Itamar's music holds a depth and sensitivity that touches listeners deeply. It blends the delicateness of Middle Eastern music, the freedom found in jazz and the passion of flamenco, creating a unique sound all his own. Recipient of the 2014 ACUM Prize for Special Achievement in Jazz and the prestigious 2014 Landau Prize, Itamar Erez is an internationally renowned composer and guitarist who has shared the stage with such musicians as Omar Faruk Tekbilek, Jean-Louis Matinier, Zohar Fresco, and others.
Itamar has released 4 CDs so far, two with his quartet The Adama Ensemble: “Desert Song” (2006) & “Hommage” (2010), “New Dawn” (2013), is a duet collaboration with Yshai Afterman (percussion), with special guest Antonio Serrano (harmonica). His most recent CD “Mi Alegria” was released in June 2019 with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, and has received raving reviews, both nationally and internationally, including a nomination for the 2020 Instrumental Artist of the Year Award from the Canadian Folk Music Awards.
Itamar performs internationally and gives workshops and masterclasses, teaching his unique approach to music and piano/guitar playing.
In recent years, Itamar has performed in Canada, USA, Israel, Germany, Greece, Netherlands, Austria, Cyprus, Israel, India, Tunisia, Hungary, Colombia & Surinam. Itamar made his Carnegie Hall (NY) debut Apr 2018 performing with the Omar Faruk Tekbilek Ensemble with Ara Dinjkian & Brian Keane as special guests.
Among the venues and festivals that Itamar played throughout his career were: Barbican Hall (London UK), Sydney Opera (Sydney, Australia), the Jerusalem Jazz Festival (Israel), Oman Opera House, The Megaron (Athens, Greece), Schauspiel Leipzig (Germany), Amsterdam Jewish Music Festival (Holland), the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Carnegie Hall (NY), and others.
Between September 20th- October 15th 2019, Itamar toured in Europe with ‘Nacht Der Gitarren’. With him on stage were Lulo Reinhardt (Germany), Daniel Stelter (Germany), Yuliya Lonskaya (Belarus). Circa 20 shows were booked in venues in Germany, Holland and Austria.
During the pandemic, Itamar has presented several online performances commissioned by the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, The Niagara Jazz festival, as well as his own private solo performance.
At the 2021 Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Itamar has participated as a leader of the Itamar Erez Quartet, as well as a workshop facilitator, discussing his musical work, creative process and inspiration. A new CD is in the works, coming out in 2022!
In 2022 Itamar was chosen to showcase his quartet at ‘JazzAhead’ music conference in Bremen (Germany), and presented a 45 min set of his original music.
As a composer, Itamar has written for various chamber ensembles and groups (such as the ‘Sound Of Dragon Ensemble’), as well as numerous pieces for the classical guitar. Compositions such as ‘Yahli’s Lullaby’, ‘Morning Song’, ‘Choro for Lulo’ & ‘Choro Sentimental’ are often played by concert guitarists in recitals. Matt Palmer & Daniel Bolshoy are among the international classical guitarists who played and premiered Itamar’s music.
Apart from his busy composing and touring life, Itamar is also teaching at the guitar, jazz and world music faculty at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School Of Music.
67 Front Street Penticton, British Columbia V2A 1H2
The Dream Café
We do have $10 minimum food charge at the venue as we are a food-primary establishment*
Founded in 2001, we've developed a reputation, among artists and audiences alike, as a premium live entertainment venue across Canada and further afield.
Our room is a listening room, which is a rare gem to find. There is no greater gift to give performers than to simply listen. They bring with them years of dedication and we get to enjoy and absorb their creativity. As an audience member, the experience is without parallel, providing an incredibly intimate and unique opportunity to see top talent from Canada, and around the world.
A wide range of musical styles can be seen on the Dream stage. Though they differ in genre, they are united in their skills. Expect to see Jazz, blues, indie, R&B, folk, punk, spoken word, reggae, rock, country, comedy, and more.
A night at the Dream Café includes a warm welcome, great food and an outstanding music experience. Our regulars know that no matter who is gracing the stage that night - the calibre of music and entertainment will be excellent. Thank you for supporting live music, the arts and The Dream Cafê
There's no need to print your tickets, we will greet you at the door with our guest list for the show.
Doors open 6pm (unless otherwise stated). Show starts at 8pm. Kitchen is open from 6-9pm. We are an all-ages venue!
No need for reservations for dinner - your tickets include your table for the evening. Please arrive by 7:15pm to have time to get settled before the music starts.
