Shows
Behind the NotesThe Dutch Louis Armstrong: How Jazz Music Saved Louis Bannet from the Nazis with Ken Shuldman and Joe AltermanViolinist and trumpeter Louis Bannet was a celebrated jazz musician in Holland, often called “the Dutch Louis Armstrong.” Once the war began, he was arrested and sent to Auschwitz where he faced a chilling ultimatum: pass an audition for the camp orchestra or be sent to his death. Join Ken Shuldman, author of Jazz Survivor: The Story of Louis Bannet, for a conversation about Bannet’s life before, during and after the Holocaust and how jazz music saved his life. In conversation with jazz musician Joe Alterman, executive director of Neranenah.2025-07-2355 min
Behind the NotesDavid AmramComposer David Amram has been playing music professionally for 74 years and the 94 year old has no plans of slowing down. Amram shares stories about his childhood on a farm in rural Pennsylvania, his time in the 7th Army Symphony while stationed in Germany, his friendships and musical collaborations with greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Jack Kerouac, and Langston Hughes, the connections between jazz and Judaism, and his upcoming Bar Mitzvah. In conversation with jazz musician Joe Alterman, executive director of Neranenah.This program is part of The Pulse: Moments That Matter, a series of frank conversations on...2025-05-021h 27
Behind the NotesSam ReiderSam Reider is a Latin GRAMMY-nominated pianist, accordionist, composer, and educator from San Francisco, California. His work brings together various streams of American music, from jazz and folk tunes to popular song and contemporary composition. He has appeared as a bandleader and soloist at major festivals and venues around the world and his performances and original compositions have been featured on NPR, PBS and the BBC. Reider has performed, recorded and collaborated with a range of artists including Jon Batiste, Jorge Glem, Sierra Hull, Laurie Lewis, and Paquito d’Rivera. From his genre-bending acoustic ensemble The Human Hands to hi...2025-02-1843 min
Behind the NotesJonah PlattJonah Platt, a true entertainment multi-hyphenate, is an actor, writer, producer, singer and host of the new hit podcast Being Jewish with Jonah. Join Platt for a wide-open conversation about growing up Jewish and the influence it has had on his career, including his upcoming project producing and co-staring alongside Ginnifer Goodwin in the feature film The Mensch and co-writing the musical adaptation of Lois Lowry’s best-selling novel, The Giver. In conversation with Joe Alterman, executive director of Neranenah,This program is part of The Pulse: Moments That Matter, a series of frank conversations on culturally re...2025-02-1459 min
Behind the NotesMike GerberJews have been a major presence in America's jazz, as musicians and as jazz facilitators, and in Kosher Jammers, Gerber tells that story with a rigour worthy of academia but with a feature writer's creative flair. Besides drawing on a plethora of second-hand sources, Kosher Jammers is absolutely packed with first-hand material, from interviews, phone calls and emails with jazz figures, Jewish and otherwise -- including possibly the last ever interview with swing era icon Artie Shaw. Among the many other interviewees are black jazz figures such as saxophonist Buddy Collette and the critic Stanley Crouch, as...2025-02-141h 15
The daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 24 Kislev - Making Shabbos(הֶמְשֵׁךְ)(In continuation: [of yesterday]) בֵּאוּר ג' הַפְּסוּקִים — לְכוּ נְרַנְנָה — עַל פִּי מִדָּה מְמוּצַּעַת מִדַּת כָּל אָדָםTo explain the three verses beginning Lechu neranenah in a way that is meaningful to everyone:מִיטְוואָך, אַז מעֶן הוֹיבְּט אָן טְראַכְטעֶן וואוּ וועֶט מעֶן נעֶהמעֶן אוֹיף שַׁבָּתOn Wednesday, a person begins to wonder where he will get his Shabbos needs, — הֵן בְּפַּשְׁטוּת אוּן הֵן מִיט וואָס וועֶט מעֶן שַׁבָּת'ן —- both in a literal sense and also, how he will “make” his Shabbos in a spiritual sense — יעֶדעֶר אִיד אִיז דאָך שַׁבָּת גאָר אַנאַנדעֶרעֶרfor on Shabbos, every Jew becomes a very different person. וועֶרט מָרָה שְׁחוֹרָה'דִיג[Knowing that he is inadequately prepared,] he may become depressed. אִיז דִי עֵצָה, לְכוּ נְרַנְנָה, בִּטָּחוֹןThe solution is Lechu neranenah: “Let us go and sing joyously” — let us have trust [in G‑d].וועֶן עֶס קוּמט דאָנעֶרשְׁטאָגWhen Thursday arrives, עֶס וועֶרט נעֶהנְטעֶר צוּ שַׁבָּת, אוּן עֶס אִיז נאָך אַלְץ נִיטאָShabbos has drawn closer and he is still empty-handed; אִיז יעֶמאָלט נְרַנ...2024-12-2403 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 23 Kislev - Wednesday starts preparations for Shabbosמִשִּׂיחוֹת אַאַזְמוּ"ר — אֱלוּל תּרל"הFrom a talk of my revered grandfather, the Rebbe [Maharash], in Elul, 5635 (1875):ג' יָמִים קוֹדֶם הַשַׁבָּת הוּא הֲכָנָה לְשַׁבָּתThe three days preceding Shabbos are a preparation for Shabbos. אוֹיף שַׁבָּת זאָגט עֶר אִין זֹהַר דְּמִינֵּיהּ מִתְבָּרְכִין כּוּלְהוּ יוֹמִיןWith regard to Shabbos, the Zohar states: “All of the days are blessed from it.” כּוּלְהוּ יוֹמִין אִיז כָּל שֵׁשֶׁת יְמֵי הַשָּׁבוּעַ“All of the days” refers to the six weekdays, וואָס אוֹיף דעֶם האָט דעֶר אוֹיבּעֶרשְׁטעֶר געֶגעֶבּעֶן אַ בְּרָכָה כְּלָלִית for which G‑d granted a comprehensive blessing: וּבֵרַכְךָ ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ בְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשֶׂה“And G‑d your L‑rd will bless you in all that you do.”אִיז דִי בִּרְכַּת הַשַּׁבָּת מִלְּפָנָיו וּמִלְּאַחֲרָיוThe blessing of Shabbos extends to the days that precede it and follow it. דִי הֲכָנָה צוּ שַׁבָּת אִיז מִיּוֹם דThe preparations for Shabbos begin on Wednesday, אוּן דעֶר אָנְזאָג אִיז דעֶר קְלֵיינעֶר לְכוּ נְרַנְנָה, וואָס אִיז ג' פְּסוּקִיםand are heralded by the brief Lechu neranenah, the three verses [recited at the end of Wednesday’s Song of the Day].Text and2024-12-2304 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 3 Tishrei - Teshuva comprises five letters which are five distinct pathsמַתְחִילִין מִזְמוֹר לְדָוִד וְלֹא לְכוּ נְרַנְנָה[In the Kabbalas Shabbos Service,] we begin with Mizmor LeDavid instead of Lechu Neranenah. וְכֵן בְּכָל שַׁבָּת מוֹצָאֵי יוֹם טוֹבThis applies whenever a festival ends on Friday evening.הפטורה: שׁוּבָה - יִכָּשְׁלוּ בָם. מִי אֵל כָּמוֹךָ - מִימֵי קֶדֶםThe haftarah [for Shabbos Teshuvah] begins with Shuvah… yikashlu vam and concludes with Mi E-l kamocha… mimei kedem.בִּיחִידוּת הַצֶּמַח צֶדֶק אֵצֶל רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן ב' תֵצֵא בְּשִׁשִּׁי בֶּאֱלוּל תּקס"דDuring a yechidus of the Tzemach Tzedek with the Alter Rebbe, on Monday of Parshas Ki Seitzei, 6 Elul, 5564 (1804), סִפֵּר לוֹ רַבֵּנוּthe Alter Rebbe told him: שַׁבָּת פָּרָשַׁת תָּבוֹא תּקכ"ח אָמַר מוֹרִי וְרַבִּי (הָרַב הַמַּגִּיד מִמּעֶזְרִיטְשׁ) — תּוֹרָה“On Shabbos Parshas Ki Savo, 5528 (1768), my mentor and master (the Maggid of Mezritch) delivered a teaching וְהַתְחָלָתָהּ וְשַׁבְתָּ עַד הוי' אֱלֹקֶיךָthat opened with the verse, Veshavta ad HaShem Elokecha — ‘You shall return to Havayah (G‑d), Elokecha (your L‑rd).’וּבִאֵר כִּי עֲבוֹדַת הַתְּשׁוּבָה צְרִיכָה לִהְיוֹת“The Maggid [understood this verse as implying that ‘You sha...2024-10-0207 min
Behind the NotesRobert KleinA Wide-Open Conversation with Robert Klein and Joe AltermanAward-winning comedian Robert Klein grew up in a Jewish family living in the Bronx surrounded by music. While studying at Yale’s School of Drama, he auditioned for Chicago’s famed improvisational troupe Second City. In 1975, Klein was the first comedian to appear in a live concert on HBO where his set included a bit about antisemitism. Join Klein for a wide-open conversation about his childhood; his thoughts on the history of the Jewish people, antisemitism, the Holocaust, and Israel; his decades-long career as a performer; as well as t...2024-09-171h 07
Behind the NotesEpisode 6: David Marienthal and Alison HinderliterMister Kelly’s nightclub, owned by Jewish brothers George and Oscar Marienthal, launched the careers of legendary performers like Barbara Streisand, Richard Pryor, Bette Midler, Steve Martin and Tim Reid. The Chicago club “smashed color and gender barriers to put controversial voices on stage and transformed entertainment in America in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.” David Marienthal, son of George Marienthal and executive producer of the film Live at Mister Kelly’s and Alison Hinderliter, curator of Chicago’s Newberry Library exhibition “A Night at Mister Kelly’s,” discuss the Marienthal brothers’ success and how their clubs changed show business. In conve...2024-06-1259 min
Behind the NotesEpisode 5: MatisyahuThroughout singer/songwriter Matisyahu's almost 20-year career, “Jewish heritage remains a central theme throughout his life and music.” Known for his hit song One Day, which he performed at the November 2023 Israel Rally in Washington, DC, Matisyahu will talk about his religious and musical journeys. He will also share what it was like to be on the road post October 7 with his recently released album Hold the Fire and having several venues cancel his performances because of his support for Israel. In conversation with Joe Alterman, executive director of Neranenah.This program, sponsored by Moment Magazine's MomentLive! and...2024-06-1135 min
The City Lights CollectiveTrey Clegg / NeranenahTrey Clegg, of the Trey Clegg Singers discusses their upcoming holiday concert, “Festival Sounds of the Season.” Plus, Joe Alterman stops by to share what’s planned for Neranenah’s 2023-24 lineup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2023-12-1251 min
Behind the NotesEpisode 4: MODIJoin us for an engaging conversation featuring the charismatic Israeli-born comedian MODI. In conversation with Neranenah's Joe Alterman, MODI delves into the healing power of laughter amidst challenging times. Discover how his Jewish roots and comedic influences like Jackie Mason shaped his career, and his thoughts on being likened to legends like Robin Williams and Richard Pryor. This program is part of The Pulse: Moments That Matter, a series of frank conversations on culturally relevant topics with musicians, comedians, and other entertainment industry professionals to illuminate how being Jewish has shaped their experiences, both personally and professionally....2023-12-0654 min
Niflaot PodcastNiflaot Podcast: Episode 3 “If words are the pen of the heart, melody is the pen of the soul.” An interview with Jazz prodigy Joe AltermanIn Episode 3, we are joined by Joe Alterman; Jewish Jazz Legend in the making, and CEO of Neranenah, a non-profit cultural event series with roots in Jewish culture and musical traditions that entertains and connects diverse audiences through the exploration of Jewish contributions to music and the performing arts, celebrating its intersections with other cultures and communities. Joe’s beautiful life was shaped largely by his music, however that was largely in response to his struggles with OCD. In this episode, we discuss Joe’s journey with OCD, and the values of #selfadvocacy #relationalunderstanding #selfregulation #2souls #discoveringtalentsastools2023-12-0557 minThe daily Hayom Yom with Rabbi Yosef KatzmanHayom Yom 3 Tishrei - Teshuva has 5 pathsמַתְחִילִין מִזְמוֹר לְדָוִד וְלֹא לְכוּ נְרַנְנָה וְכֵן בְּכָל שַׁבָּת מוֹצָאֵי יוֹם טוֹב[In the Kabbalas Shabbos Service,] we begin with Mizmor LeDavid instead of Lechu Neranenah. This applies whenever a festival ends on Friday evening.הפטורה: שׁוּבָה - יִכָּשְׁלוּ בָם. מִי אֵל כָּמוֹךָ - מִימֵי קֶדֶםThe haftarah [for Shabbos Teshuvah] begins with Shuvah… yikashlu vam and concludes with Mi E-l kamocha… mimei kedem.בִּיחִידוּת הַצֶּמַח צֶדֶק אֵצֶל רַבֵּנוּ הַזָּקֵן ב' תֵצֵא בְּשִׁשִּׁי בֶּאֱלוּל תּקס"דDuring a yechidus of the Tzemach Tzedek with the Alter Rebbe, on Monday of Parshas Ki Seitzei, 6 Elul, 5564 (1804), סִפֵּר לוֹ רַבֵּנוּthe Alter Rebbe told him: שַׁבָּת פָּרָשַׁת תָּבוֹא תּקכ"ח אָמַר מוֹרִי וְרַבִּי (הָרַב הַמַּגִּיד מִמּעֶזְרִיטְשׁ) — תּוֹרָה “On Shabbos Parshas Ki Savo, 5528 (1768), my mentor and master (the Maggid of Mezritch) delivered a teachingוְהַתְחָלָתָהּ וְשַׁבְתָּ עַד הוי' אֱלֹקֶיךָthat opened with the verse, Veshavta ad HaShem Elokecha — ‘You shall return to Havayah (G‑d), Elokecha (your L‑rd).’וּבִאֵר כִּי עֲבוֹדַת הַתְּשׁוּבָה צְרִיכָה לִהְיוֹת עַד אֲשֶׁר הוי', שֶׁהוּא לְמַעְלָה מֵהָעוֹלָמוֹת“The Maggid [understood this verse as imply...2023-09-1808 min
Behind the NotesEpisode 3: Judy GoldThis conversation with comedy icon Judy Gold is funny and heartwarming. You'll learn about how her Jewish upbringing shaped her, her background in music, and her take on the major-minor Jewish connection. We're excited to delve into comedy for this episode and hope you are, too!2022-10-241h 16
Got ChopsS3 E2: Joe Alterman, Jazz PianistOn today's episode, Scott interviews Joe Alterman, a highly regarded jazz and blues pianist who hails from Atlanta, Georgia. His playing has been praised by jazz pianists, Ramsey Lewis and Les McCann, as well as by the legendary jazz journalist, Nat Hentoff who wrote liner notes on three of his albums. Downbeat Magazine said his sound is reminiscent of the great jazz pianists of the 1950s. Today’s guest is also the Executive Director for the Neranenah Concert & Culture Series in Atlanta, Georgia, and he wrote the liner notes for three of “Wynton Marsalis’ Jazz At Lincoln Center” albums. This sou...2022-09-231h 03
Behind the NotesEpisode 2: David BrozaNeranenah’s Joe Alterman has a delightful and wide-ranging conversation with Israeli music legend, David Broza. Broza has released over 40 albums under his name - many of which are multi-platinum. Today, Broza shares his thoughts with us about Israeli music, Jewish music, Otis Redding, getting to know one's heroes, the concept of music genres, and so much more.2022-09-141h 11
The City Lights CollectiveNeranenah’s “Side by Side” / Artist Sandy Teepen / H Johnson’s Jazz MomentFather-son jazz duo Ben and Leo Sidran join us alongside Neranenah executive director Joe Alterman with details on their music series, “Side by Side.” Plus, fiber artist Sandy Teepen tells us about her current exhibition at the Southeast Fiber Arts Alliance, and we check in with H for the next installment in our series, H Johnson’s Jazz Moment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2022-08-1951 min
Behind the NotesEpisode 1: Ben & Leo Sidran Neranenah’s Joe Alterman has a fascinating conversation with two true renaissance men: musician, producer, arranger, composer, and podcast host Leo Sidran, and his iconic father - legendary writer, pianist, journalist, and producer Ben Sidran. Ben’s book “There Was A Fire: Jews, Music & The American Dream” has been an inspiration and guiding light for the entire Neranenah organization.2022-08-181h 04
The City Lights CollectiveThe Upside of DownA conversation with Joe Alterman, Jazz Pianist and Executive Director of Neranenah. His new album “The Upside of Down” is out now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2021-10-1551 min
The Third Story with Leo SidranJoe AltermanJoe Alterman is a southern guy with a sunny disposition. He came from Atlanta, and despite having put in years in New York, he never managed to shake off the southern charm. Joe is a piano player who wears his influences on his sleeve. While his contemporaries were deconstructing the music, Joe was drawn to the playing of more classic masters, like Ahmad Jamal, Ramsey Lewis and Les McCann. He loved the light touch of Red Garland and Hank Jones, but he also loved the blues and heft of Oscar Peterson, Monty Alexander, and Gene Harris. Early o...2021-09-071h 37
All Things ConsideredNeranenah_Alterman2021-07-1919 min
The City Lights CollectiveThe Atlanta Jewish Musical Festival Gets a New NameLois Reitzes speaks with Joe Alterman, pianist and Executive Director of Neranenah, about the summer music and comedy showcase.Pluse City Lights producer Summer Evans talks with award-winning Disney animator Mark Henn and Leigh Seaman, executive director of SCADFILM, about the "Storyteller Series".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.2021-07-1950 min
Osher Shalom02 - Birkat Kohanim - Motty Ilowitz & Neranenah02 - Birkat Kohanim - Motty Ilowitz & Neranenah by Variable2019-12-1909 min
Osher Shalom08 - Banu Aleicha - Avreimi Roth & Neranenah08 - Banu Aleicha - Avreimi Roth & Neranenah by Variable2019-12-0106 min