Temple Beth El, NAACP, and Cabrillo Sponsor an Evening of Soulful Music:
Songs for People of Conscience, by Rabbi Micah Lapidus and Melvin Myles of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Saturday, October 19, Samper Recital Hall, 7 – 8:30

Three prominent local institutions have teamed up to present an evening of special music titled Soulful Music: Songs for People of Conscience. The concert is Saturday October 19, at Cabrillo College’s Samper Hall, at 7 pm.

The free concert will feature the music of two special artists, Rabbi Micah Lapidus, a reform Rabbi living in Atlanta, and vocalist Melvin Myles of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. Because of the special relationship they bring to their shared work, the concert is being promoted by Temple Beth El, the NAACP of Santa Cruz County Branch, and Cabrillo College.

Paula Marcus, Sr. Rabbi with Temple Beth El, says the concert “provides an opportunity for people of faith, conscience, and peace to come together to support each other through inspiring music.”

Myles is an accomplished singer across multiple genres, including gospel, classical, jazz, and the blues. Several years ago, he teamed up with Lapidus to offer concerts that speak to the values of love, equity, equality, and social justice.

Lapidus and Myles have been touring parts of the U.S. performing together, presenting music that is influenced by their roots, their faith, and their lives as spiritual leaders in Atlanta. Lapidus composes music and has several album credits to his name. With influences that range from the Beatles, to the Allman Brothers, to John Denver, his works bring a folk sentimentality to spiritually uplifting messages. His song “Rise Up” is a staple of interfaith performances in the Atlanta region.

“When I heard some of their pieces performed, and listened to some of their content on the web, I just felt this was a concert we have to sponsor,” said Matt Wetstein, President of Cabrillo College. Elaine Johnson, President of the local NAACP Chapter, said that the music of Myles and Lapidus is “the perfect response to the negative news of the day. Through the power of music, they bring people together and lift up hearts and voices in common.”

Upon request, David Ginsborg can assist scheduling a zoom interview with Lapidus and/or Myles prior to their arrival. Those interested in attending the concert can register for the event at this link. The concert is free, but donations are suggested to offset the cost of the event. https://www.tbeaptos.org/event/soulful-music-with-rabbi-micah-lapidus--melvin-myles-at-samper-hall-at-cabrillo-college.html

For more on Lapidus and Myles, check out the links below. https://www.micahlapidus.com/about/ and https://www.facebook.com/WeAreLapidusAndMyles/