As part of the MCW Jazz Series,Music Conservatory of Westchester and Nigunim Festival are pleased to present Isra-Alien live in its Recital Hall on Saturday, Oct. 15. This is the opening event of Nigunim 2011 - a festival of New improvised Jewish music. 

Isra-Alien is a band with innovative compositions and imaginative arrangements - deeply rooted in Israel's diverse musical traditions. The result is a unique fusing of a myriad of influences (Greek, Balkan, Eastern-European, and Jewish/Klezmer), with daring improvisations and inventive textures, showcasing both guitarists’ musical worlds.

Gilad Ben Zvi, and Oren Neiman are both Israeli guitar players who moved to New York in 2001 and made it their musical home. They met originally during their mandatory service in the Israeli army, and have been close friends and musical collaborators ever since. 

In April 2009, Isra-Alien recorded their debut album "Isra-Alien". The duo has since been touring in support of the new album in the New York area and Israel, and will continue to do so throughout 2010-11 in addition to writing and rehearsing new material.

Isra-Alien's debut album was chosen by Music Connection Magazine as one of the top 25 independent albums of 2009.

The live performances are humoristic and lively, and include stories and personal anecdotes about the music, the compositions and the musicians.

"...the players weave their skills wonderfully, showing expert balance and dynamics...(they) have played together for years and it shows in every note, verse and exchange..." Music Connection Magazine July 2009

Nigunim, a festival of creative Jewish Music was created by Guitarists Oren Neiman and Koby Hayon. The purpose of the festival is to provide Westchester with an annual series of quality performances that explore the different facets of Jewish music, and Israeli music.