Sunday, March 29, 3 pm, Simon Family JCC
The Maccabeats are not “your grandfather’s synagogue choir,” according to their website, but their ideology and identity play an important part in their performances, as they are “strongly committed to the integration of traditional and secular wisdom.” Performing an eclectic array of Jewish, American and Israeli songs, The Maccabeats’ breakthrough piece, Lecha Dodi, is the epitome of this synthesis, combining some of the most beloved words of Jewish liturgy with Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.”
A male a cappella group, The Maccabeats, will perform at the Simon Family JCC as the first of two Performing Arts at the J Series, presented by Leah Wohl,* this season.
The Maccabeats have entertained internationally and around the country, from the Simon Family JCC to New York’s Madison Square Garden to Los Angeles. They have performed on Good Morning America, CBS2 and at the White House and have been featured by CNN, The Washington Post and The New York Times. Their musical abilities and uplifting melodies appeal to people of all ages and receive constant raves.
Originally formed in 2007 as Yeshiva University’s student vocal group, The Maccabeats have emerged as both a Jewish music and a cappella phenomena, with a large fan base, more than 20 million views on YouTube and success with three albums.
The Maccabeats released their first album “Voices from the Heights” in 2010, and later that year released “Candlelight,” a Hanukkah-themed video which was covered by major news sources and was a hit on YouTube.
“Their universal appeal is what brings people out to their concerts,” says Orly Lewis, assistant executive director of the Weinstein JCC in Richmond, and mother of Ariel Lewis, one of the eight singers who will perform at the Simon Family JCC. “Their message is to do good things,” says Lewis. “They make being Jewish cool not only to Jewish kids but to all kids who connect to their music.”
For tickets and additional information, visit www.SimonFamilyJCC.org or call 321-2338. *of blessed memory
by Leslie Shroyer