The desert air was balmy and hot. The almost-full moon hung over palm trees and the fireflies glittered amid a spotlight’s beam. More than 1,000 people sat on the blanketed stone bleachers of the outdoor amphitheater at Mineral Beach for the Passover Dead Sea Music Festival, waiting patiently for the Israeli trio, HaBanot Nechama (translated as “Comfort Girls”), to hit the stage. The crowd occupied themselves with kosher-for-Passover pizza and crepes but got grumpy when the trio delayed for more than a half-hour. Finally, the three “girls” walked onto the stage, two barefoot, one in sandals: Yael Deckelbaum, with her dirty-blonde hair and green eyes; Karolina, (who goes by one name only), with her unmistakable afro; and Dana Adini, with long brown waves that look like dreads-in-formation. As soon as their angelic harmonies opened the show with the lyrics: “Lovers/ Don’t be afraid/ I have come to save you from the pain,” the crowd was soothed. The sound matched the surroundings — natural, organic, earthy, relaxing and glam-free. On May 10, HaBanot Nechama will perform at their most glamorous venue yet — the Kodak Theatre — in the gala finale of the “Let My People Sing” music festival celebrating Israel’s 60th anniversary. These Israeli natives are sure to bring raw soulful simplicity and natural girl power to a stage known for hosting Hollywood’s most primped affairs. They’ve been likened to the Indigo Girls, Crosby Stills and Nash, and even the
