By Joel Magalnick, Editor, JTNews
A detailed study of the acts at this year’s Bumbershoot show that with the exception, perhaps, of a backup singer or two, the musical acts are woefully bereft of Jews. Where in the past we had Monotonix (the Israeli punk band whose act was cut off mid-set when the singer began crowd surfing), Tony Bennett (oh, wait, everybody only thinks he’s Jewish), Wayne Horvitz, Bob Dylan (is he still Jewish?), and Balkan Beat Box.
So if you’re perusing the lineup looking for someone to sneak a bite of bacon with, you’re stuck with the comedians. Which, if we’re going to be honest, is probably appropriate.
So here are the Jews you can check out. I’ve done some research, and most of them are actually pretty funny.
Marc Maron: “My parents were the first generation of Jews who moved as far away from their parents as possible for reasons other than fleeing a country.”
Sat. at 1 p.m., Sun. at 8 p.m. at Comedy at the Playhouse. Sun. at 4:45 p.m. at Comedy at the Bagley.
Emily Heller (she’s billed by her dad as half-Jewish, but close enough): Sun. at 2:45 p.m. and Mon. at 8 p.m. at Comedy at the Playhouse.
Mike Drucker (at least I think he’s Jewish, based on persnickety asides in his act): Sat. at 6:15 p.m., Sun. at 4:30 p.m. and Mon. at 2:45 p.m. at Comedy at the Playhouse.
Julie Klausner (a life recording of her weekly podcast): “Nothing brings a family closer on Christmas day than two Jews in a car.”
Sat. at 4:45 p.m. at Comedy at the Bagley.
Judah Friedlander: Okay, so the guy comes off as Italian — at least on TV. But dang if he ain’t hilarious. He is, after all, the champion of the world. Sun. at 6:15 p.m. and Mon. at 1 p.m. at Comedy at the Playhouse.
Bumbershoot, if you’ve been living in a cave (or you’re new to town), takes over Seattle Center this Labor Day weekend. Tickets cost way too much. But visit www.bumbershoot.org to buy them or pick “˜em up at the door.