Bob Zentz
Saturday, April 12, 7 pm
The Jewish Museum and Cultural Center will present “Bagels and Bluegrass” as part of the Portsmouth Museums’ focus on Appalachia.
The festivities will begin with music by Simcha Klezmorim, the popular local Klezmer ensemble led by Warren Weiss.
A discussion of the history of the Jews of Appalachia led by Jean Haskell, PhD, will then take place. A retired professor of Appalachian Studies at Virginia Tech and East Tennessee State University, Haskell is the co-editor of the award-winning Encyclopedia of Appalachia, as well as author/editor of several other books. She is assisting the City of Portsmouth Museums with an exhibition: Changing Appalachia: Custom to Cutting Edge. Haskell is a resident of Portsmouth where she and her husband, Fred Schoenfeld, are co-owners of the Commodore Theater.
Completing the evening’s entertainment, the legendary Bob Zentz and Jeanne McDougall will perform traditional folk and bluegrass music, entertaining listeners with unique instruments and stories. Zentz is an international folk music star. As a songwriter, he is celebrated by fans and peers. Dozens of performers have sung his original compositions. McDougall and Zentz share a love of music and history with a friendship dating to the early 70s.
A “Bagel Reception,” sponsored by Yorgo’s Bageldashery will follow the program.
“Bagels and Bluegrass” is for all ages. Advance reservations are $25 and should be made by April 5 by calling 757-391-9266 or online at www.jewishmuseumportsmouth.org. Tickets are $30 at the door. Donations benefit the programs of the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center, which is located at 607 Effingham St.
The program is sponsored in part by a generous gift from the Dalis Foundation.