(Courtesy of Hatzalah of MetroWest and FC) Hatzalah of MetroWest and Friendship Circle announce the inaugural Sounds Like Unity, a concert to take place May 9 at LifeTown in Livingston. Headlined by top Jewish artists Nissim Black and Joey Newcomb, the Lag B’Omer celebration promises to be an evening of fun for families, teens, adults, and children of all ages across the Greater MetroWest Jewish community. In addition to the musical lineup, the event will feature food and activities for children.
Hasidic hip-hop star Black, originally from Seattle, started rapping in 2006. He reintroduced himself in 2020 with his hit single, “Mothaland Bounce,” after converting to Orthodox Judaism and moving to Jerusalem. Newcomb, who grew up in Queens, released his first album in 2018 and shot to stardom in the frum world. He released his third album, “Big Avoidas,” in 2022.
Beyond the music, Sounds Like Unity offers an opportunity for solidarity across the Greater MetroWest Jewish community in the face of rising antisemitism. Fittingly, it takes place on Lag B’Omer, a festival associated with the Jewish value v’ahavta lareikha kamokha, love your fellow as yourself. Often marked by bonfires and outings, Lag B’Omer marks the 33rd day of the Omer, the days counted between the festivals of Passover and Shavuot.
“It is especially poignant this year for the larger Jewish community to come together on Lag B’Omer, a day bursting with meaning and joy, to celebrate the warmth and light of Jewish values,” said Rabbi Zalman Grossbaum of Friendship Circle of New Jersey. “We are thrilled to partner with Hatzalah to bring this exciting event to the community.” Hatzalah of MetroWest and Friendship Circle, organizations that embody unconditional love toward all, are perfectly suited to host the extravaganza.
The family-friendly event is a wonderful opportunity to join together for a fun, Jewish experience while supporting two critical organizations. All proceeds from the event will go to Friendship Circle of New Jersey, which provides support for children, teens and young adults with special needs and their families; and Hatzalah of MetroWest, an all-volunteer emergency medical service serving Livingston, West Orange, Morristown and surrounding communities.
The event begins at 4:30 p.m.. Tickets are priced for individuals at $30 for general admission. Families can purchase tickets for $150 per family. VIP sponsorship options are also available. For more information, to purchase tickets, and for ongoing updates about the festival, visit www.soundslikeunity.com and follow Sounds Like Unity’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
For more information visit https://www.instagram.com/soundslikeunity or https://www.facebook.com/SoundsLikeUnity
