West Hartford To Host Free Jewish Arts Festival Kickoff Sunday

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A free celebration featuring live music, comedy, food, art, and family activities will take place Sunday, Oct. 18, as the Mandell Jewish Community Center launches its inaugural JLive Festival.

The kickoff event, called COJELLA — Celebration of Jewish Engagement, Legacy, and Live Arts — will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. in the West Hartford Town Hall parking lot, 50 S. Main St.

The event will feature five live performances, including a tribute to Billy Joel, along with local food and artisan vendors, children's activities, and opportunities to connect with Jewish organizations throughout Greater Hartford.

Admission is free, and the event is open to everyone.

COJELLA marks the beginning of JLive, billed by organizers as Greater Hartford's first Jewish live arts festival, which runs from Oct. 18-25.

The event will feature the following performances:

• David Clark's "All About Joel" — A Tribute to Billy Joel: Singer and pianist David Clark will headline the event with a performance featuring Billy Joel's best-known songs, including vocals and piano performances celebrating the musician's career.

• Adam Blotner: The musical comedian will perform original songs combining humor and observations about Jewish life.

• Allegra Levy & Friends: Jazz singer-songwriter Allegra Levy and her band will perform music inspired by childhood experiences and everyday adventures.

• The Great Jewish-American Jazz Songbook: The Youth Jazz Orchestra at the Artists Collective will perform works celebrating Jewish composers and songwriters who influenced American jazz.

• Hartt Talent Award Showcase: Young performers from the University of Hartford will participate in the inaugural showcase highlighting emerging musical talent.

In addition to the performances, attendees can explore an artisan market, purchase food from local vendors, and participate in crafts, games, and other family-friendly activities.

The event is presented by the Mandell JCC of Greater Hartford, with support from the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford.

Event details:

• What: COJELLA — Celebration of Jewish Engagement, Legacy, and Live Arts

• When: Sunday, Oct. 18, from 1 to 5 p.m.

• Where: West Hartford Town Hall parking lot

• Admission: Free and open to the public

• Activities: Live music, comedy, food vendors, artisan market, children's crafts and games

• Festival dates: Oct. 18-25

For additional information about the JLive Festival, including other area events, visit www.mandelljcc.org/jlive.