Last night was beyond special.
To kick off 2024, I played a show in Los Angeles at a venue called Hotel Cafe.
It was my first showcase since October 7th, 2023.
For those who’ve been following me for any length of time, you know I speak out on issues I care about, no matter how controversial. I’ve been writing a lot about Israel, dispelling myths about the war, and calling out others who tell lies and cover for atrocities committed by Hamas.
I was very overwhelmed to not only play in a full room, but for 90% of the room to be filled with those I’ve met on social media since October 7th. The energy was high, and after I performed the first two songs, I told the crowd that this tour is dedicated to my Jewish and Israeli friends, as they have not had the sufficient time and space to process and mourn their dead and missing loved ones.
After that, I felt the room shift. The rest of the set took another form.
My Israeli brother, Yaron Cherniak happened to move to LA recently, and he texted me the day before the show, not knowing I was there. He wound up playing a middle eastern instrument called the lyra for one of the songs I performed. I’ve had him on two different album projects over the past couple of years, but we had not yet met in person. That was also special.
I also had a chance to meet Mike and Jake, the co-founders of
and ; people that I’ve admired from afar for some time now. There’s a podcast episode in Free Black Thought coming out that features me, which I am very honored to be a part of. Kimi’s also had my father on her podcast.This is one of my favorite parts of touring.
I do not like the fact that October 7th (and the war in 2021) is what brought a lot of us together, but I love community, and am glad that I could hopefully provide some sort of respite in my short set last night.
It was a very meaningful show, and sets a great precedent for the rest of the year.
Still praying for the swift return of the remaining hostages, and an end to our enemies.
Next dates:
February 2nd - Columbus, OH
March 3rd - Chicago, IL
March 28th - Manhattan, NY
April 30th - Los Angeles, CA
May 2nd - San Jose, CA
May 4th - Sacramento, CA
See you soon~
I hope to see you in San Jose :)
The show was great, JoDavi! Thank you for sharing your gift with us.