East Winds Symphonic Band Cabaret Concert to Benefit Squirrel Hill Food Pantry

East Winds Symphonic Band Cabaret Concert to Benefit Squirrel Hill Food Pantry

“Cabaret Spectacular” is the theme of the October 21 benefit concert by the East Winds Symphonic Band at Rodef Shalom Congregation in Shadyside. Admission is free, but attendees are strongly encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food or cash contributions as they arrive to hear the 70-member ensemble, taste light refreshments, and enjoy BYO wine. All donations received will be used to support the Squirrel Hill Community Food Pantry, which serves families and individuals in the 15217 zip code who meet specified income requirements.

The connection between the Band and Rodef Shalom is well established. For most of its 35 year history, the group – which is based in Pittsburgh’s eastern suburbs – has offered an annual concert at the synagogue. The late Aaron Silberman, a congregation member and patron of musical arts, initiated the series. Later, and until his death in 2013, those concerts were coordinated by Norman Kanel. Kanel’s longtime support for the food Pantry will be honored at the concert, which officially carries the name of “The Norman Kanel Music With a Mission Concert.” The concert is being underwritten by the Stanley and Sandra Gurgon Spear Fund and is sponsored by the Rodef Shalom Brotherhood.

The East Winds Symphonic Band’s members are all volunteers, united by a love for live music. Through weekly rehearsals and numerous concerts throughout the year, the band’s repertoire has grown to embrace a variety of musical styles and compositions arranged for a wind concert band. Many of the selections for this year’s Cabaret program were initially heard on Broadway or in the soundtrack of a major feature film, including “It Had Better Be Tonight” written by Henry Mancini for the 1963 film “The Pink Panther,” “The Carousel Waltz” from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Carousel,” and the “Symphonic Dances” from “Fiddler on the Roof.”

The “Cabaret Spectacular” concert begins at 7:00 on Sunday evening, October 21. It will be followed by a reception to which everyone attending is welcome. Free parking is available in the lot immediately behind the building, which is located at 4905 Fifth Avenue.