Music & Food from Livorno at Balagan Café

Thursday, June 22: Livorno, Crossroads of Culture Between Europe and the Mediterranean. Balagan Café.  Synagogue garden, via Farini 6.  7:30 pm. Free admission. Kosher Apertivo,  8 pm.  €10 for food and beverages.

The Jewish Community of Florence, in collaboration with the City of Florence, presents the fifth edition of the Balagan Café,  this summer on the theme of “Travel, Migration, and Diasporas.” There will be six free entrance events reflecting on the relationship between these themes and the Jewish experience. The series utilizes the Balagan Café as a meeting space for the community to engage in relevant discourse, enjoy cultural cuisine, and listen to various styles of music.

The program opens June 22, with an eclectic event entitled “Livorno, the Crossroads of Culture Between Europe and the Mediterranean.” Traditional Jewish-Livornese cuisine will be served for dinner accompanying a presentation of Ambra Tedeschi’s book, “A History of the Century.”

Following the discussion of Tedeschi’s work, guests can enjoy a concert performed by the Choir Ernesto Ventura of Livorno, directed by Mo. Paolo Filidei. In addition, Jewish comedian, Guido Bedarida will entertain the audience with his commentary on the Jewish-Italian dialect, known as  Bagitto, used by Jews in Livorno.

The evening will conclude with the sounds of celebrated jazz players, Mauro Grossi and Matteo Scarpettini, performing music typical of Mediterranean countries. For the complete program and additional information, see www.balagancafe.it.