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From Fez
is an eclectic New York City-based band, emanating from a deep love of the musical Jewish soul.
From Fez embodies diverse Jewish tradition from around the world through music and songs. Their shows blend classic Jewish music with modern Israeli and Middle Eastern music, sung in Hebrew, English and Arabice with an assortment of varied rhythms and harmonies.
The band incorporates a variety of instruments including flutes, guitar, keys, accordion, gourds, djembe, and darbuka.
Performing in front of crowds of all ages in venues ranging from elementary schools and synagogues to city pubs, From Fez concerts are guaranteed to be an exhilarating, interactive, and unique cultural experience.
Yoni
Avital
Vocals, Guitar, Flute, Recorder, World Flutes
Brooklyn Born and Israeli and American Bred, Yoni Avital has had a serious affinity for music since his childhood. He has travelled extensively throughout the world performing with musicians in India, Nepal, Israel, Egypt, Australia, Central and Eastern Europe, Thailand and Brazil. With a love for the multitude of rhythm and sound of world music, Yoni brings his unique musical perspective to the band's wealth of sound and presence as a teacher, cantor, and performer. A graduate of Solomon Schechter and former music teacher, Yoni spent many summers at Camp Ramah where he led the musical spirit of camp life.
Enon
Avital
Vocals, Percussion, Accordion, Guitar, Gourd
Enon Avital was also born in Brooklyn and raised in both Israel and New York. Just like cousin Yoni and the rest of the family, Enon grew up surrounded by musical influences. He has played various genres with many bands in the United States, ranging from folk to Arabic, to alternative rock, to funk. Enon has performed at many clubs and Jewish events in tri-state area, and particularly enjoys spreading the beats of Sepharadic Jews to the rest of the world.
Josh
Gelles
Vocals, Drums, Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar
A New Brunswick, NJ icon, Josh established himself playing with urban funk quartet, The Platypus Complex. At 23, his musical career spans almost a decade and includes a wide range of musical styles and genres. Josh is proud to have called Israel his home for a period, and is excited to be playing with a group that so embodies the spirit of the land.
Ami
Yares
Acoustic Guitar, Banjo, Oud
Born and bred in the sprawling suburbs of Southern New Jersey, Ami found music to be his calling. Currently residing in Tel Aviv, Ami performs and teaches regularly in various capacities. Ami studied music and Jewish culture in college and found himself immersed in music from Latin American and the Caribbean, Iraq, Israel, Africa, and of course, the backwoods of the United States. After making his home in Israel a few years ago, Ami plunged into Middle Eastern musical studies, learning Jewish and Bedouin music. Ironically enough, his musical pursuits led him to the American Folk tradition and he now writes and performs regularly with his band folk/bluegrass band HOLLER! On any given day, you will find Ami entwined with a guitar, banjo, or oud making music for the people.
Additional Members:
Eli Blashko, Joel Seltzer, Yoni Safier, Ben Davis, David
K Freeman, Gideon Blumenthal
