The ‘Beyoncé of Israel

ARTS&LIFE MUSIC

SHAY FRANKO

Israeli singer Shiri Maimon

performs as Roxie Hart in a production of the Broadway musical Chicago.

The ‘Beyoncé communities will be felt. I will love to visit Detroit so, hopefulof Israel’ ly, we’ll have the chance to sing together face-to-face very, very soon.” Shiri Maimon to guest at Temple Israel’s Laker Concert. Temple Israel Cantor Michael Smolash is at the cen ter of arranging this annual event, which started in 1993 SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER and is a Laker family gift to the community in honor of the late Sarah and Harry

Shiri Maimon, applauded numbers by Jewish composer Laker. as both the “Beyoncé of John Kander and Jewish lyri- “Shiri Maimon is probIsrael” and a Broadway cist Fred Ebb for the musical ably the most exciting act star, is this year’s guest enter- Chicago, the show that brought ever brought in for the Laker tainer appearing in the Laker her to New York to play lead Concert,” Cantor Smolash Concert. character Roxie Hart. said. “Strangely, the reason we

A digital program because “I am always happy to could was probably because of of the worldwide pandemic, bring the Israeli flavor abroad COVID. We wanted to see what the concert will feature her and see how the audience advantage virtual programming live vocals joined by a key- unites when I sing both songs might give because of not dealboard accompanist. It runs from my repertoire as well ing with flights and schedules 4-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, and as famous and known classic in the normal way. is hosted by Temple Israel. Israeli songs. “We decided not to limit

“Performing for Jewish “Normally, I get to meet the our guest search even to North communities around the people, talk and hear their sto- America, and we called on one world is always an honor and ries. Unfortunately, this time of the biggest stars in Israel a pleasure,” said Maimon, who it will be contactless, and yet I to see if that person would is expected to combine pop am sure the warm welcoming appear.” and blues Israeli songs with I always get from the Jewish Maimon, who has recorded six acclaimed albums and was a judge on the Israeli version of The Voice, will be making her Michigan debut.

“A concert from Israel brings something special,” said the cantor, who reminds viewers that the varied live performances, scheduled close to Passover, had to be canceled this year because of the pandemic.

“Shiri Maimon has a great Broadway voice, but when she does pop, she has a great R&B sound. She’s a really versatile singer. We always have our eyes out for Israeli entertainers who are [traveling in the United States].”

Maimon, who grew up near Haifa, launched her career when she was 10 by appearing in a children’s musical. Drafted into military service in 2000, she became a vocalist in the Air Force Band.

In 2003, Maimon auditioned for Israel’s version of American Idol and attained second place, gained public popularity and was signed by