Chanukah 5765/2004 at UAlbany

Matisyahu - Hasidic Reggae Concert
Extreme Chanukah Event in UAlbany Campus Center - 12/8/04

“Matisyahu”, the Hasidic Reggae phenomenon, performed at UAlbany’s Campus Center at the “Extreme Chanukah!” event on Wednesday December 8th. As part of a Northeast tour that included a performance at Savannah’s on South Pearl Street in Albany, Matisyahu and his band were a hit at UAlbany as their unique genre of Hasidic Reggae music enthralled the crowd. His newly released debut CD album “Shake off the dust… Arise” were sold out after the performance.

JDUB Records, the non-profit promotion company in NYC arranging this concert tour, seeks to build community through new and innovative Jewish music and cross cultural musical dialogue. JDub Records is supported by the Joshua Venture Fellowship, the Natan Fund, and UJC/JESNA’s Bikkurim Incubator for new Jewish ideas. Matisyahu has recently been featured on Jimmy Kimmel, Steve Harvey, NY Times, CNN and other national shows and publications.

Along with the Shabbos House Student Center, this event was co-sponsored by L’chaim, Tagar and Hillel (student groups), the Ufaratzta Fund for Chabad on Campus and the University at Albany Hillel. Mr. Scott Birge, Campus Center Director lit the Shamash candle, and the two lights for the 2nd Night of Chanukah were lit by Professor Joel Berkowitz of the Judaic Studies Department. Despite it being the last day of classes before Finals Week begins, a large number of UAlbany students came to celebrate Chanukah and to enjoy Matisyahu’s unique, invigorating music.

Matisyahu Miller and his Hasidic Reggae band perform in UAlbany's Campus Center, in the dining area near Dreidels' and The Coop. The band just arrived from Washington DC, and was scheduled to play at Savannah's on South Pearl Street later the same night. Professor Joel Berkowitz of the Judaic Studies Department at Albany, following his kindling of the two Chanukah Lights on the Menorah.
Despite the hectic time, last day of classes before Finals Week, students were happy to come out and experience this special event. Good to celebrate Chanukah with friends. Shmoozing before the event.
Everyone could be right close up. Sitting on the table near the doughnuts. Matisyahu with Aaron Dungan, the guitarist.
UAlbany students just before the concert while the band was setting up. Rabbi Mendel led the crowd in some traditional Chanukah Holiday songs following the Menorah Lighting.
An unlikely site, one that all enjoyed.. in real chassidic garb, singing genuine reggae. The music drew everyone right in. You couldn't be in the room and not be a part of it. Raizy Rubin and Liba Andrusier from the Albany Friendship Circle (and Andrusier JR).
Mr. Scott Birge, Campus Center Director (with Rabbi Mendel wearing an Extreme Chanukah t-shirt) was very helpful in arranging a place for the event, even when no rooms were available. Kara McKinnon and Tanya Fiebert hold Matisyahu's debut album "shake off the dust.. Arise!" which sold out after the Concert.
Following the concert, Matisyahu signed CDs (sold out right here at Albany)
Matisyahu with Adam, Liora and Tanya. Steve Kessler and Zohar Kastner stand near the steps.
A light moment during a tense week. Some internal band-talk. The bass player, Josh Werner.
Rabbi Mendel leads in singing some Chanukah favorites while the band was setting up. Up close! Everyone really got into it, swaying this way and that.. awesome music.
Corrie, Michele Adler and Rachel Harris. Hillel Student Life Director Aviva (Zucker) Snyder is visible in the background). These posters on UAlbany podium beams near the Latke Table, help spread the word of the special Chanukah concert. Here's the Matisyahu Flyer among other flyers on the SUNY Albany podium..
We put this banner on the Menorah outside Campus Center to keep the word out for this exciting event. Dan Small of L'chaim wears one of the limited edition "Extreme Chanukah" t-shirts, promoting the Matisyahu event. Here Justin Hirsch (L'chaim) and Adam Kofinas (Hillel President) wear the t-shirts outside the Campus Center.

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