Think of Israel and you think of Jerusalem and the history that the city carries. A tourist destination that is undoubtedly for those interested in Biblical sights and attractions. But over in Tel Aviv, things are far less rooted in history.
The second largest city in Israel, Tel Aviv is the opposite of what comes to mind when one thinks of the Middle Eastern country.
The city is the cultural centre of the country and it has become known for its night life, with its citizens taking a far less restricting stance on religion.
Tel Aviv is a party town awash with clubs, DJs and dance music. As well as beholding the country’s most exquisite museums, orchestras, theatres and art galleries.
This is a city that tourists should head to after the tiring exploits of experiencing Jerusalem. A place to let your hair down and appreciate the arts, there is no other city that is remotely like it in the Middle East.
While spending your day on the city’s beaches is a likelihood, your nights should be spent in one of Tel Aviv’s many clubs, bars or theatres.
The city has become a haven for people who love clubbing, with age not a restriction for those who could be deemed as ‘too old’. Tel Aviv has enough venues to accommodate for all types.
But to just spend your time exclusively on the dance floor would be a waste. The city of over 400,000 inhabitants has a thriving arts scene, with Tel Aviv home to a diverse mix of artists and musicians.
While Israel for many years was deprived of international tours, the country has been fortunate since 2008 to have some of the world’s biggest artists play there for the first time.
Acts such as Blondie, Deep Purple, Paul McCartney and Red Hot Chili Peppers have performed in the city in recent years.
But international tours are still too few for a city that loves music. However that could quickly change with news that Lollapalooza would further expand to Tel Aviv. The proposed 2013 festival was postponed with the event reportedly to take place a year later.
But regardless of the presence of the C3 Presents festival, Tel Aviv has enough local music to sustain the arts scene.
Local musicians blend Arab, European and Israeli elements into their craft to create a diverse and exotic mix. While musicians sing in Hebrew, artists that perform in English are not uncommon.
Whether it’s dance, rock or classical music there is music for all to experience in this city.
Despite the city’s reputation for clubs, there are plenty of places to catch live music from rock and folk acts (read on below to find out where).
But Tel Aviv is predominantly a city which fans of electronic music should flock to. The city doesn’t have a reputation for having one of the best night life’s in the world for nothing.
Tel Aviv Festivals/Conferences
White City Music Festival: 10 days of music variety, this festival is for those whose love isn’t restricted to one genre. Jazz, funk, rock & roll and more offbeat styles of music such as Indian folk and Balkan beat is all on show during early May. Held at the Hangar 11 venue in Tel Aviv Port, the festival features local and and international musicians. White City Music Festival also has a variety of free street shows as well as scheduled jam sessions.
TCM Music Festival: Touted as an indie music festival for the people and by the people, TCM opens the Jewish New Year in late September. This music marathon which runs over 12 hours is hosted on the fourth floor of the Central Bus Station in Tel Aviv. It looks over South Tel Aviv, a cultural hub where many of the city’s musicians reside. The young organisers invited locals to donate to the festival, rather than rely on big name sponsors.
The Felicja Blumental International Music Festival: Since 1999 this festival has celebrated the city’s much lauded classical and folk musicians. Featuring young and established Israeli artists, ensembles and orchestra’s the festival also hosts films and plays from some of the country’s most creative souls. The festival begins with a series of intimate music performances, while it runs between April and May over five days.
Tel Aviv Record Stores
Krembo Records, 18 Sheinken St; Israeli rock records and electronica are the main focus of the Krembo Records collection. This store is the most famous vinyl selling establishment in Tel Aviv. While it’s become known through its CD and vinyl collection, the store also sells tickets to upcoming concerts and even raves. Krembo Records is also an art gallery and a place to catch local DJs.
Third-Ear Records, 48 King George St; As the longest running record store, not just in the city, but Israel itself, Third-Ear Records is an institution of the country’s music scene. With new and used CDs, LPs and DVDs all in stock, the store prides itself on providing anything that is “unique, adventurous and different in music”. But more specifically their collection is filled with records from genre’s such as alt rock, psychedelia, avant-garde, jazz, electronic, industrial, world and folk.
Ktzat Aheret, 93 Dizengoff St; A somewhat new addition to Tel Aviv’s record store family, this establishment aims to please a variety of music fans. Their collection specialises in progressive rock, classical rock, avant-garde, punk, reggae, Israeli music and funk music. The store’s variety and staff expertise makes Ktzat Aheret a place for keen record collectors.
Tel Aviv Bars
Moaden Hateatron, 10 Jerusalem Boulevard; The largest performance space in Tel Aviv, this venue is the place to catch Israel’s biggest bands. While in typical Tel Aviv style, it is also known for hosting huge parties. Moaden Hateatron is a spacious venue with a bar against the back wall, while there is also a loft which acts as a lounge that overlooks the stage. Young Israeli music fans have found a haven inside this venue, which accommodates for much of the city’s rock music scene.
Pacha, 56 Kaufman Streetl Famous for its connection with the club’s sister venue in Ibiza, Pacha carries through it’s reputation for being one hell of a nightclub. With a massive attendance of 1000 plus on Thursday and Friday nights this venue is extremely popular amongst the locals. Situated on the beach, trance and techno DJs get the crowd dancing. International DJs such as Sasha and Jimmy Van M have also played here.
Tmuna Theatre, 8 Soncino Street; With a bar full of old couches and eccentric decorations, this venue is almost certainly for the hipsters of the area. Avant-garde acts are commonly on stage here as Tmuna Theatre has become a place for Tel Aviv’s alternative music fans to congregate. Next to the stage is also a small theatre for local artists.
Cat and Dog Club, 23 Carlebach Street; Fans of electronic music ranging from house to trans or techno have made this club one of the city’s most popular locations for clubbing. The best local and international DJs are found here as well as live music shows by local bands. Although those looking to experience the best of Tel Aviv’s clubbing scene should head down on a Friday night for Cat and Dog Club’s biggest night of the week. The establishment is open from midnight to the early hours of the morning daily.
Tel Aviv Acts You Should Check Out
Kids From Nowhere – Soundcloud
With a spot booked at SXSW in Austin in 2013, this four piece outfit play a fusion of rock ‘n’ roll blues that you would easily find in Texas. Forming in 2007 the band released their debut album, Kick It In, last year.
Sarai Givaty – Soundcloud
Based in Tel Aviv this songstress makes experimental electronic music. Combined with her sweet almost Lana Del Rey-esque vocals, her songs float with ease. Listen to a remix of her slow burning track below.
Ensemble Yaman – Soundcloud
On the more traditional side of things this group of young Israeli musicians banded together to revive Yemenite Jewish music. Singing folks songs with religious inferences in Hebrew, have a listen for yourself below, with their track ‘Dowdachia’.
