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originally published: 10/26/2021

(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- Montclair-based Nefesh Mountain has been hailed as a boundary pushing Bluegrass Americana band. They’re among the first to give voice and openly represent Jewish-American culture, traditions, values and spirituality in the world of American Roots music. Fronted by married couple Doni Zasloff (formerly of Mama Doni) and Eric Lindberg, Nefesh Mountain will perform a Hanukkah holiday concert on December 2 at 7:30pm at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel (432 Scotland Road, South Orange).

This concert is presented by the South Orange Performing Arts Center, the original venue for this show. This performance has been relocated to the temple because SOPAC’s mainstage theatre is under renovation due to damages from Hurricane Ida. Tickets range from $23-$33, not including fees, and are available for purchase online.

“For us, Hanukkah is about the miracles in our lives that surround us every day,” says Lindberg and Zasloff. “These songs remind us of that magic and the joy that we feel during the holidays—dancing, singing, eating and being close to our friends and loved ones.”

Presenting this concert in the beautiful Temple Sharey Tefilo creates the perfect atmosphere for celebrating Jewish culture through song.

 

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Covid-19 Policy: The following protocols are in place for this concert at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel. All patrons 12 and older are required to present proof of vaccination and a photo ID to enter the venue. All patrons are required to always wear masks while inside the venue. This includes children older than 2 who have not been vaccinated. Social distancing is enforced when inside the venue.

Zasloff and Lindberg’s latest music is deeply influenced by a 2018 trip to Eastern Europe. “We tracked down the towns where our families are from, and it was devastating to see the destruction of the Holocaust firsthand, and to know that we’re not so far removed from that time,” says Lindberg.

Zasloff and Lindberg live in Montclair with their three children. This summer, they welcomed a daughter, Willow. Zasloff studied at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and Lindberg attended Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts. The other members of this five-piece band are Alan Grubner on fiddle, David Goldenberg on mandolin and Sam Weber on bass.

Since their arrival on the scene in 2015, Nefesh Mountain has been hailed as one of today’s formative boundary-pushing Bluegrass Americana bands. Their latest studio album release, Songs For the Sparrows, is a testament to the unbridled imagination and extraordinary grace of their musicianship and creativity. Creators, band leaders and husband-and-wife team Doni Zasloff and Eric Lindberg are the heart of this eclectic offering, alongside longtime bandmate and fiddle player Alan Grubner, David Goldenberg on mandolin and Sam Weber on bass.

This quintet is adept with a string virtuosity that is reflected in their arrangements of modern Folk/Bluegrass, combined with songs of the heart and a sense of oneness and purpose that inspires all of their work. They're among the first to truly give voice and openly represent Jewish American culture, tradition, values and spirituality in the world of American Roots music. The band has been called “a master class in string music!” (Rolling Stone), “arguably some of the best bluegrass every made!” (American Songwriter), “infectious, exuberant, and infused with pure melodic prowess” (Bluegrass Today), “crisp, clear, and magical” (No Depression) and “Refined, timeless bluegrass (The Bluegrass Situation). They have recorded and shared the stage with Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Bryan Sutton, Tony Trischka, David Grier, Mike Gordon (Phish), Mark Schatz, John Doyle, and Mike McGoldrick, among others.

Since 2006, SOPAC has been serving as a premier performing arts center in the region. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community events and education programs for all ages. SOPAC is home for Seton Hall University Arts Council’s performances, including the Classical Concert Series, Jazz ‘N the Hall performances and Seton Hall University Theatre productions. SOPAC programs are made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.