As anticipation builds for Shuk, Rattle and Roll – Memphis’ community-wide celebration of Israel’s 75th anniversary – Memphis Jewish Federation continues to finalize plans for the adult-only event, to be held on May 17th at the Memphis Botanic Garden at 6:30pm.
The music for this fun, casual, yet meaningful event, will include performances by local favorite Jason Caplan and visiting Israeli-born, DJ Jewel. Jason Caplan’s Naqshon’s Leap is a Memphis band that plays original unity music with funk, soul and Memphis-inspired sound. Its songs have the goal of fulfilling a mission to celebrate One God, One Human Family and creating bridges between people of all backgrounds. Naqshon’s Leap features Jewish, Christian, Bahai, and Sikh musicians in its performances. The band is comprised of guitarist Jason Caplan, percussionist William Ruiz, vocalist Gilbert Smith, bass guitarist Cecil McDaniel, keyboardist Raishene Webb, vocalist Eric Pierce, saxophonist Stephen Wachtel, and drummer Terry Saffold.
Following a communal toast to Israel involving all celebrants, the party will continue with DJ Jewel taking over the room. Julie Fiss, a/k/a DJ Jewel, was born in Israel, where she grew up loving music. Raised in Israel, she served in the IDF and moved to New York when she was 27. Although her life’s dream was to be a DJ, she did not pursue that dream until she was 34. She had a mentor who helped her, but she bought all of her own equipment, and booked all of her own events, to pursue this dream. To this day, she is the only Israeli female DJ in New York. She has worked all over the United States and Israel. Most recently, she headlined the AIC (Israeli- American Council) Summit 2023 in Texas where she DJ’d five times in three days. In addition, she is a mom to three young daughters!
Julie is super excited to meet and party with the Memphis community. She added, “I am going to bring the best music and best energy to celebrate our beautiful country and make this night unforgettable.”
While listening to great music, attendees will dine on Israel’s favorites including falafel, hummus, babaganoush, shwarma, bourekas, rugelach and babka. The open bars will be flowing with beer, Israeli wine, and specialty cocktails. The planners are busy coming up with items for the Shuk experience. Guests will fill their market bags as they exit the event with goodies and an appreciation of Israel’s impact on their lives.
Get your tickets and see sponsorship opportunities for Shuk, Rattle and Roll at https://www.jcpmemphis.org/israel75