Fairfield University event to mark Daniel Pearl Music Days

In celebration of Daniel Pearl Music Days, Six13, a popular Jewish a cappella group, will give a free performance at Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts, on Wednesday, October 26, at 8 p.m.

Fueled by a strong, Jewish identity and anchored by thumping beatbox, intricate arrangements, and soulful harmonies, Six13 is a six-man vocal band that brings an unprecedented style of Jewish music to the stage. With songs ranging from hip-hop dance tracks to rock anthems, the members of the New York-based group sound like a full band - while using nothing but their voices. The group is among the top Jewish music artists on iTunes. They have recorded four award-winning albums.

Sponsored by Fairfield University's Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, the event is part of an international network of concerts using the power of music to reaffirm a commitment to greater inclusiveness and humanity, and honors the murdered Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl.

"This concert is an opportunity to remember Daniel Pearl, a music lover and violinist who fostered understanding of different cultures through his work as a journalist," said Ellen M. Umansky, Ph.D., the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Chair in Judaic Studies and Professor of Religious Studies. "At the same time, people will enjoy music from a unique group which embraces a diverse array of musical styles."

Six13 sing traditional and new Sabbath songs, Israeli favorites, Yiddish songs, Yeshivish pop, even a surprisingly varied selection of secular English pop, rock and roll from today's top 40 list and the classics of yesterday. Their songs have been played all over Jewish radio. They have received several distinctions and accolades from Jewish organizations like the National Council of Young Israel and Moment Magazine, and awards from musical organizations like the Harmony Sweepstakes and the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America. They have appeared on the Chabad Telethon, and were chosen from hundreds of groups, both Jewish and secular, as finalists in the casting process for NBC's hit prime-time television series, "The Sing-Off." The group has also become a viral Internet sensation, with over 500,000 views on YouTube.

Six13 has toured worldwide to positive reviews. The Canadian Jewish News observed: "While Six13's beatbox styles add a kick to their songs, the group's voices stand on their own. With their perfect mix of tenor, bass and baritone melodies, their signature song, "Lecha Dodi," was so pure it gave me goose bumps. ... Far from just singing, Six13 bonded with the crowd."

The group's new album, 'Zmanim,' features guest appearances on lead vocals from 8th Day, Yitzy Spinner, Aryeh Kunstler, Pey Dalid and Jewish Star junior finalist Shmuly Brafman. "We're really excited about the new CD, and we think it's by far our best yet," said a group member. "This one's a bit of a departure from the formula of our first three. We've got some new original material we hope you're going to love, but this time we also recorded quite a few more cover tunes - some of our favorite songs by other artists that we love to sing on Shabbat gigs - in the form of four epic medleys."

No tickets are needed but reservations are requested. Call the Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2066. This is an Arts & Minds event . For more information about Six13, visit www.six13.com . For more information about the Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, visit http://www.fairfield.edu/judaic/

Contributed Photo: Di Zhang

Posted On: 09-28-2011 11:09 AM

Volume: 44 Number: 55