The Israeli city of Safed in the Upper Galilee region, hosts the annual International Klezmer Festival. The festival is the biggest festival of Jewish soul music in the world that and the 2011 festival will be its 24th occurrence, expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors from across Israel and further afield to the city known for its place at the center of the mystical Kabballah. In 2011, the International Klezmer Festival will take place between 15-17 August. Entrance to all performances are free.

Safed by Adam Reeder, on Flickr

The Klezmer Festival considered by some to be one of the biggest events in the Israeli cultural calendar. Numerous unique musical performances are given by the best Klezmer musicians from Israel who perform with other international Klezmer greats. Stages are set up in the old historical alleys of Safed which lend a special atmosphere to the festival.

The beautiful Galilean landscape surrounding Safed by Adam Reeder, on Flickr

Among the artists appearing this year are notably Yonatan Razael, Mirel Reznik, Aharon Razel, Eyal Shiluah, Erez Lev-Ari, Daniel Zamir, Musa Berlin, Jimmy Lloyd, Women’s group “Klezmiriot”, as well as many other groups and special artists from around the world.

In addition to the many performances there will also be many other activities across the city including a stage for “Klezmerim for Kids” in which kids will be encouraged to try the Klezmer instruments, a magic show and storytelling, demonstrations of unusual instruments, and plays. Musical tours will be given accompanied by Klezmer musicians in cooperation with the JNF. There will also be tours and workshops in the spirit of the Kabballah and the city of Safed.

Safed's narrow alleyways by Adam Reeder, on Flickr

Entrance is free to all the activities for the duration of the festival including all the performances spread around the city and Klezmer Jam sessions that will go on into the small hours and lots of other activities for all the family.

For the week following the festival, there will be an international Master Class, given by the foremost artists in the world of Klezmer music and performances from young artists from all over the world. Maestro Giora Feydman will be head the list of world famous teachers and Hanan Bar Sela, the Artistic Director of the festival will also participate. The teachers will also be performing every evening at the festival including a grand performance on the eve of Shabbat in the old synagogue of Safed.