These singers are in

Despite numerous cancellations of bands this summer, the Twilight Singers are still on.

By ARI MILLER
musician 298.88 (photo credit: Courtesy Photo)
musician 298.88
(photo credit: Courtesy Photo)
Despite numerous cancellations by some of the best acts Israel was scheduled to host in many years, the Twilight Singers are not only still planning to perform here but have added a second show. According to the band's front man, Greg Dulli, "While I am saddened by the loss of life and property on both sides, my belief in freedom, democracy and the peaceful existence of the State of Israel remains steadfast... We look forward to performing our songs for an audience that has yet to see us in their own country and hope to be visiting in a time of peace," he writes on the band's Web site. Dulli, who is also known as the leader of the now defunct band The Afghan Whigs, signs his note "Shalom." Originally started as a side vanity project, The Twilight Singers became Dulli's main artistic vehicle when the Whigs disbanded in early 2001. The Singers' first album, Twilight as Played by the Twilight Singers, was released in 2000. Three years later the band put out Blackberry Belle, a concept album inspired by the death of one of Dulli's close friends, the Jack London book Martin Eden, and his experience living through an earthquake. Various other artists collaborated on the project, including former Screaming Trees lead singer Mark Lanegan, who is slated to perform with the Singers at their Tel Aviv shows. Blackberry Belle earned positive critical reviews for its dark exploration of the themes of love and loss. Powder Burns, the Singers' fourth and most recent album, was put out in May 2006, and partly recorded in New Orleans following the havoc left in Hurricane Katrina's wake. Tickets to both Twilight Singers shows, for Wednesday, August 30 and the following evening, Thursday, August 31, are NIS 150 and each are scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. at Tel Aviv's Barby club. Tickets may be purchased by calling 03-5188-123.