Oy! The Music!
From traditional Jewish music to rock to family entertainment, this festival has it all. Of course, we recommend them all...but if you miss these, your mother will be upset.
Lisa Loeb (1 p.m., East Stage). The #1 Single is still strumming away, funky glasses and all. Try and "Stay" away.
Blue Fringe (4 p.m., East Stage) Just as Jay-Z proclaimed himself the "best rapper alive", so do the members of Blue Fringe honestly believe the group is "America's favorite Jewish rock band". The NYC collective's second album, 70 Faces, should help to cement its standing at the top of Mount Sinai with its mix of pop, rock, funk and R&B with Jewish themes.
Ruby Harris Band (5:30 p.m., West Stage). The "Father of Jewish Rock" has performed with such luminaries as Bob Dylan and Tom Petty and is a veteran of the Chicago blues scene. Dude can straight up jam on his electric violin.
Urban Tunells Klezmerband (1:15 p.m., West Stage). This group is coming all the way from Norway to play the festival, its first American appearance. What, you can't make the trip to Morton Grove?
Rabbi Joe Black (12:30 p.m. on the East Stage, 11:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. on the Family Stage). This man has a weekly gig at Congregation Albert in Albuquerque, New Mexico...but he still finds time to travel the country, playing his educational tunes for whoever wants to know about Jewish custom and culture.
You Should Eat More!
Have a nosh the strictly kosher food court; from Dippin' Dots (tiny balls of ice cream goodness) to falafel, there's something to satisfy every palette. But if you're an aspiring chef yourself, be sure to stop by the many cooking demonstrations that will be happening this year. Cake decorating is a highlight, but the real draw will be Laura Frankel of Shallots Bistro, a gourmet kosher restaurant in Skokie.
Culture!
Visit the art fair, where about 60 artists from the U.S. and Israel will showcase their wares. From ketubot to jewelry to handmade items for the home, there are many unique items to consider. Many of these items could be termed Judaica, while others are lovely pieces created by Jewish hands.
Take a look at the Book Shuk, where authors will read from their latest
books and visitors may purchase autographed copies.
Fun for Your Little One
The Hands-On section for Kids is always a favorite. There will be plenty of interactive activities and an archeological dig from the Spertus Museum, a petting zoo, face painting, bubble making, a graffiti wall, jewelry making, sand art and tie-dye t-shirts.
The festival is the largest Jewish cultural event in Chicago, attracting upwards of 40,000 people. There will also be about 100 co-sponsoring organizations present, from Jewish singles groups to community organizers.
If (Heaven forbid!) it should rain, the festival will be held at Niles West High School, 5701
Oakton, Skokie. Admission is $5 for adults, and free for those who haven't had a Bar/Bat Mitzvah yet (kids). For more information, or if you would like to volunteer, call (847) 933-3000 or visit http://www.jewishfestival.org.
