Alterman Launches Jewish Culture Series at The Dupree

One of Atlanta’s most talented jazz pianists, Joe Alterman, is rolling out a new concert series where fans can get up close and personal for a four-part concert/education series, “The Sounds of Jewish America,” focusing on different aspects of Jewish involvement in American music. Also exciting is the new choice of venue, The Dupree building in Sandy Springs, located just yards away from Temple Sinai.

Gerry Benjamin, President of the Benjamin Family Charitable Foundation, stated, “We are pleased to join the Zalik Foundation in co-sponsoring the upcoming Neranenah concert series, to be held at The Dupree in Sandy Springs on the second Thursday of each of November, December, January, and February.  The Dupree is already emerging as a hub of Jewish communal activity, and we’re eager to support its endeavors. I can’t think of a better way to introduce The Dupree’s offerings than listening to my dear friend, the uniquely talented Joe Alterman, entertaining and educating our community as to the vast contributions that the Jewish people have made over the past seven decades to American music.”

Alterman concurs in that when he first visited The Dupree, he saw its potential for live music, and said, “David Zalik was way ahead of me by sharing enthusiasm for that possibility and wanting to infuse the Dupree with music, art and culture, which is totally thrilling! I’m deeply excited to be there to help make that happen. In addition, Gerry Benjamin has been a wonderful friend and one of my favorite people in the world to share and discuss music with, and he had the idea for bringing this specific series to The Dupree. Incredibly thrilling for me because I’m deeply passionate about the intersection of music, especially jazz music, and its intersection with both Jewish artists, songwriters, and entrepreneurs and that intersection with the African American community.”

The performances will feature Joe’s trio (piano/bass/drums) at 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month from November through February. Concert dates are as follows:
• Thursday, Nov. 14
• Thursday, Dec. 12
• Thursday, Jan. 9
• Thursday, Feb. 13

Tickets are available at neranenaharts.org.  With only a 75-person capacity, it behooves a quick reservation. There is an option for subscription to all four shows or single tickets with or without drinks.

“The Sounds of Jewish America” show promises to be an “exploration and celebration of the creativity, resilience, and cultural impact Jewish artists, songwriters, and entrepreneurs have had shaping the soundtracks of our lives. From the golden age of songwriting to the Brill Building and beyond, this series promises insights, music and stories that will surprise and inspire. A must-see for music lovers, history buffs, and anyone curious about the deep connections between culture and music.”

The series features the following four parts:

Session 1: From Irving Berlin to Louis Armstrong. Discover the connections between these icons and how Jewish songwriters and Black performers helped shape American music.

Session 2: The Birth of the Music Industry. An expansive look at how Jewish entrepreneurs helped create the foundation of the modern music business.

Session 3: Jazz & Popular Music in Germany During the Holocaust. Explore the resilience of music in the darkest of times.

Session 4: The Brill Building Era & Beyond

How Jewish songwriters shaped the pop sound of an era, and why Bob Dylan could be called the “Lenny Bruce of music.”

In the upcoming months, Alterman will release two new albums (one with tenor saxophone legend Houston Person), and perform in New York City, Washington, D.C., Northern California, Memphis, Boulder, Buffalo and more – then in Europe next year. Also, he recently acquired Ramsey Lewis’ treasured Steinway piano, which he labels “the thrill and honor of a lifetime.”

Alterman concluded, “I’m super excited about this new series at The Dupree both because The Dupree is a really wonderful and special venue that I’m excited to be a part of and help grow and develop, and also because the program and topic – weaving in stories of the Jewish involvement in music into an evening of live music – is incredibly close to my heart and something I’m proud of and want to share with our community and beyond. I’m excited for this opportunity to share this music at The Dupree in Sandy Springs, where I grew up!