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Now in its 18th season, the Neustadt Jewish Arts, Authors, Movies, and Music Festival (JAAMM) has become a fall staple in Denver. Each year, the lineup highlights Jewish culture in an array of mediums—whether its through Wendy Shattil’s striking wildlife photography, the Broadway showstoppers of composer Jerry Herman (Hello, Dolly!), or Jill Sobule’s nostalgic songwriting.
“We like to create a storyline about humanity that offers a lot of different options for a lot of different people,” says festival program director Tim Campbell. “Whether through song or art or food, every artist has an interesting story and that’s what’s really exciting—being able to share all of these cool and unique experiences with the Denver community.”
This year’s slate kicks off September 2 at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) and runs through October 12, with events scattered across the Elaine Wolf Theatre and Phillips Social Hall. Expect everything from lessons in Mediterranean spices, observational comedy from Gary Gulman, and a cappella harmonies laced with a little Jewish humor.
“While they are all completely engaging in a Jewish way, you don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy them,” Campbell says. Below, seven ways that culture seekers from every walk of life can join in on the festivities.
Shop for a New Fall Read
A pop-up bookstore takes over the JCC lobby most of September, stocked with Jewish authors and themes that range from historical fiction novels (Last Twilight in Paris) to philosophy (The Jewish Way to a Good Life) to children’s books. Coffee and kosher bites will be available. Sept. 2–27; 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
See the Photography of Wendy Shattil
With a 40-year career and more than 300,000 images in her portfolio, Colorado wildlife photographer Wendy Shattil has a knack for capturing the often-overlooked intimacy of the natural world. Catch a selection of her photography at the JCC, many of which have been featured in nature and wildlife magazines, including National Geographic and Smithsonian. Additionally, prints of her work will be available for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to the JCC Ranch Camp, where Shattil spent her summers as a kid. Sept. 2–27; reception on Sept. 7 from 6–8 p.m.
Hear the Harmonies of the Maccabeats
This all-male a cappella group has been blending humor and harmony since its inception at Yeshiva University in 2007. Don’t expect a stuffy synagogue choir; the Maccabeats repertoire includes everything from cheeky Beatles medleys to Billie Eilish covers to three full albums of parodies. The musical men have entertained crowds at worldwide festivals and even the White House, so expect a night where singing along is expected. Sept. 11; 7 p.m.; Elaine Wolf Theatre; $35–$55
Sample Bites from the Spice Detective
Chef Yaniv Cohen—also known as the Spice Detective and owner of popular Miami kosher restaurant Jaffa—is on a culinary mission to share the healing properties of Mediterranean herbs and spices with the world. Catch live cooking demonstrations, tastings, and a Q&A at this immersive event. Plus, attendees will create their own shawarma mix to take home. Sept. 18; 7 p.m.; Phillips Social Hall; $18–$36
Celebrate the Life of Jill Sobule at Jillith Fair
Denver-born Jill Sobule spent three decades writing songs that are catchy, funny, and emotional—think “Supermodel” from the Clueless soundtrack and “I Kissed a Girl” (the ’90s version). This celebration of her 12-album career (and a remembrance, as Sobule died earlier this year) includes clips from her autobiographical musical and live performances from friends and collaborators, including Hal Aqua and Lannie Garrett. Sept. 21; 7–9 p.m.; Elaine Wolf Theatre; $10–$20
Laugh all Night Long at Gary Gulman’s Grandiloquent
After years of honing his voice on HBO specials and late-night sets, Gary Gulman brings his off-Broadway solo show Grandiloquent to Denver. Part humor, part social commentary, Grandiloquent offers a relatable exploration of childhood insecurities, family dynamics, and life-altering events—all accentuated with Gulman’s signature wordplay. Sept. 26 and 27; 8 p.m.; Elaine Wolf Theatre; $29–$70
Tap Your Toes to Broadway Tunes During Jerry’s Girls
Broadway legend Jerry Herman left behind a catalog of songs that practically define American musical theater. His Grammy- and Tony-winning shows include Hello, Dolly!, Mame, and La Cage aux Folles (later adapted into The Birdcage starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane.) Jerry’s Girls pays tribute to the showtune titan with a revue of his greatest hits, delivered by a powerhouse trio of women belting their way through his famed ballads. Think sequins, sass, and a whole lot of jazz hands. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Sept. 25 to Oct. 12; times vary; PLUSS Theatre; $39
The Neustadt Jewish Arts, Authors, Movies, and Music Festival runs from September 2 through October 12. Tickets to JAAMM events can be purchased on the Mizel Arts and Culture Center website.
