1,800+ Attend 43rd Annual Westchester Jewish Music & Arts Festival

WHITE PLAINS, NY — More than 1,800 people attended the 43rd Annual Westchester Jewish Music & Arts Festival Sunday, August 20 at the Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. The festival was presented by The Westchester Jewish Council and The Westchester Klezmer Program in cooperation with Westchester County Parks.

The event was a celebration for the whole family, featuring a wide variety of musical performances including headliner Golem, a Klezmer rock band based in New York City. Golem known for its virtuosic musicianship, theatricality, humor and fearless wild energy, entertained the crowd with a combination of rock and Klezmer music.

Elliot Forchheimer, executive director of the Westchester Jewish Council, was thrilled that the turnout was the best ever.

“There really was something for everyone — musical performances, dancing and lots of fun activities for the children,” he said. “We hope all members of the community, regardless of faith, enjoyed this very festive day.”

Rockmitzvah, a full-service live musical ensemble of real rock and roll musicians, also performed playing a mix of child and adult friendly tunes, and the Westchester Klezmer Band filled the air with authentic klezmer music.

Israeli singer and composer Sandy Shmuely led a high energy sing-a-long with the audience. In addition, Israeli dancing by Camp Zeke, was led by Cantor Uri Aqua throughout the day. Face painting by Maria, as well as juggler Ned Gelfars, whose show was filled with juggling, magic and an incredible amount of hilarious, good-natured audience participation, also provided family activities and fun throughout the day. A number of local elected officials, including County Executive Robert Astorino, were on hand.

The free event was open to the public. Food, including ice cream and ices trucks and kosher snacks, including Ben’s Kosher Restaurant, JJ’s Holy Cow food truck and more were available for purchase. A vendor exhibition area including Jewish Art/Judaica, jewelry and more was open throughout the festival.

This event was sponsored in part by the Morris & Sylvia Trachten Family Foundation.

Photo caption: Cantor Uri Aqua led Israeli Dancing by Camp Zeke throughout the day at the Westchester Jewish Music & Arts Festival on August 20 at the Kensico Dam Plaza. Photo credit: Submitted.