Next Edition Of Flagpole Radio Café Will Feature Rabbi Rock, Brodsky In Orchestra

Newtown Cultural Arts Commission is pleased to announce that Rabbi Shaul Praver of Congregation Adath Israel in Newtown, also known as “Rabbi Rock,” will be performing at the next Flagpole Radio Café on Saturday, December 20, at 7 pm, at Edmond Town Hall. Returning to the Radio Café Orchestra will be guitarist Dick Neal along with guitarist and host Chris Teskey.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 13 and under, and reservations can be made by calling 364-0898.

The Flagpole Radio Café is an ongoing variety show produced by Newtown residents Jim Allyn, Martin Blanco, Robyn Fitzgerald and Barbara Gaines, in conjunction with Newtown Cultural Arts Commission.  The December show will mark the third offering and comes on the heels of two sold-out performances in September and October.

Audiences so far have been treated to lampoons of Halloween in Newtown, the new television season and an unforgettable Monopoly game with Henry Paulson and his family. Most important, they’ve heard outstanding music from Jim Allyn and the Radio Café Orchestra and special guests Daria Musk and Café Musette.  This month, they will be treated to a surprising visit from Santa Claus, and the musical stylings of local religious leader Rabbi Shaul Praver.

“Last winter I had a chance opportunity to meet Rabbi Praver at a musical event at Congregation Adath Israel. His devotion to his faith is matched by his passion for good music,” said event producer and director Martin Blanco. “I am excited to have him perform at our December show and I’m confident our audience will be delighted as well.”

Rabbi Praver’s first trip to Israel was in 1981, which lead to a ten year stint of study in four rabbinical seminaries.  Concurrently, Rabbi Praver studied at the Israeli School of Cantorial Art. Ultimately, Rabbi Praver became the protégé of Cantor Naftali Herstik of Jerusalem’s Great Synagogue.

Rabbi Praver pursued his rabbinical ordination at Aish Hatorah in coordination with the Rabbinate of Jerusalem. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Judaic Studies and started pulpit work in 1989. Since 2001, Shaul Praver has been the Rabbi for Congregation Adath Israel of Newtown.

In the fall of 2002, Rabbi Praver started a public access television show called Rabbi Rock.  Today, Rabbi Rock is rapidly moving towards national syndication.  Rabbi Rock airs in Newtown and 13 other towns on Charter’s CommuniTyVision 21 on Mondays at 8 pm and Wednesdays at 4:30 pm. A recent guest was Joseph Stein who is widely known for writing the book for the acclaimed musical  Fiddler on the Roof.

Rick Brodsky will be joining the Radio Café Orchestra this month. A Newtown resident, Mr Brodsky is a multi-instrumentalist who has played numerous musical genres over the past 30 years. He has appeared in clubs throughout Greenwich Village as well as local coffee houses and festivals.

His main instrument these days is upright bass which he will play for the Radio Café Orchestra. He frequently plays bass throughout the New York and Connecticut bluegrass scene.

Returning to the Flagpole Radio Café is music director Jim Allyn, The Radio Café Orchestra, and The Flagpole Shakespeare Repertory Theatre.  Chris Teskey also returns as host.

Admission to Flagpole Radio Café is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 13 and under. Performances are in The Alexandria Room of Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street.

Following a January break, upcoming Flagpole Radio Café performances are being planned for Saturdays, February 7, March 7 and May 30. Artists wishing to participate in the Flagpole Radio Café should contact the Newtown Cultural Arts Commission at info@NewtownArtsCommission.net.