Arts in Brief: June 28

Israeli band Izabo signs to British label; John Cale returns to Israel; Guitarist Pat Metheny to perform in TA.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Izabo 311 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Izabo 311
(photo credit: Courtesy)
Israeli band Izabo signs to British label
Local rockers Izabo have been signed to the British record label 100% Records. The veteran band which performs its mix of hard rock, high-pitched wailing vocals, Arabic-tinged guitar work and dance beats in English, will see the first single off of its upcoming third album released in England next month by the label, which boasts Moby, Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark and Matisyahu among its roster.
The quartet, featuring Ran Shem Tov, Shiri Hadar, Jonathan Levi and Nir Mantzur has already built up a following in Europe with numerous festival appearances based on the popularity of its second album, 2008’s Super Light which was released by Sony BMG.
The band’s next local appearance is scheduled for July 28 at the Ozen Bar in Tel Aviv.
• David Brinn
John Cale returns to Israel
Velvet Underground co-founder and rock bon vivant John Cale is returning to Israel for two shows – on August 2 at the Zappa Club and the next night at the Barby Club, both in Tel Aviv.
It will be the legendary singer/songwriter’s fifth visit to Israel and his first since 2006, when he performed two strong shows with songs encompassing his long, varied career.
In addition to his influential 1960s work along with Lou Reed in the seminal Velvet Underground, Cale has enjoyed a successful cult solo career, including one of the quintessential albums of the 1970s – Paris 1919.
According to some, Cale also recorded the definitive version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”
He also was behind the helm for some of the seminal punk albums of the 1970s, as producer of The Modern Lovers and Patti Smith’s 1975 debut Horses.
• David Brinn
Guitarist Pat Metheny to perform in TA
Jazz guitar legend Pat Metheny will be returning to Israel for a show on November 26 at Hangar 11 in Tel Aviv.
The 56-year-old Metheny has won 17 Grammys and sold over 20 million records over his career, while collaborating with everyone from David Bowie and Joni Mitchell to Herbie Hancock and Ahinoam Nini.
For Metheny’s first show here since 2000, the large venue will be set up as a big jazz club with seating around tables.
• David Brinn
‘Thriller’ jacket sets auction record LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – A leather jacket worn by Michael Jackson for his “Thriller” video sold for $1.8 million at an auction on Sunday to a Texas gold trader who plans to use it to raise money for children’s hospitals worldwide.
The black and red calf leather jacket with winged shoulders was one of two used for the shoot. The other one, in scuffed condition, is owned by the Jackson estate.
The one sold by Julien’s auction house in Beverly Hills is in better shape and is signed on the sleeve by Jackson. It was designed by Deborah Landis, the wife of “Thriller” director John Landis. Jackson presented it to the vendors, Dennis Tompkins and Michael Bush, his longtime costume designers.
It sold to Milton Verret of Austin, Texas, who showed up in person to triumph over about a dozen bidders from around the world.
“It is one of the most important pieces of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia in history,” Verret told Reuters. His collection also includes another Jackson jacket and guitars signed by members of U2.
Plans are underway to show the “Thriller” jacket at Dell Children's Hospital in Austin, before sending it around the world to display during charity events. A portion of the auction proceeds will benefit an animal reserve where Jackson’s two Bengal tigers reside.
James Spader may join ‘The Office’ LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The Office is close to naming a new boss. According to sources, James Spader is finalizing a deal to become a series regular on U.S. network NBC’s top-rated comedy.
The move, first reported by EW.com, would follow Spader’s successful turn on the season finale as one of multiple celebrity guest stars who were vying for Michael Scott’s job as boss at Dunder Mifflin’s Scranton office.
But sources say the plan is for Spader to actually get an even better job: CEO of Dunder Mifflin, replacing Kathy Bates..
Spader does not have a deal, and talks are said to be in the early stage. But his character, the absurdly named Robert California, is expected to be introduced in the series premiere as a replacement for Steve Carrell’s Scott. He'll immediately begin empire-building and get himself kicked upstairs, say sources.
Meanwhile THR has reported that British comedian Catherine Tate, who also guest-starred on the finale, is a favorite of the producers.