In addition to Cocker's performance, the event will feature joint performances by Jewish and Arab musicians.
By DAVID BRINN
Veteran singer Joe Cocker has signed on to appear at the three-day Gilboa Coexistence Festival at the end of August. "I'm excited to perform in Israel, and I believe the audience will enjoy an unforgettable show," said Cocker, according to a press release issued about the event on Monday.
Cocker, who broke out in an electrifying performance at Woodstock in 1969, has released over 20 albums, featuring hits like "You Can Leave Your Hat On," "You are so Beautiful" and "Up Where We Belong," the theme song from the movie An Officer and a Gentleman. Despite waning record sales, Cocker remains a concert draw and is well-regarded in Israel.
In addition to Cocker's performance on the opening night of the festival (August 26), the event will feature joint performances by Jewish and Arab musicians, nature hikes, family activities and food markets, sporting events, educational programs and nature trips; it will be held in four separate locations in the Gilboa region.
Among the promised events are the Gilboa women's Jeep Challenge - two days of challenging jeep excursions for Jewish and Arab women; national finals for the Bible-Koran quiz, in which children from across Israel will participate; and joint bicycle expeditions.
"This will be one of the biggest events ever put on in Israel promoting coexistence," said Daniel Atar, head of the Gilboa Regional Council. "In the Gilboa, coexistence is our reality and proves that a way of life of brotherhood and equality form a solid foundation for cooperation, understanding and mutual recognition that we believe can be established in all of Israel and beyond."