Doron, the electric guitar player carried the basic rhythm and beat as Vicky and Nathan joined with their flute, guitar and violin to compliment the melodies. A number of songs they sang energized the audience that some of them got off their seats to dance. At one point a lady who is partially paralyzed came to the dance floor walking with her cane and encouraged others to join her dancing. This was quite a sight.
Many who sat in their seats waved their hands in the air like conductors supervising a symphony rehearsal as the performers watched with joy in their faces. The violin added a special touch to their music, Rivka played the castanets and stomped her feet on the floor like a ‘flamenco’ dancer as she sang her heart out. This was a very special day. Angelique, a lady who works at the center told me this was the first time she has seen and heard a group perform like Rivka and her friends. It was like lighting up the center with fire.
They ended their show with a peaceful melody to bring the spirit of peace to everyone.
