Nicholas Bradley

'Tis the Season to Embrace Differences

The Christmas holiday season can be a challenging time for American Jews and yet according to Rabbi Joshua Eli Plaut, PhD, former rabbi of the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center, this has not always been the case.

 

 

 

On Saturday night the opening guitar licks of Steely Dan’s Reelin’ in the Years poured out the doors of Hooked in Oak Bluffs and the crowd roared with excitement. The house was packed and the music was loud — it was a good night for fans of rock and roll. The crowd had come to see a supergroup of classic rock musicians who, despite their graying hair, were still young of spirit and haven’t forgotten what it means to rock out.

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From rockabilly to pop, rock and blues to jazz-rock, New Rhythm and Blues Quartet, NRBQ, can just about play it all. Founded by pianist Terry Adams in 1967, the band is known for its diverse sound and high-energy live performances. Recently Mr. Adams revamped the band’s lineup and has been as busy as ever, churning out two albums — one live, one from the studio — in the past two years. Another studio album is in the works. NRBQ returns to Martha’s Vineyard to play at Flatbread this Sunday, July 21, after a long time away from the Island.
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Ladino music is a multicultural experience. A unique blend of Spanish and Hebrew lyrics, Mediterranean instrumentation and Arabic rhythms, it originated in the Jewish communities of medieval Spain in the years preceding their expulsion. When Ferdinand and Isabella expelled the Spanish Jews in 1492, the musical tradition continued to grow and change under various new cultural influences.

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On Thursday night at Alex’s Place at the YMCA, Jim Belushi received some startling news. He was not, in fact, the mother of Island teenager Della Burke. At least that was what the audience decided. Mr. Belushi was performing with the IMPers, an Island-based, award-winning improv comedy troupe for teens and young adults. He and Miss Burke were playing a comedy game called Should Have Said. The game involved the two sitting in a car having a conversation.
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When it comes to treating psychological disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is increasingly common for doctors to prescribe for their patients a variety of drugs. From Ritalin to Valium, these drugs can be highly addictive and can also have negative side effects that range from the relatively benign, such as a loss of appetite, to the extreme, such as severe atrial fibrillation.
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