Shemesh v'Kochavim

Shemesh V'Kochavim (Sun and Stars) is a groove-oriented rock band from Israel whose music spreads a message of love and hope from their native land. Lead singer and composer Eliyon Shemesh was raised on Moshav Meor Modi'in, the home of legendary musical Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach z'l, and hails from a musical family.

Shemesh, from whom the band takes its name, is best known as the drummer for Hasidic folk performer Chaim David. With a sunny disposition that befits his name, Eliyon now has a growing following and band of his own whose sound has been compared in style and substance to The Moshav Band.

He is joined by drummer Yisrael Abehsera, who has been entertaining crowds from an early age. He lives in Jerusalem, where he studies and plays music. His father is a noted leader in the Macrobiotic movement, and was known as "The Whistler" at the Farbrengens of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Keyboardist Mordechai Knapp hails from Montreal but now produces music in Jerusalem, where he lives with his family, and has an open home for musicians.

Shemesh V'Kochavim prides itself on its ability to express the positive, hopeful side of Israel. Their upbeat, danceable music is interspersed with tales and Hasidic stories. Their English is impeccable, so they relate well to American audiences, and their Hebrew is of course excellent as well, so that can relate well to Israeli expatriates living here.

Hear the music: Medley Booking and performance inquiries: carlebach@j-arts.org