"Welcoming the Stranger" Interfaith Concert on Wed. Dec. 13

“Welcoming the Stranger,” an Interfaith Musical Celebration, will be held Wednesday, December 13, from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at The Dolphin Bookshop in Port Washington. The event will feature local musicians from different faith and spiritual traditions celebrating the common wish that “strangers” among us be welcomed with open hearts.

Performers include international jazz singer Jessica Medina, the Willow Interfaith Women’s Choir, Bhajan (Hindi) singer Anju Jain, the St. Stephen’s Singers, guitarist and folk singer Lisa Lay, Port Jewish Center soloist and composer Rochelle Potak, and soulful contemporary vocalist Trish Molyneux.

The event also will serve as a fundraiser for the Deportation Defense Clinic at Hofstra University's Maurice A. Deane School of Law. The clinic represents Long Island immigrants facing deportation with a full range of free services and spearheads education and advocacy programs for immigrant rights.

“The clinic is the first of its kind on Long Island, and collaborates with existing community organizations to address systemic immigration policy reforms,” said Ronni Aronow, a member of the local group Long Island Together, which is organizing the event. “We hope Port Washington residents will come out for a fun and moving night of music to support the clinic and show solidarity with our neighbors.”

The Dolphin Bookshop has generously offered its cafe space to host the event. Wine, baked goods, and cold and hot drinks – and books! – will be available for purchase.

The suggested donation at the event will be $20, but support at any level is welcome.

This musical celebration is sponsored by Long Island Together, a local collective of activists working to protect our most vulnerable neighbors and building community to advocate for progressive social change (longislandtogether.org).