Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

A concert that began just as an idea almost a year ago is finally becoming a reality. On Sunday afternoon, April 10 at 4 p.m., the Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation (SOJC) will bring to Central Florida the world famous "Maccabeats Premier A Cappella" group.

"The success of this concert is a direct result of the hard work that our volunteers do every day supporting our synagogue," said Rabbi Hillel Skolnik of SOJC. "And as Jewish a cappella goes," he continued, "the Maccabeats are the best!"

The Maccabeats started back in 2007 and have since burst onto the scene with their catchy tunes as well as fantastic parodies of popular songs heard on the radio. This past Chanukah they parodied the song "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon into "The Latke Recipe." And in commemoration of this past Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day they teamed up with the group "Naturally 7" to record a cover of James Taylor's "Shed A Little Light." With more than 20-million views on YouTube and four successful albums, they are not only a sensation, they are an established part of the Jewish music scene.

"I think the best part of the concert, in addition of course to the incredible music, is that we're having it here in Orlando," Rabbi Skolnik added. "Sometimes we think of ourselves as a small Jewish community, because we are smaller than some of the larger communities out there. But that doesn't mean that we can't bring the best talent here for the entire Orlando Jewish community to enjoy. The hope is that everyone, from all walks of life and all denominations will come to the concert."

And, in fact, that is what SOJC has done, making this one of the most affordable concert experiences of the spring. Ticket prices are just $21 per person and can be purchased through the synagogue website at http://www.sojc.org/maccabeats. For groups of 20 or more, the price comes down to $20 a ticket and a section will be reserved for you so that your group can sit together. Group tickets can be reserved by sending an email to office@sojc.org or by calling 407-239-5444. The concert will take place at the Performing Arts Center at the Dr. Phillips High School, located at 6500 Turkey Lake Road Orlando, FL 32819.