Music & More
Music & More is an eclectic music and cultural performance series hosted by CBSRZ that offers widely acclaimed programming to the public. We update our calendar regularly – please bookmark this page and visit often!
UPCOMING EVENTS
LONNIE HOLLEY: The Artist’s Message
SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024
7:30 p.m.
Since 1979, Holley has devoted his life to the practice of improvisational creativity. His art and music, born out of struggle, hardship, but perhaps more importantly, out of furious curiosity and biological necessity, has manifested itself in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, performance, music, and filmmaking.
Join us for a special concert with Lonnie Holley and Mourning [A] BLKstar for the benefit of Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek. A truly unique experience.
PAST EVENTS
NEFESH MOUNTAIN
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020
4:00 p.m.
Critically acclaimed progressive bluegrass band Nefesh Mountain ingeniously brings together the worlds of American Roots music with Jewish heritage and tradition. The quintet tours internationally year round as a beacon of diversity; sharing their music and love for American and Jewish culture with audiences worldwide.
THE CLUPPIN SPIELERS
SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019
5:00 p.m.
The community is invited to join us for our annual community picnic and free concert, featuring The Cluppin Spielers, the new CBSRZ house band. Performing a mix of old and new, The Cluppin Spielers’ repertoire draws on the traditional melodies of Eastern European Klezmer, contemporary Jewish Bluegrass known as “JewGrass,” and Americana Folk. Regardless of the genre, the group’s lively, toe-tapping melodies leave audiences laughing, smiling, and clapping. So, come enjoy and bring your lawn chairs or blanket and be delighted by the sounds of The Clupppin Spielers.
Although there is no charge for the performance, concertgoers will have the opportunity to purchase grilled and other summer fare, with proceeds benefiting local charitable organizations. In the event of rain, we’ll move the music and food inside. You can, of course, bring your own entrée (out of respect for CBSRZ kosher dietary restrictions, please no shellfish or pork products).
NO REGISTRATION OR TICKET REQUIRED, just show up! However, you can optionally register for a free “ticket” which will add you to our mailing list and keep you informed about future Music & More performances and you can also elect to donate to the local charitable organizations that are supported by the picnic. Click the button below if you want to register for these options.
COMEDY TONIGHT! FEATURING STEVEN SCOTT AND MOODY MCCARTHY
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2019
7:30 p.m.
A funny thing is happening on the way to Chester, CT as CBSRZ once again turns into a NY comedy club featuring Steven Scott and Moody McCarthy, both veterans of Comedy Central, network TV, casinos, Las Vegas, and the NYC comedy club circuit. Audience 18 and older.
UKE CAN’T PLAY UKES WITHOUT U
SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2019
2:00 p.m.
Music & More’s eleventh season kicks off with a special ukulele concert and workshop event, “Uke Can’t Play Ukes Without U”, presented by world-renowned ukulele master Jumpin’ Jim Beloff and joined by his wife Leapin’ Liz. The ukulele fun is set for Sunday, March 24, 2019, starting with the workshop at 2:00 pm for non-players and beginners, followed by the concert at 3:45 pm featuring Jumpin’ Jim, his wife Leapin’ Liz, and a bass accompanist. Attendees with ukuleles will have the opportunity to join in on several songs during the concert. The workshop will last for approximately 90 minutes and with just a few simple chords and basic strumming patterns, you will be playing popular tunes and fun songs on the ukulele in no time with skilled teacher Jumpin’ Jim. After the workshop, there will be a short intermission followed by the concert.
THE CLUPPIN SPIELERS
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
5:00 p.m.
The community is invited to join us for our annual community picnic and free concert, featuring The Cluppin Spielers, the new CBSRZ house band. Performing a mix of old and new, The Cluppin Spielers’ repertoire draws on the traditional melodies of Eastern European Klezmer, contemporary Jewish Bluegrass known as “JewGrass,” and Americana Folk. Regardless of the genre, the group’s lively, toe-tapping melodies leave audiences laughing, smiling, and clapping. So, come enjoy and bring your lawn chairs or blanket and be delighted by the sounds of The Clupppin Spielers.
Although there is no charge for the performance, concertgoers will have the opportunity to purchase grilled and other summer fare, with proceeds benefiting local charitable organizations. In the event of rain, we’ll move the music and food inside. You can, of course, bring your own entrée (out of respect for CBSRZ kosher dietary restrictions, please no shellfish or pork products). No RSVP required.
THE LONELY HEARTSTRING BAND
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2018
4:00 p.m.
Nourished by deep roots in the expansive canon of traditional American music, The Lonely Heartstring Band embodies the modern American condition—an understanding and reverence for the past that informs a push into the future.
THE MACCABEATS
SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2018
4:00 p.m.
The Maccabeats have entertained and inspired hundreds of audiences around the world, from Alabama to New Zealand and everywhere in between. Using nothing more than the unadulterated human voice, a clean-cut presentation, and a little Jewish humor, this unique group of singers is able to connect with fans of all ages.
COMEDY TONIGHT
SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2018
8:00 p.m.
Something familiar, something peculiar as CBSRZ turns into a NY comedy club featuring Alexandra McHale and Johnny Lampert, both veterans of Comedy Central, network TV, casinos, and the NYC comedy club circuit. Audience 18 and older.
BIVOLITA KLEZMER QUARTET & COMMUNITY PICNIC
SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 2017
5:00 p.m.
Kick off your summer at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek’s annual outdoor community concert and picnic offering free entertainment with the music of Bivolita (Bee-vo-lee-tsa) Klezmer Quartet.
DALIA LAZAR
SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 2017
5:00 p.m.
After several years absence, we welcome back pianist Dalia Lazar on Sunday, April 30, 2017 to the ninth season of Music & More to perform several Beethoven sonatas in her warm and compelling style.
THE MACCABEATS
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 2017
5:00 p.m.
The Maccabeats have entertained and inspired hundreds of audiences around the world, from Alabama to New Zealand and everywhere in between. Using nothing more than the unadulterated human voice, a clean-cut presentation, and a little Jewish humor, this unique group of singers is able to connect with fans of all ages.
KATHY KOSINS
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2017
5:00 p.m.
The phenomenally multi-talented jazz soul singer Kathy Kosins comes to Chester, CT from Detroit “Motor City” for a very special concert on Sunday, February 5, 2017. Kathy will be backed by local jazz legend Earl MacDonald and his combo.
STRING OF PEARLS BIG BAND and PICNIC ON THE LAWN
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2016
5:00 p.m.
String of Pearls Big Band, “a much treasured Connecticut resource for 25 years,” says our concert producer David Zeleznik, provides the means to the great American music of the 20th century.
CBSRZ’s annual musical picnic offers some fascinatin’ rhythm as well as a chance to swing, cha-cha, tango and otherwise show your stuff. Proceeds from sale of kosher hot dogs and other food items will benefit local charitable organizations.
PAUL WINTER CONSORT
SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016
5:00 p.m.
The Paul Winter Consort is an American musical group, led by soprano saxophonist Paul Winter, one of the pioneers of world music. Founded in 1967, the group mixes elements of jazz, classical music, world music and the sounds of animals and nature. Welcome Spring with their program “In Celebration of the Earth.”
CARAVAN OF THIEVES
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016
5:00 p.m.
Fuzz and Carrie Sangiovanni bring their unique blend of gypsy swing and popular music that hearkens back to the swing era, when music and entertainment reached creative heights.
CONCERT with AFRO-SEMITIC EXPERIENCE
SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016
5:00 p.m.
For 18 years, the Afro-Semitic Experience has captivated audiences with their unique blend of music. This is the music of peace and joyous diversity.
YOUTH WORKSHOPS with AFRO-SEMITIC EXPERIENCE
SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 2016
3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Our youth will have the opportunity to participate in a one-hour workshop with Afro-Semitic Experience prior to the concert.
