Listen Up! Help NJC celebrate 25th anniversary

By Ron Radin, Chair of the Artist in Residence Committee

Mark your calendars, March 10, for the return of the internationally known a capella group Listen Up! (“LU!”) to Naples through the joint sponsorship of the Naples Jewish Congregation (NJC) and Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. This Chicagobased group’s creation as a jazz quintet goes back to 1992. Their name is based on their first album, “Shimu Na” (Please Listen). Since then, they have transitioned into a quartet, including two original members, their leader, Steve Singer, and his wife, Rebecca (back after a 19-year hiatus), and two more recent members, Eli Taylor and Aron Wolgel. Their performances deliver warmth and knock-yoursocks-off vocal power through “Ahavat Yisrael” (a love of Israel) and “Yiddishkeit” (the Jewish way of Life).

The members of Listen Up! have backgrounds as educators with all four vocalists having unique talents that contribute to the success of this outstanding vocal group. Steve Singer is their musical director, arranger, bassist and percussionist. Originally trained as a molecular neuropharmacologist, he loves experimenting with new sounds, providing an eclectic flair and rhythmic soul.

Rebecca, an alto lead, helped launch the group where she and Singer met. To her, “there is nothing more uplifting than singing songs of our tefillot (prayers) and Israel in close harmony, while audiences sing along to the songs of their youth.” Singer is thrilled to have Rebecca singing with them again.

Eli Taylor, the tenor lead, is a vocal anchor for this amazing group. Taylor delights in combining his passion for music with his love for Judaism and Israel. Aron Wolgel, a baritone/bass and newest member of the group, is a composer, arranger and enjoys writing comedic parody lyrics.

What helps sets LU! apart is Rebecca. Per Singer, “There are lots of boy bands in the Jewish a capella world. We were one of the first professional Jewish a cappella groups in the U.S. and we’re still the only one that performs as a mixed quartet. Our focus on Israeli music also sets us apart. Lastly, including rhythm and percussion really distinguishes our unique sound from other ensembles.”

When asked where their inspiration comes from, it includes “lots of different sources of Jewish song and culture ... liturgy, different eras, Jewish communities around the world, and the rich diversity of musical styles in Israel’s seven-plus decades.”

LU!’s goal is to have their music connect people to their Judaism and Israel. They strive to meet people where they are and “appeal to audiences that come to their Jewish life very differently.” They hope to inspire you to learn how Jewish music is a large apart of our culture and Jewish life.

NJC is most appreciative of the continuing support of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples since the inception of NJC’s Artist Program 10 years ago. This year’s most generous grant serves to underwrite this concert with LU! and is particularly gratifying in helping us celebrate our congregation’s 25th anniversary.

LU! revels in audience engagement and participation. They want you to feel the joy they experience performing for you, a night you will not soon forget! Come see why the Chicago Tribune raves, “What comes across in every moment of Listen UP!’s performance is an adoration for singing-turning melodies and harmonics on their heads to come up with something unique and full of freshness and appeal.” Learn more at www.jewishsong.com, plus find their music on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.

Tickets may be purchased at naples jewishcongregation.org.