Mark your calendars: Shoreline Jewish Festival is July 13

The following is a release from Chabad of the Shoreline

GUILFORD — The third annual Shoreline Jewish Festival will be held noon to 6 p.m. July 16 on the Green. The festival features Jewish music, kosher food, an art and book sale, children’s crafts and activities, and information booths from local Jewish organizations.
"The Festival celebrates Jewish life and living," said Rabbi Yossi Yaffe, director of Chabad of the Shoreline, the event’s coordinator. "The music, the food, the entertainment will be exciting for people of all ages, and we hope to introduce the array of Jewish activities and opportunities to the larger community on the Shoreline."
This year’s Festival features the debut of "3,000 Years of Jewish Music," a unique performance by Dr. David Chevan and the Afro-Semitic Experience, shown above. They take the audience on a joy filled journey through Jewish musical history, organizers said. The audience will experience the various styles, composers and performers that make up the rich symphony of the Jewish musical heritage.
Two different Klezmer bands will entertain and inspire: The Kleznicks and East Rock Klezmer. Klezmer is a rich musical mix of Balkans and blues, ancient Jewish culture, prayer and history, spirit and jazz, bringing to life the authentic "old-world" Jewish sound of clarinet, accordion, and fiddle. Klezmer laughs and cries, dances, soars and dives to reach the hearts and souls of the audience.
Also performing will be the hip hop star Nosson Zand, formerly known as NIZ. Known for his witty lyrics and powerful sound, Zand has successfully blended Judaism with contemporary rap and hip hop. For the young--and the young at heart--the award-winning Small Wonder Puppet Theater will put on performances throughout the day. Children will also be able to create their own Judaica and crafts from a selection of projects for sale.
Israeli and local artists and artisans will be selling a variety of Judaica, jewelry, art work and unique Israeli products. Books, videos and games of Jewish interest for both children and adults will be available for sale. Festival-goers will be able to choose from a variety of kosher NY Deli & Israeli food and refreshments, together with other fair favorites.
Artists can reserve a booth for the day for a fee of $85. Festival sponsors include Mr. Boris Mizhen, The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, Camp Laurelwood and the Guilford Savings Bank. For more information, visit www.jewishoreline.org. To help sponsor the event, or to reserve a booth, please contact Janice Dipollina at (203) 488-2263/ jdchabad@snet.net, or Yaffe at chabad@snet.net.
Chabad of the Shoreline is dedicated to helping Jews connect to their heritage through study, innovative programs, and communal events. Chabad also reaches out to those in need of spiritual or material assistance.