COJELLA: JLive Kick-Off Event

The Mandell JCC invites the entire community to COJELLA, the free Kick-Off event for JLive! Enjoy an afternoon of live music, comedy, artisans market, food, and family activities behind West Hartford Town Hall.

Headliner
DAVID CLARK’S ALL ABOUT JOEL
A Tribute to Billy Joel
Veteran singer and pianist David Clark brings the sound, energy, and iconic hits of the Piano Man to the COJELLA stage. Featuring remarkably authentic vocals and piano playing, this thrilling tribute celebrates Billy Joel’s legendary catalog. 

Acts will include
ADAM BLOTNER
Musical comedian Adam Blotner blends original songs, sharp humor, and a love of Jewish life in a performance filled with warmth and wit.
ALLEGRA LEVY & FRIENDS
Acclaimed jazz singer-songwriter Allegra Levy and her all-star band turn childhood’s everyday adventures into playful music that swings.
THE YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA AT THE ARTISTS COLLECTIVE
Perfroms songs from the Great Jewish-American to celebrates the Jewish composers and songwriters
who helped shape American jazz.
HARTT TALENT AWARD SHOWCASE
Exceptional young performers from the University of Hartford take the stage for the first-ever Hartt Talent
Award Showcase.

Explore a marketplace of local artists and makers, enjoy food and family-friendly activities, and come together for a free community celebration. Everyone is welcome!

COJELLA launches JLive, Greater Hartford’s first-ever Jewish Live Arts Festival, presented by the Mandell JCC from October 18–25, 2026. The weeklong festival brings the community together through music, storytelling, creativity, culture and live performance.

Reserve your spot and explore the full festival schedule at mandelljcc.org/jlive.

JLive is made possible through the generous support of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford.