Jerusalem to host int’l music conference

Jerusalem Music Conference to feature over 40 Israeli bands performing for international music industry pros.

By DAVID BRINN
RED BAND 370 (photo credit: wiikipedia.com)
RED BAND 370
(photo credit: wiikipedia.com)
The first international music conference in Jerusalem for music business professionals will be taking place from August 27 to 31. Sponsored by the Jerusalem Municipality and JVP Media, as well as Zappa Jerusalem 2B Vibes, The Foreign Ministry and Oleh! Records, the aptly-named Jerusalem Music Conference will feature over 40 Israeli artists and bands who will showcase their work for an expected 300 key industry movers, including representatives from noted international music festivals Glastonbury, Exit, Primavera, and the CMJ Music Marathon. Among the artists who have already been scheduled to perform are Adomi with Berry Sakharof, Red Band, Ninet, Hayehudim featuring a special English musical project, and many more.
The participants will also attend the Zion Reggae festival taking place that week in Jerusalem with Alpha Blondy and Barrington Levi, a street party with Infected Mushroom and a show by premier New York klezmer rockers The Klezmatics.
Jeremy Hulsh, the director of Oleh! Records, touted as “Israel’s music export,” said that the goal of the conference was to create “real value for the local music sector as we aim to develop Israeli music for export abroad. We worked really hard to secure speakers and representatives of the highest caliber, and among the attendees will be representatives of major booking agencies from the US and Europe, festival promoters, talent buyers and journalists.”
Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat noted that having Jerusalem host the conference demonstrated the cultural revolution that has taken place in the city.
“We’re proud to host in the capital the leaders of the international music industry and open the international doors for Israeli artists,” he said.
Erel Margalit, the CEO of JVP, added that the conference followed in the 10- year path of JVP Media to integrate technological, cultural and artistic innovation.
“Now we’re moving up another level and granting an international stage to Israeli artists,” he said.
Artists can register to showcase at the conference via their website at www.jlmmc.net