The temperature read 15 degrees, almost zero with windchill, on a Monday night no less, but that didn't stop students from coming out in full force to see the Israeli funk/hip-hop phenomenon HaDag Nachash in the Levin Ballroom. Of course, before the main event, Brooklyn-based openers Nanuchka had to be given their chance to leave a mark on the audience. Consisting of a feisty, bass-playing frontwoman, a Dazed and Confused extra on guitar and a wildly dreadlocked drummer, the trio tried to get the crowd engaged with their Mediterranean-flavored rock.

Initially, they faced the tribulations to which all opening bands should be accustomed to: a half-empty house, audible and disruptive chatter and an audience waiting impatiently to see the headliners. Still, Nanuchka performed admirably, inciting more than their fair share of humorously awkward dance circles. They especially picked up steam during the last number, utilizing a faster, (s)punkier tempo.

Before the headliners took the stage, a representative from Hillel, the organization responsible for the band's presence, introduced the band. Unfortunately, the opportunity was also taken to remind the crowd that Tuesday would be the first day of Birthright Israel registrations, drawing attention to Birthright's own strong presence at the show. Now, Given HaDag Nachash's progressive, left-wing stance, it seems contradictory, even illogical, to find them in collaboration with an organization that some have pegged as conservative and even nationalist. Perhaps they were hoping that no one would understand any of the lyrics and be enamored with Israeli culture.

Regardless, political statements seemed moot in the face of the music that took hold of the audience from the moment the seven members of the band set foot on the stage. True to their mission statement, HaDag Nachash is a very well-rounded and evenly balanced blend of hip hop, funk, reggae and jazz elements. With bouncy rhythms and catchy vocal phrasings, as well as vocal contributions from all but one band member, HaDag seemed tailor-made for the live arena. As the set carried on, more and more of the initially reserved audience surrendered to the call of the rhythm and willingly drowned in it.

The set was highlighted by a terrifically skilled bass solo, as well as a whomping drum performance. The band's trademark sense of humor shone through as well, as they incorporated verses of Right Said Fred's 1991 symphonic masterwork, "I'm Too Sexy." Even more chuckles were had (by myself) when the band introduced a track with police sirens and chants of "F- tha police." There's something inherently humorous in watching a large crowd of predominately white, pampered Jewish kids chant such a slogan with bright-eyed enthusiasm.

But all social politics aside, the show remained expertly played and full of positive energy, drawing in audience members with no previous exposure to the music or culture. "I couldn't understand the language or the songs, but the music was still so much fun and so easy to get into. It was fantastic," says Danielle Gurr '11.