The Israelis are Coming! The Israelis Are Coming!

Yes, this coming weekend the Israelis indeed are coming to Middletown.  On Saturday, The Buttonwood Tree, 605 Main Street, presents pianist Alon Nechustan and his Trio.  The first time that the pianist was scheduled to come to town, the City and the rest of the state was covered in several feet of snow.  Joining him will be Shareef Taher (drums) and Javier Moreno Sanchez (acoustic bass) and they'll be playing a program of the Israeli-born musician's original music with a few standards.  Nechustan's music is a smart blend of mainstream jazz, Middle-Eastern influences, classical music and more.  He's also a fine pianist whose solo work is rhythmically forceful while also quite melodic.

All goes well, the 8 p.m. performance will not be canceled due to inclement weather.  For more information, go to www.buttonwood.org or call 860-347-4957.

Congregation Adath Israel, 8 Broad Street, presents the duo Isra-Alien in concert at 2 pm on Sunday, May 5.


Powered by the masterful technique and close friendship of jazz guitarist Oren Neiman and rock guitarist Gilad Ben-Zvi, the duo's acoustic music moves effortlessly from rootsy to refined on their second album, "Somewhere is Here!", released in late 2012.

Meeting on a remote base during military service and then reuniting years later in New York, Ben-Zvi and Neiman found an unexpected common ground in music that grew from the complexities of their shared heritage. By finding new sounds and settings for old forms and melodies, they hint at the diverse facets of Israeli music.

The concert takes place in the large Social Hall - the suggested donation is $10 per person and $18 per family, children 13 and under can attend for free. For reservations, please call the Synagogue office at 860-346-4709.