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December 5, 2003/Kislev 10 5764, Vol. 56, No.11
Cultural concert benefits local Jewish organizations
JESSICA BARBER
Staff Writer
Entertainment, education and community enrichment intertwine in "Radio Days," the second performance of the Judaic Cultural Orchestra.
The performance features music from the big band era of the 1930s, '40s and '50s in an old-time radio show format - with explanations of some of the music's Jewish roots.
"We are basically recreating a radio station that we are calling WJCO," says Jay Bycer, co-chairman of the event. "We are writing a script for Janet Arnold of the Arizona Jewish Theatre Company including commercials and sound effects (from when) radio shows were really popular."
Arnold will also conduct interviews and share musical commentary on how songs such as the "Chattanooga Choo-Choo" relate to Jewish music, musicians and culture, says Bycer.
The concert serves as a fund-raising event for its two sponsoring organizations, Arizona Friends of American Red Magen David for Israel and Hadassah Valley of the Sun. All proceeds from ticket sales and contributions will be donated to the organizations' service projects in Israel and the local community.
"All the funds raised go back into the charities," says Bycer. "This year it's a joint project between ARMDI and Hadassah. Next year (ARMDI) may partner with another local organization."
Bycer and Cantor Marc Philippe of Beth El Congregation created the JCO last year in an effort to educate the community about Jewish music in a fun atmosphere. They also wanted to enrich the community's charities by providing a yearly fund-raising event.
"It's an easy way of raising funds," says Bycer. "We invite them to a fun event and they enjoy it, just like they would any concert. But then the funds go to charity."
The JCO's first concert, "An Evening of Pops, From Gershwin to Garfunkel, Yiddish to Broadway," raised more than $30,000 last May, says Bycer. He and his co-chairwoman, Barbara Zemel, hope the event will raise even more this time. So far, funds from underwriters and ticket sales amount to about $20,000.
"Right now we have 116 underwriters (that are donating) at a substantial level," says Bycer.
Bycer and Philippe, the musical director and conductor of the JCO, have gathered 25 of the Valley's "highest quality" musicians to participate in the show, Bycer explains. They have also invited local cantors including Julie Berlin from Temple Solel, Mikhal Shiff-Matter from Temple Beth Israel and Bernard Savitz from Har Zion Congregation.
"Cantor Savitz loves to write things from this era, he does parodies," says Bycer. "He's gong to do 'Old Man River' in Yiddish with a twist to it. He's going to take a Christmas song and make Yiddish words to it."
Philippe, the cantors and musicians will call upon the audience to participate in singing, and they will include a ceremony marking the fourth night of Hanukkah.
"We are going to bring in a menorah and have a big thing with that," says Bycer. "At the end each person will get a treat, but I'm not going to tell what it is."
The event will conclude with a dessert reception.
Music from last year's event is available on the CD "Judaic Cultural Orchestra presents Hiney Ma-Tov" ($15). Call 602-787-2930 or e-mail armdiarizona@yahoo.com to purchase the CD.
Event coordinators also hope to hold an Israeli-themed concert with the JCO in May as part of the Arizona Jewish Historical Society's yearlong 350th anniversary celebration of Jews in America.
Contact the writer at jessica_barber@jewishaz.com.
Details
- What: "Radio Days"
- Who: Judaic Cultural Orchestra, Arizona Friends of ARMDI and Hadassah Valley of the Sun
- When: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22
- Where: Scottsdale Center for the Arts, 7380 E. Second St.
- Cost: $18-$72
- Call: 480-556-0969
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