To our Friends and Fans,
We have sad news. Our friend, Stacy Phillips, a man who was many, many things, including a Grammy award winner, a Bluegrass legend and a founding member of the Nu Haven Kapelye, died, Tuesday, June 5 around 9:30. He was 74 years old. He experienced a massive heart attack on Sunday and from then on it was just a matter of time. He was surrounded by his family, his sister and his niece and nephew. Stacy was his own person and that was reflected in the life he led as a musician. He was a part of the Nu Haven Kapelye from the very first December 25 concert ever held. Stacy wrote arrangements of old Klezmer songs for us. He mentored everyone, whether we wanted it or not!! And he was an incredible teacher for our newbie members. Whenever someone wanted to learn more about Klezmer and Eastern European Jewish music Stacy would send them YouTube videos or little charts. He brought something to this group that we are never going to forget and that we will sorely miss. It is hard to believe he is dead. There is a great obituary about Stacy in the New Haven Independent.
On Sunday, June 10, we participated in a musical memorial for Stacy at Café 9 in New Haven. We were joined by so many other musicians, bands, students, and fans who all paid tribute to him. There’s a great article about that event in the New Haven Independent.
Zichronoh l’vrachah May his memory be a blessing
Sholom Aleichem. This is the official web site for The Nu Haven Kapelye, a very, very big Klezmer group based in the greater New Haven community. Founded in 1998, we play at simchas including weddings and b’nai mitzvahs, senior centers, pubs, music theaters, and festivals, including an annual December 25th community concert and the International Festival of Arts and Ideas in New Haven. The Nu Haven Kapelye is directed by David Chevan and membership is open to anyone in the community.
Nu Haven Kapelye at the International Festival of Arts and Ideas
Elm Street Stage on The New Haven Geen, 250 Temple Street, New Haven
As part of Make Music New Haven, the Nu Haven Kapelye will be featured performing on the New Haven Green from 2:30 to 3:30 pm. My recommendation if you come to support us and hear us play is that you bring an umbrella as that part of the green has no trees and the sun can be pretty unbearable, also if it rains you will have an umbrella and still get to hear us!
Klezmer Friday night service with the Nu Haven Kapelye
Please join us for a special Klezmer Friday night service at Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden. Klezmer and more will be woven into this musical celebration of the Sabbath.