“TAMAR HAS A POWER IN HER PERFORMANCE THAT IS COMPLETELY JOYFUL AND TRANSPORTIVE”-
Leslie Feist
Tamar Ilana &Ventanas
About the Show
TAMAR ILANA & VENTANAS: Flamenco-Balkan-Sephardic world music band.
Tamar Ilana & Ventanas is a 5-7 piece Toronto-based world music ensemble fronted by powerhouse vocalist and dancer Tamar Ilana and featuring the city’s finest world musicians. Drawing inspiration from such legendary artists as the Silk Road Ensemble, Paco de Lucía, and Yasmin Levy, they reimagine Mediterranean melodies and flamenco grooves, and mix contemporary interpretations of ancient ballads with original compositions and fresh choreographies.
Tamar Ilana & Ventanas have released three albums: MISTRĀL (2019), Arrelumbre (2015) and Ventanas (2013). In their new multi-media show, Tamar Ilana’s “honeyed vocals” (New York Music Daily) are backed by virtuosic musicianship and framed by visuals relating to MISTRĀL’s overarching themes of migration and Tamar’s childhood experiences gathering songs from across the Mediterranean.
“The sound of Toronto.” – Amirali Alibhai, Aga Khan Museum
Lineup
Tamar Ilanavocals, dance/dance
Demetri Petsalakis oud, lyra, baglama
Jessica Hana Deutshc violin, vocals
Benjamin Barrile flamenco guitar
Derek Gray percussion, drumset
Tyler Emondelectric bass, upright bass
Electro Accoustic
About the Show
TICA is a new electro acoustic sound launched by two of Ventanas’ original members: Tamar Ilana and Demetri Petsalakis. Together, they transform acoustic roots vibes and world music classics into an exciting blend of live flamenco dance and looped vocals, middle eastern electric oud and electronic beats. They are joined in each city by a different guest. TICA can also be presented as a solo project.
Tamar Ilana – vocals, dance, live looping, drum machine
Demetri Petsalakis – production, beats, electric oud, keys
“Wonderful talent. We love TICA’s energy!” – Hamsa Diab, Taste of the Middle East Festival
Core Team
Choreography and
Dance Tamar Ilana
Oud and Keyboard Demitri
Flamenco
About the Show
In this passionate encounter between the new and the old, the composed and the interpreted, four artists delve deeply within themselves and their art in the never-ending quest for identity as Canadian flamenco artists. Together they bring a unique sound and art form to the stage: rooted in the traditional, yet redefined as their own.
Tamar Ilana – vocals, dance
Matt Sellick – flamenco guitar
Chendy León – cajón
“Captivating. At once surprising and enchanting. Both Sellick and Ilana are masters of their respective arts, and the two have an intense musical chemistry.” – The Walleye, Thunder Bay
Live Performance Video at the Aga Khan Museum Duende Festival
Core Team
Choreography and
Dance Tamar Ilana
Flamenco Guitar Ben
Oud and Keyboard Demitri
Drums Derek
ViolinJess
Collaborations
Current
Jaffa Road
Lead Vocalist
Tamar Ilana recently joined as JUNO award winning Jaffa Road’s lead singer. However, she first guested with them when she was 16! Jaffa Road will be releasing their third album (the first one featuring Tamar) in 2021, with a mix of Hebrew, Arabic and English original and traditional songs.
“Jaffa Road blends Jewish, jazz, Indian and Arabic music with electronica and dub. The result is fantastic.” – CBC Radio One
Sultans of Strings
Flamenco Dancer and Choreographer
Tamar Ilana is the featured flamenco dancer with multi JUNO and CFMA award winners, Sultans of String. She recently performed with them and the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra, and at APAP in New York City. Stay tuned for upcoming live online shows!
“Energetic and exciting music from a band with talent to burn!” – Maverick magazine
Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company
Flamenco Singer
