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Music Festival Showcases Jewish Music and Artists

WEST BLOOMFIELD (WWJ) - The Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Metropolitan Detroit presents the 2011 Stephen Gottlieb Music Festival from March 23 through April 7.

The week-long celebration kicks off with two premier events, both of which will take place in the newly opened Berman Center for the Performing Arts on the JCC West Bloomfield campus.

The first premier event features Marvin Hamlisch on opening night. Hamlisch is a multi-award winning American music and film composer who served as  musical director and arranger for Barbra Streisand's 1994 tour.

The second event, Patron Night, occurs on Saturday, March 26. Headlining this event is David Broza, whose guitar playing ranges from Flamenco-flavored rhythmic and percussion techniques, to whirlwind finger picking and rock 'n' roll. A patron event honoring Hannan and Lisa Lis will follow Broza's performance.

Other notable musical performances will include a progressive music showcase featuring Y-Love & Diwon, Pitom, and StereoSinai; a jazz concert by Amy and the Yass Men; a family concert by contemporary musician Mark Bloom; a local music showcase featuring Heller, Steyer & Green, Maggid Steven Klaper and David Nefesh; and a chamber concert conducted by Ed Benyas.

Returning this year is one of the festival's most notable performances, a concert by the Michigan Board of Cantors titled "A Night on the Town in Old Detroit."

The festival is also highlighted by other events, such as "Jews Who Rock: Their Stories and Their Music," presented by Detroit music journalist Gary Graff; "The Silver Age of American Jewish Music is Happening Now-And Why We're Missing It," presented by Jewish music blogmaster Jack Zaeintz; and a special screening of "The Klezmatics: on Holy Ground" from the JCC's Lenore Marwil Jewish Film Festival.

All performances will be held at the D. Dan & Betty Kahn Building (6600 W. Maple Rd., West Bloomfield) and the Jimmy Prentis Morris Building (15110 W. Ten Mile Rd., Oak Park).

Although some events are free, tickets must be purchased for certain performances. Ticket prices vary per performance.

To see a complete list of performances and to purchase tickets, click here.

The Stephen Gottlieb Music Festival was named in memory of a man who had a deep passion for listening to, teaching and writing music. Because playing, recording and mixing music was what made Gottlieb the happiest, it is appropriate that he is honored through a music festival.

The festival is open to all members of the community. All proceeds benefit the Arts, Culture and Education Department at the JCC of Metropolitan Detroit.

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