ABOUT
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Darshan is a kaleidoscopic fusion of Hip Hop, Rock, World, Psychedelic and Jewish music like you’ve never heard before.
Inspired by the mystical poetry and songs of the Jewish tradition, Darshan breathes new life into ancient Hebrew and Aramaic texts through a combination of Rap Commentary and Musical Midrash. With a deep interest in excavating the creative connections between cultures, faiths, myths and grooves, esoteric indie rapper ePRHYME, world-soul singer Basya Schechter of Pharoah's Daughter, and multi-medial polymath Shir Yaakov Feit transform classic Jewish texts and prayers into a truly unique form of Sacred Pop Art For The People.
Eden Pearlstein (ePRHYME) is a veteran Hip Hop MC with over 15 years on stage and in the studio. From the Northwest Underground (K Records) to Brooklyn and beyond (Shemspeed, Chant Records), Eden has been fusing his musings on Jewish identity, history and mysticism with eclectic beats and a well-crafted cadence that is both classic and cutting-edge. Additionally, Eden holds 2 Master's Degrees in Experiential Jewish Education and Jewish Thought and Philosophy from JTS. Aside from music, Eden is also a book editor, curriculum designer, creative consultant, ritual artist, and self-proclaimed "rogue scholar." http://www.eprhyme.com
Basya Shechter has been a driving force of the Radical Jewish Culture movement for the past decade. Performing with her band Pharaoh's Daughter or as a solo artist, Basya has helped push Jewish music to new heights combining both Ashkenazi and Sefardi sounds and styles in a unique blend that is wholly her own. Currently, Basya serves as both Music Director of Romemu, NYC's largest Renewal synagogue, and cantor of the Fire Island Synagogue. http://www.pharaohsdaughter.com
Shir Yaakov Feit is a creative and spiritual polymath, leading rituals, building community, teaching meditation and performing his music and magic for diverse groups of Jews and spiritual seekers around the world. Aside from Darshan, Shir Yaakov has recorded and released four albums of original music. Shir has served as Creative and Musical Director for Romemu, New York City’s largest Renewal synagogue; Director of Engagement at ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal; ritual consultant for Eden Village Camp; and, visiting faculty at Academy for Jewish Religion. He is the founder and spiritual director of Kol Hai: Husdon Valley Jewish Renewal and a member of Roshi Bernie Glassman’s Zen Peacemakers community. shiryaakov.com
“ “Shir Yaakov’s melodies give new meaning to old words, which is truly a blessing.””
““ePRHYME writes lyrics peppered with bits of Jewish mysticism and philosophy with an iconoclastic bent.”
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““Basya Schechter’s music is such a delight. The groove, the purity, the skill — so fresh and yet so familiar, as the work of the heart always is.””