An Unforgettable Night of Soul, Jazz, and Sisterhood: Ester Rada, Irit Rose Sharon, and Mika Tal Ignite the Yellow Submarine
There is something inherently magical about the Yellow Submarine (Hatzolelet Hatzahova) in Jerusalem. Tucked away in the industrial heart of the Talpiot neighborhood, this legendary venue has served as the beating pulse of Israel’s alternative, jazz, and indie music scenes for decades. Last week, as part of the Queenta Festival 2026—Jerusalem’s premier celebration of women in music—the venue hosted a spectacular evening headlined by the incomparable queen of Israeli soul, Ester Rada. Supported by rising powerhouses Irit Rose Sharon and Mika Tal, the night wasn’t just a concert; it was a masterclass in musical storytelling, cultural fusion, and pure, unadulterated talent.
Setting the Stage: Irit Rose Sharon Brings the Groove
The evening kicked off with an electric opening set from Irit Rose Sharon. Seamlessly blending alternative indie-pop with rich, jazz-infused grooves and global rhythms, her set was an absolute sonic adventure.
Irit Rose Sharon possesses a magnetic stage presence that is impossible to look away from. Her vocal delivery was flawless, dancing over complex syncopated rhythms and driving basslines with total ease. What stands out most about Sharon is her theatricality; she doesn’t just sing her songs, she lives them on stage, using every inch of the Yellow Submarine platform to communicate with her musicians and the crowd.
The chemistry between Sharon and her bandmates was palpable. The joy on the faces of the crowd said it all.
Raising the Temperature: Mika Tal’s Intimate Brilliance
The focus then shifted to the “mirpeset” where Mika Tal performed on a balmy Jerusalem evening. Her poetic lyrics and her voice that effortlessly shifted from a delicate whisper to a powerful roar pumped up the crowd.
Mika Tal’s performance felt incredibly personal. Her songs—navigating themes of identity, modern longing, and the complexities of the human heart—connected deeply with the Jerusalem audience. It was a beautiful reminder of the Queenta Festival’s mission: providing a high-profile platform for exceptional female voices to be heard in their purest form..
The Queen Arrives: Ester Rada’s Soulful Reign
Ester Rada is an artist who needs little introduction. Since bursting onto the international scene, her unique cocktail of Ethio-Jazz, neo-soul, funk, and R&B has won her critical acclaim globally, earning her opening slots for icons like Alicia Keys and performances at the world’s biggest festivals. Yet, seeing her perform in the intimate, gritty confines of the Yellow Submarine feels like a homecoming.
Ester Rada’s performance began with an incredible a cappella version of Chava Alberstein’s Ata Pele (You are a Wonder). Then she invited her world-class band of Guy Strier (guitar), Ron Ephrati (bass) and Lior Izchaki (drums) to the stage. Rada commanded the room with her voice and her stage presence, reminding everyone why she remains one of Israel’s most vital musical treasures.
Rada’s voice is a force of nature. It carries the historic weight of classic soul icons like Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin, yet remains fiercely contemporary and uniquely her own. For the first time in her career, she performed an entire set of Hebrew songs.
She was joined on a few songs by special guest virtuoso saxophone player and composer Daniel Zamir. His songs, and particularly his incredible endless soprano sax lines, took the show to a higher level.
The evening ended with everyone on their feet joining the Ester, Daniel and the band in a chasidic nigun.
