Challapalooza

Boston's Jew-ish Music Festival

Prospect Hill Park, Somerville, MA

About Challapalooza

  • What is it?
  • Food
  • Venue
  • Organizers
  • Security

Challapalooza is Greater Boston’s Jew-ish Music Festival. It's going to be a giant celebration — a full day of live music by fantastic local Jewish musicians, with delicious food from Jewish & kosher food trucks and fun in the park for all ages.

Enough nosh for all your Jewish-mother needs!

Ahava Catering: Come hungry for kosher shawarma, falafel in pitas, and Israeli salads made by Providence based Ahava Catering.

Ahava Catering Shwarma

Get in some ice cream before your shwarma with the Boston Ice Cream Truck. Cool off with a cone of your favorite flavor! Serving smiles & frozen treats across Greater Boston since 2009.

Boston Ice Cream Truck

Wild Child Chocolate: Enjoy chocolate treats that take you on a sweet adventure, made in Somerville, MA. Our flavors are bold, rich, and deliciously dairy-free (and kosher!)

Wild Child Chocolate Truffles

All food will be kosher, and we will have vegetarian and vegan options available.

Prospect Hill Park

Our beloved Prospect Hill Park is the home to many a cherished local event, from Joyfest to hanging out on shabbat. Come lounge in the grass, play frisbee and listen to the music!

In case of serious rain, Challapalooza will happen at an indoor location.

Volunteer Led

Challapalooza is an all volunteer run effort, spearheaded by Akiva Jackson of Moishe House Somerville, with amazing amounts of help from a dedicated group of volunteers, including Heila Precel, Allison Moore, Alison Arnold, Jacob Smith, Jackson Mercer, and many more. Please join us, we always need more people, both for planning and day-of volunteering.

Security

We understand that many people are concerned about security, and we take this very seriously. Our team is implementing a comprehensive security plan in close consultation with local police and security experts. There will be a police presence at the event, and we are coordinating with the CJP security team to ensure best practices are followed. Your safety is our top priority, and we are committed to creating a secure and welcoming environment for everyone.

The Music

Jazz, Rock, Folk, Klezmer, Bluegrass, Pop, Balkan Fiddle, Appalachian, A Capella & More

Kira Daglio Fine Big Band
Swing & Jazz

The Kira Daglio Fine (KDF) Big Band is a 16-piece ensemble based in Boston, MA, led by Kira Daglio. Known for its original compositions and arrangements, the band features top musicians from the New York and Boston scenes.

Itay Dayan and His Band
Middle Eastern Pop/Klezmer Fusion

Boston-based group mixing klezmer and Middle Eastern pop for energetic, danceable shows.

Beth Bahia Cohen
Yaylı Tanbur

Beth is a master violinist bridging cultures from Greece to the Middle East. She will be performing music on the Turkish yaylı tanbur by the Jewish composer Tanburi Isak.

And many more wonderful local musicians!

Jewish Singer-Songwriter

Marni Loffman

Klezmer

Nat Seelen

Folk/Jewish Fusion

Mattias Kaufmann

Appalachian Folk

Lee Zangari

Jewish Singer-Songwriter

Sam Tygiel

Klezmer

Honorable Menschen

Klezmer

Ariel Wyner (of Jacob's Ladder)

Klezmer

BerKalit

Klezmer

Gitty Jakubo

Parody Songs

Alice Marbach

Klezmer

Klezmer Standard Time