Israeli jazzman Tamir Grinberg visited Panevėžys April 25, giving a performance with his ensemble at the Panevėžys Music Theater to a large and enthusiastic audience.

Grinberg, 21, is already a star in his native Israel and plays at the big clubs and festivals, and in recent years has become better known in Europe as well. He has a loyal fan base in Lithuania. Last year the fiery and lyrical Grinman, scrupulous in his music to a fault and a master of his genre, became the favorite at the Kaunas Jazz Festival. He was declared a young musical phenomenon several years ago, and formed several bands in his teens at music school. Fans say his voice is both interesting and emotional, and that he is faithful to his funk, blues and jazz roots. They point to his stylish retro sound and his incredible energy as the reasons for Grinberg’s success and his cross-generational audience. They say his style doesn’t obey the dictates of time or fashion.

After the performance the band visited the Panevėžys Jewish Community and talked about their plans and exchanged thoughts over coffee and tea. They learned a bit about Panevėžys (Ponevezh) and said they would continue their tour with concerts in Alytus and Kaunas.

The concert was organized by Israeli ambassador to Lithuania Amir Maimon, his attaché Rasa Mikulevičiūtė and the organizers of the Kaunas Jazz Festival.

The mayor and deputy mayor expressed their surprise and wonder at the talent of the musicians, whom the audience did not want to allow out of the venue, calling for encores with applause and screams of enthusiasm.