BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Area Jewish Community (BAJC) marks the holiday of Purim this year with Purimpalooza, a costume party open to everyone, starring jazz vocalist Wanda Houston and Brattleboro's own jazz master pianist Eugene Uman, along with several other local performers, on Saturday, March 19, from 7 to 10:30 p.m., at the Vermont Jazz Center at the Cotton Mill.
“Purim is the most joyous of all Jewish holidays,“ BAJC Cantor Kate Judd said in a news release. ”We celebrate the story of Queen Esther, who saved the Jews of Persia from being slaughtered by the King's evil henchman, Haman. We can learn a lot about the amazing things that happen when one person drops her disguise and stands up to evil.
“Because it's a topsy-turvy comic story, it's a must to wear your most identity-bending costume, to drink some celebratory beverages, to sing, dance, and to have a good time. It's also traditional to give food on Purim, so you are invited to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Groundworks Collaborative as well.”
Others performing include Cantor Judd, Jesse Lepkoff, Chelsa Roy, Stephan Brandstatter, Mel Shakun, Judith Reichsman, and BAJC President Daniel Kasnitz.
Houston sings jazz with “authenticity and passion,” Kasnitz says. “She is a storyteller as well, coloring the spaces between her songs with tales of her youth and the trials and tribulations of life on the road.”
She has shared the stage with Oleta Adams, Patti Austin, Eartha Kitt, Liza Minelli, Pattie Labelle, Joe Cocker, Celine Dion, and Barbara Streisand, and says she's excited to venture into the world of Jewish music.
Uman is director of the Vermont Jazz Center and leader of the Convergence Project.
Admission to this all-ages show is by freewill donation, allowing those of all economic circumstances to attend. There will be light refreshments (including the traditional hamantaschen, cookies shaped like the villain's hat) and local beer for purchase from Brattleboro's Hermit Thrush Brewery.
“We want to be sure to let people know that they can come and enjoy the show, even if they can't afford to pay anything,” Kasnitz told The Commons.