WEST HARTFORD, CT. — The Mandell Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater Hartford has announced JLive, an ambitious week-long festival dedicated to celebrating Jewish arts, culture, and community storytelling. Supported by the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford, the week-long lineup features live music, outdoor festivals, comedy, storytelling, and showcases highlighting both established and emerging local talent.
"For one unforgettable week, Jewish Hartford takes the stage," the organization announced, noting that the week's events are designed to bring the local community together around shared culture, performing arts, and history.

Festival Schedule & Highlights

  • Sunday, October 18 | COJELLA (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
    Location: West Hartford Town Hall (Free Admission)
    The week kicks off with COJELLA (Celebration of Jewish Engagement, Legacy, and Live Arts), a free, family-friendly outdoor festival. Headlining the main stage is David Clark’s All About Joel, a tribute to Billy Joel. Additional main-stage acts include musical comedian Adam Blotner, jazz singer-songwriter Allegra Levy & Friends, the Youth Jazz Orchestra at the Artists Collective presenting The Great Jewish-American Jazz Songbook, and the University of Hartford's first-ever Hartt Talent Award Showcase. The festival will also feature local artisan and food vendors, games, and children's activities.
  • Tuesday, October 20 | Honorable Menschen: Personal Essay Contest Showcase (7:00 PM)
    Location: Mandell JCC Herbert & Evelyn Gilman Theater (Free Admission)
    This evening event shines a spotlight on community members sharing true personal stories about the influential figures—or "menschen"—who have profoundly impacted their lives through kindness, generosity, and courage. Winners of the community-wide essay contest will present their pieces live on stage.
  • Thursday, October 22 | Cantors & Virtuosos (7:00 PM)
    Location: Mandell JCC Herbert & Evelyn Gilman Theater ($18 Admission)
    An evening of music featuring local and regional cantors joined by Opus 5, a woodwind quintet composed of principal musicians from the Israeli Symphony Orchestra (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and French horn). The performance blends Jewish, Israeli, classical, and Broadway selections.
  • Saturday, October 24 | Jewish Hartford In Song And Story (8:00 PM)
    Location: Mandell JCC Herbert & Evelyn Gilman Theater ($18 Admission)
    Presented by the Klau Family, this one-night-only performance traces four generations of Jewish history in Greater Hartford through song, personal memories, and archival photographs. Centered around family matriarch Barbara Klau, the narrative offers a personal perspective on the region's cultural heritage.
  • Sunday, October 25 | Rising Stars: Youth Talent Show (3:00 PM)
    Location: Mandell JCC Herbert & Evelyn Gilman Theater (Free Admission)
    The festival concludes with a showcase of local youth talent. Young singers, musicians, actors, and dancers from across Greater Hartford will take the Gilman Theater stage following community auditions.

Ticket & Registration Information

While several JLive events are free to attend, advance registration is required for all sessions due to seating capacity. Ticketed programs (Cantors & Virtuosos and Jewish Hartford In Song And Story) are priced at $18 per person.
Reservations and tickets are available directly through the Mandell JCC website or by contacting the JCC Zachs Campus at 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT.

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