2023 is wrapping up, but as life would have it, nothing really is ever wrapping up with it. Nonetheless, I want to take a few moments to express my gratitude and recap the year with you.
Montrose, Colorado
JoDavi and a group I Co-Produce with my father, the Hebrew Project provided music for an event in Montrose, CO called A Night for Israel. We had an amazing time, but obviously didn’t know this would be recurring theme throughout the rest of the year. We’ll get to that later.
Chicago, Illinois
I had the honor and privilege of sharing one of my original songs at a very special Passover musical event at New Beginnings Church, hosted by my dear, dear friend, Peggy Shapiro, and an incredible man by the name of Pastor Corey Brooks.
Sacramento, California
Whenever I go back to my old home state, I do at least a few shows. One in particular that was incredibly special to me was at a beautiful home/venue called Theater 5150. I’m excited to be back again this spring. We also did San Jose again that weekend at our favorite Bay Area venue, the Art Boutiki. That will also happen again in 2024!
Harlem, New York
Harlem’s very own Tsion Café has become a fast favorite of mine. The owner, Beejhy Barhany maintains such an incredible vibe. There will be more of this to come as well! If you' find yourself in NYC, go enjoy some amazing Ethiopian cuisine at Tsion Café!
📸 Phillip Yurchenko
Jerusalem, Israel
An organization my family and I run took our group of young Black American leaders from all over the country on a year-long journey of learning and discussion, and the journey culminated into two different trips. The first trip was in South Africa, and the second was in Israel. Within the Israel trip, I managed to book a show at a beautiful venue in Jerusalem called the Nocturno. The room was full of people my family either knew personally, or people who followed us because of our work in Africa-Israel relations. I can’t even begin to describe how special that night was; more importantly, how much closer to home it hit when October 7th happened.
Oakland, California
Coming from Israel to one of the biggest music festivals in the Bay Area was vibrant, to say the least. Pretty sure I brought a little of Israel with me on that stage. Both the rehearsal and the show were full of unforgettable moments.
📸 Elle Jaye
Stockton, California
Still beaming from the full Symphonic Soul JoDavi show that we had. Still speechless.
📸 Elle Jaye
Atlanta, Georgia
I sang solo at the Taste of Soul Festival. Completely solo. Not even a keyboard. Just me and some tracks playing behind me. I was definitely out of my comfort zone, but it turned out to be something of a breakthrough event for me.
Paris, France
My first international trip with my band. I turned 33 in Paris, and had a last minute show on my birthday. We were also able to do a photoshoot, as you can see below.
📸 Lou Morris Photography
Reno, Nevada
This was our second year at the Offbeat Music Festival. We were promoted to the main stage for this one, and had an amazing time outdoors with our Reno fam.
The day of our performance was October 7th. So much was unfolding as many of you already know, and my wife happened to be in Israel at the time. Her plane was literally landing in Israel as the atrocities took place. This day was a good concert day, but also an extremely difficult and tumultuous day for our Jewish and Israeli brothers and sisters that hasn’t ended yet.
Big shout out to Flip for his tireless work in making these happen every year. It’s such a privilege to be a part of this two years in a row.
And Most Recently: Stockton, California
I currently serve as Board Chairman and Resident Composer for a nonprofit called Stockton Soul. This December was our annual holiday concert. Stockton Soul’s founder, and my good friend and violinist, Darcy Ford-James held what we called a Summit on Black Music, wherein I was asked to keynote. I always cherish the time I get to spend with and for Stockton Soul.
📸 Snap Jackson
All of this is just a fraction of the doors that have opened in 2023. I want to thank each and every one of you who have supported me on this journey; whether that was giving to our campaign to go to Paris, buying tickets to the shows, becoming a paid subscriber to this Substack page, sharing my content, or simply sending your words of wisdom and encouragement. I hold it all near and dear to my heart, and I’m excited for what is to come.
It wasn’t always an easy time, but I hope that through my music, writings, speeches, and other works, I’ve provided something of a relief and peace for you; and my commitment is to continue doing just that in the new year.
Another world tour is being planned as we speak. I hope to see you on it. ❤️
Cheers 🥂
Sorry I only discovered you after you were back from your Israel trip. Love Nocturno! They have great small-audience musical events and great food! Hope to see you there on your next trip here. Happy holidays.