Jay and a friend at Boney’s Biker Bar
Two years ago, I knew nothing about the Biker world. That is, until I met my biker husband Jay. We were set up on a date and were rather shocked that we actually enjoyed ourselves, having some not so fun prior experiences. Jay sat across from me with his tattoos and stories of riding a Harley Davidson Motorcycle for twenty years. I don’t think I had ever even met a biker in my entire life. His first serious question was would I be willing to ride on the back of his motorcycle with him. I guess I agreed because we have been riding together ever since.
What I learned about bikers kind of surprised me. For the most part, they are caring individuals and are often called in to help those in need. Such was Jay’s experience when he joined B.A.C.A. Bikers Against Child Abuse https://bacaworld.org/
For those of you who know me, you know that I don’t like competition and try to create projects and events not done before. So after two years of hearing more and more Biker stories, meeting bikers at nearby Biker Bars, admiring their bikes and their terrific attitudes (always positive and friendly) I thought maybe it was time that Jerusalem would get to know this fascinating world.
Now comes the question: how do I get this off the ground? At one of the biker events, I met a great guy, Alec Dinner, who recently made Aliyah from the US with one of the biggest bikes I have ever seen. He told me about “Custom Life” the organization that organizes the largest Biker events in the country, and I was introduced to one of its founders and directors, Martine Sabag. Together with his C.L. partner Erez Oshri we began to develop a plan. Back to my Jerusalem contacts, my first call was to Hillel Farkash, advisor to the Mayor on Youth and Culture, and one hell of a guy!! He loved the idea, wanting to call it “Festival Vruum Vruum” Lol. I then approached Liat Pitro, the head of the Jerusalem Sports Department, and she loved the idea as well.
Now for the biggest challenge: where can we hold such a festival? So here comes Hillel with the craziest idea!! “Tracey, meet me at Cinema City”. “OK, whatever you say Hillel.” That’s my normal response to Hillel. I know when he puts his mind to something, it happens!! So I meet him at Cinema City and he begins to share his vision. “Here we will display 50 motorcycles in the middle of the lobby. 50 Bikers will surround their bikes and share stories about the Biker world. We will have one of the movie halls show a great motorcycle movie. In addition, we will have family/children’s activities all around including a photo stand where the kids (and adults) can sit on a huge motorcycle and have their photo taken! This will all take place from 12:00-16:00 and entrance will be free.”
OK, so far so great! Now, what will we do for the adults? Well again, for those of you who know me whenever I have an opportunity to put on a Woodstock Festival I find a way to host one. So this is exactly what we will do from 17:00-21:00 outside on the large patio Cinema City calls “The Garden”. Starting off the evening will be The Beat Coin Band, a local band with a couple members who they themselves are bikers. They will perform a medley of 60’s and 70’s music. Following Beat Coin will be the most well-known country band in the country, The Nashville Outlaws! That in itself was quite a feat. They were recently invited to perform in front of a delegation of US Congressmen and are considered the best country band in the country. Next we will host the legendary Shlomo Mizrachi- Israel’s Jimi Hendrix since the 70’s. Finally one of our favorite Led Zepplin bands “CoverTale” will be playing the best of Zepplin. Following these great bands we will host a Rock-n-Roll D.J. for a dance party! Entrance fee is for the low cost of 50 sh a ticket. This event will be for ages 18 and over. Here is the link to purchase your tickets: https://tickchak.co.il/91063/en?ref=r2
I would like to add one more important element. As I shared earlier, in the US and around the world though not in Israel, B.A.C.A. assists children being abused. Hearing about this organization from a friend, Martine decided to create a similar organization here in Israel called Custom Angels https://customangels.org.il/ . I am honored to have Martine and this important organization a part of our event. There will be a booth where some of the members can explain more about what they do and if you are a biker and interested, you can see how you can sign up to be an angel yourself. In addition, we hope to have some of the Angel kids joining us for this event.
Hoping to see you there and if you would like more information, feel free to contact me: Tracey 0548108918
The bands playing at our Biker Event
Tracey Shipley is a youth and family counselor specializing in addictions and family communication. She was born in the US and moved to Israel in 1984 to continue her studies in Art Therapy. She moved back to the US in 1989 and began working in a drug rehab for teens where she was trained while she worked as a primary counselor. She moved back to Israel in 1996 and continued her work in addictions at the Jerusalem Methadone Clinic for a total of 9 years. She initiated projects for the children of the addicts at the Methadone Clinic, Established a program for Ethiopian Teens educating them about their culture and opened the Jerusalem School of Rock program which helps to create teen rock bands and established monthly teen music events at downtown venues where teens perform for their friends in a teen friendly exciting atmosphere. https://www.facebook.com/jerusalemshoolofrock. In addtion to her projects Tracey was the English Speaking Volunteer Coordinator for Emunah Jerusalem succeeding in bringing in more funds and volunteers than ever before. Tracey organizes monthly Rock Festivals and manages rock bands young and old. Tracey also writes for Times of Israel and the Jerusalem Post.