Shir Madness – Sheer Brilliance
Sydney’s first-ever Jewish music festival, Shir Madness, has exceeded the dreams and inspirations of its creators.More than 2,000 visitors swarmed Bondi Beach’s famous Pavilion where four stages were in action all day yesterday featuring 40 bands who either played Jewish music or Jewish musicians who played music of their own choice.
A beaming Festival director Gary Holzman told J-Wire: “Even Mother Nature couldn’t spoil the day. She thre the best of thunderstorms at us but it lasted only fifteen minutes. It was a raging success and expect more in the future…our confidence is on high on the back of hundreds of congratulatory emails.”
Robert Goot is the president of The Executive Council of Australian Jewry and a music lover. He told J-Wire: “There was a wonderful spirit at the Festival…and great music. For me, it marks a coming of age for the community, embracing music in such an eclectic selection of styles and performers. The feeling at the Festival was positive and infectiously encouraging. There is no doubt that this is an event earmarked for a regular spot on Sydney’s Jewish calendar.”
Picture gallery features photography by David Mane
