On Friday, the city of Tel Aviv shut down it’s center for the Urban Moto Music street party. There wasn’t any particular reason for the party (it was more of a festival, by American standards) that I could determine besides being a huge Motorola advertisement.
It seemed like the city just decided it would be fun to shut down for a while, put up a bunch of music and performance stages, and invite everyone to watch. Count me in!
(above) The crowd at the break dancing stage. Dizengoff Square, Tel Aviv, Israel.
There were several music stages that were designated by music genre; rock, rap, metal, urban, etc…. They also set up performance areas for break dancers, BMX ramps, and other random show cases.
(above) The Rock stage
(above) The highway underpass was closed and transformed into booths selling crafts, jewelry, and t-shirts.
(below) This t-shirt sold at the festival was especially popular: “Fuck you, We’re From Israel”. I saw people wearing it all over the event but this guy struck me as particularly ironic:
(above) The climax of the day featured a famous band in Israel called (appropriately) The Jews.
I was told that ticket prices to see them live here are usually very high and it was a big deal to catch a free show. I was envious of the people who lived in the surrounding buildings and could watch the show on their balconies.
This video shows one particularly energetic fan… the sign she’s holding in the end says, “More peace and hummus”. 
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3 Users Responded in " Urban Moto Music Israel 2008 "
More peace and hummus! make my tshirt a small! I think its awesome that they are forever having festivals there. was there a beer tent? that makes or breaks my decision to go to events sometimes. (im just kidding, i read your last blog and felt sadness that boozery is NOT in fact a national pastime there) I’m going to a music and arts festival today that has a Karl Strauss beer tent! whoot!
No beer tents, BUT… there were bars that set up little beer tables outside their establishments. It was a little expensive to buy from them (just as you would expect in the states), so I just bought a 32 oz can of Heineken from a convenience store for half the price.
Who’s gonna be at the music festival?
oh just a bunch of local artists/musicians. then i’m off to the bar! no street drinkin here, lucky. i’ll let you know how it goes!
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