May 17th "Our Great American Songbook" Live Concert Showcases Jazz & Pops from 1920 to 1960

All Greater Hartford residents are invited to a celebration of our nation’s jazz and pops music from the 1920s, ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s through 1960, showcases a variety of dynamic musicians and popular local choruses.

Entitled “Our Great American Songbook”, the live concert is set for Sunday afternoon, May 17 at 2:00 p.m. and will take place at a local venue in South Windsor. The event is sponsored by Temple Beth Hillel; the exact concert location will be provided prior to the event to those who have purchased tickets.

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Featured will be memorable classics by musical greats George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Kurt Weill and Leonard Bernstein, among others.

Concert performers include:·Vocalist Talya Smilowitz of Temple Beth Hillel in South Windsor; award-winning Jazz Musician John Mastroianni, UConn Professor of Jazz Studies; the popular South Windsor Community Chorus; ·Joseph Ness and the Kol Zahav Chorale of the Mandell JCC of Greater Hartford; and acclaimed Tenor Mo Glazman of New York City.

This “Our Great American Songbook” concert will be a meaningful afternoon of music, community, and connection. Talya Smilowitz, now serving as the Temple Beth Hillel’s sole spiritual leader, invites all to a deeply personal and joyful musical experience featuring her beloved colleagues and local artists. Enjoy a vibrant program of jazz standards, Great American Songbook favorites, and uplifting surprises while helping to support a community filled with heart, music, and spirit.

Concert seating tickets are $36 each and must be purchased in advance at: www.tbhsw.org/jazzconcert2026.
No ticket sales at the door. The location of the concert will be provided prior to the event to those who have purchased tickets.

Three levels of sponsorship are available – all include Priority Seating for two (2) people:

• $180 Bronze: Two Priority Seats, Meet & Greet Reception with Performers, a Keepsake Gift, and Recognition in the Concert’s Program Book.
• $360 Silver: Two Priority Seats, Meet & Greet Reception with Performers, Priority Parking; a Keepsake Gift, and Recognition in the Concert’s Program Book.
• $540 Gold: Two Priority Seats, Meet & Greet Reception with Performers, Priority Parking; Lunch with Talya Smilowitz at a future date, a Keepsake Gift, and Recognition in the Concert’s Program Book.

For more information about tickets and sponsorships, and advertising opportunities, email Helena Friedman at hfriedman@tbhsw.org