Sha’ar is Hebrew for “gateway.” Appropriately, it’s also the name of a multinational, musical boundary-crossing quartet that fuses jazz sensibilities with global Jewish musical traditions. This Saturday, that Sha’ar will perform for a special candlelight concert at the enchanting Omi International Arts Center.

Sha’ar features acclaimed American drummer and percussionist (and 2007 Music Omi program alumni) David K. Freeman; Israeli-Canadian-American guitarist Oren Neiman; Arentinian-American clarinetist Ivan Barenboim; and American bassist Doug Drewes, According to the arts center, “This musical project explores the various Jewish musical traditions of its members, and uses these traditions to inform the compositions played by the group in an attempt to create a musical language that is coherent and unique to the group, informed by jazz and global music.”

Dig this promo clip of Sha’ar in action:


Sha’ar will perform on February 28 at 6:30pm at Omi International Arts Center in Ghent, New York. A reception will follow with drinks and snacks prepared by a local chef. Admission is $10 (free for Omi members). For tickets and more information, call (518) 392-4747
or visit www.omiartscenter.org.