“The idea of Zion for us is more than a physical place, it’s a spiritual place also,” said Ziggy Marley in a press meeting that took place earlier today at the Sheraton Hotel in Tel Aviv. Marley is in Israel for the third time as part of the tour for his new album Forward to Love. He will be performing tonight at the Barby in Tel Aviv and on Thursday, July 21, 2011 in Sacher Park in Jerusalem with Road to Zion, a marathon of music with international and Israeli musicians coming together to celebrate Zion in Jerusalem. The evening’s musical director Shlomi Alon (HaDag Nachash) presents a program that includes: Easy Stars All Stars, Yuval Banai, Carolina, Muki, Yael Deckelbaum, Rami Danoch and more – all connecting to the essence of Zion.
Shuki Weiss, co-producer of the event with Carmi Wertman, addressed the press this morning saying that he hopes it will be the start of a new tradition, and encouraged everyone to use public transportation to reach the concert, which is located just a 5 minute walk away from the central bus station in Jerusalem. So take the green road to Zion!
In addition to great music there are other treats in store: advance tickets for the six hour music marathon are only 90NIS (60NIS for Jerusalem residents) and the first 1,500 ticket purchasers will receive a voucher for free treats at bars and restaurants in Jerusalem, which will remain open all night long.
Road to Zion is one of the many events taking place in Jerusalem this summer as part of the Jerusalem Season of Culture (JSOC). Itay Mautner, JSOC Artistic Director said, “We want to celebrate culture in Jerusalem with events that are unique to Jerusalem. This is a music festival with a theme; even Wikipedia has an entry for songs written about Jerusalem.”
In Tel Aviv this morning to share the love were Michael Goldwasser, founder of the Easy Stars All Stars and Ras I Ray, who will be performing Thursday at 18:00. The group recently released First Light, an album of all original material. Goldwasser said, “We’re honored to be playing with Ziggy. We love coming to Israel. I was born in the US, but Israel is my home in my heart.”
Ras I Ray said, “This is my fourth time in Israel. Jerusalem symbolizes so much not only to Israel, but for the whole world…and we’re using the music to bring it forth.”
Ziggy Marley brought a cool vibe into the room, answering questions with an easy manner and an open smile. When asked what he planned to do in his free time in Israel, the musician queried, “Free time?” Once the laughter subsided, Marley said, “I just take it day by day, don’t make too many plans, I flow with what I feel.”
Marley, whose wife is Israeli, said of Israel, “I like the people here; the vibe feels like home to me.”
Marley, who has a new comic book out called Marijuanaman, sang the praises of marijuana, saying, “It’s a natural resource that we’re not using. The seeds are high in protein and omega oils, it can be used to make fabric, and for fuel. It is literally and figuratively a green plant. You can’t have a green revolution if you don’t use this plant. This is the green revolution.”
As for his attitude towards cultural boycotts of Israel, Marley said, “I follow nature, the universe… God made the sun shine for everyone. I follow the sun, moon, stars, rain…I am not a part of the segregation that people put on one another…If I had one message it is love. That has been my mantra throughout my life – it’s who I am and what I want to say to people. Love is my religion. If people can find this thing called love then the world will be a better place.”
The oldest son of Bob Marley, Ziggy responded sweetly to the inevitable question ‘what’s it like’ saying, “Very nice, people love me everywhere I go. My father, as a musician, is one of my favorite musicians. He inspires me to make music.”
What kind of music does Ziggy Marley listen to? All different kinds. Says Marley: “My mind is wide open.”
Ziggy Marley at the Barby, July 19, 2011. Doors open at 21:00, with Michael Greilsammer opening for Marley. Tickets are 160NIS and can be ordered via www.barby.co.il.
Road to Zion will take place on July 21, 2011 at Sacher Park in Jerusalem. Gates open at 17:00. Tickets are 90NIS advance purchase, 60NIS for Jerusalem residents, and 110/80NIS at the box office. Tickets can be purchased via www.bimot.co.il.
