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The Chutzpah Festival is now in its 11th year of providing performance art that showcases worldwide talent. Venues include the Norman Rothstein Theatre, Venue Night Club, Commodore Ballroom, Scotiabank Dance Centre, and Presentation House Theatre in North Vancouver. The festival runs from February 10-27th.

Balkan Beat Box is a crazy fun NYC-based band that I had the chance to check out last year. Their music is Eastern/Mediterranean/rock/reggae-influenced, but it’s best to experience them live rather than try to put a label on their sound. Their 2010 show sold out last year at Venue; this year they’re playing at The Commodore Ballroom on Sunday, February 27. Opening for Balkan Beat Box is Poland’s Klezmafour.

Klezmerata Fiorentina hails from Italy and comprises four players from Florence’s Orchestra del Maggio Musicale. They play authentic Klezmer chamber music with virtuosic classical complexities. They’ll perform on Wednesday, February 16 at the Norman Rothstein Theatre.

The 18-member Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company will present the Western Canadian premiere of Ekodoom (February 22 – 24 at the Norman Rothstein Theatre). I’m personally looking forward to seeing this group for its high-calibre of dance and breathtaking performances known around the world as one of Israel’s most prominent dance companies.

With seven Tony Award nominations (and winner for best score and book), the Broadway musical Falsettos will proudly make its way to Chutzpah this year. The all-star cast is led by director/choreographer Peter Jorgensen (The Full Monty, Bat Boy). Performances will run from February 12 through 20 at various times at the Norman Rothstein Theatre.

These are but a few of the wide assortment of performances on offer at this year’s festival. Visit the website for more information and specific performance times.

Tickets can be purchased by phone at the Chutzpah! Festival Box Office (604.257.5145), online at Tickets Tonight, on the Chutzpah! Festival website, and in person at the JCCGV (950 West 41st Avenue). Additionally, Chutzi Packs are available, which allow patrons to see four shows of their choice for just $69 (excluding Balkan Beat Box or Yemen Blues).