It was sheer good fortune that I found them online during the planning of our virtual fundraising Gala. Their beautiful harmonies and entertaining arrangements of the music would have been enough (Dayenu!).
What really impressed me, though, is how they have taken this pandemic head-on, and created "Hakshivu Na! Bringing Jewish Song to Life" -- a musical entertainment model that is totally adapted for the online platform. The music/storytelling video modules are engaging and expertly crafted, as were the straight music videos they also provided for our Gala. The group members joined us online the evening of our gala for an interactive program that was upbeat, educational, and totally different than anything we had experienced.
Planning a gala is a lot of work and can be stressful. However, working with Listen Up! was the least stressful part of it. It turned out to be the most enjoyable part of the Gala evening as well!
- Lauren Berman, Co-chair of Fundraising, Beth El Synagogue—East Windsor, NJ
I want to thank you for the delightful Hakshivu Na! performance/presentation that you gave as part of our summer series, It was informative, interesting, and just enjoyable to listen to. From the comments I heard as well as my own reaction, we loved your commentary and great musicianship. All in all, it was a wonderful success.
- Barbara Epstein, Chicago North Shore Hadassah
Listen Up! was an amazing group for our Sisterhood's Entertainment Fundraiser. They had good rapport with each other and cleverly connected our Jewish heritage with American culture by injecting American/Israeli trivia that most of us never knew about. Their voices and personalities are strong and created much ruach in the room. Everyone wants to have them again next year! They are a pleasure to work with.
- Marsha Lyons, Ways and Means Vice President of Beth Hillel Bnai Emunah Sisterhood, Wilmette, IL
Listen Up! helped make our Jewish Culture Fest a great success for our community. Their music is a delight — inclusive and great for families. They were a pleasure to work with.
- Keith Weidenkeller, JCC of Greater Kansas
What comes across is every moment of their performance is an adoration for singing—turning melodies and harmonies on their heads to come up with something unique and full of freshness and appeal.- The Chicago Tribune
The fantastic Listen Up! packed our theater on a January Sunday afternoon. The production was first-rate, the stories were touching and funny and compelling but the singing topped everything: soaring voices blending into lovely, heartwarming, rousing music. We'll book them again as soon as dates become available. נפלא!
- Joe Keefe, Executive Artistic Director, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, Arlington Heights, IL
"Steve Singer and Listen Up! were the headliners at our synagogue's Israel at 70 gala. The group was the embodiment of musical joy and delight, immediately engaging the audience with their lively presentation and jaw-droppingly beautiful harmonies. Listen Up! is family friendly and Israel-positive, enabling people of all ages to celebrate with worldwide Jewry and develop community solidarity. The band played without a break for well over an hour, and stayed at the reception afterwards to visit with everyone. One loyal fan (age 5) and her mom even flew in for the day for the performance! It's easy to see how Listen Up! attracts their fans. Steve is a pleasure to work with and everyone in the band was charming and personable. I cannot recommend this group highly enough! I can't wait to hear them again."
- Joy Rosenberg, Temple Beth Shalom, Santa Fe, NM
"Working with Listen Up! was a delight. They were willing to think out-of-the-box in finding ways to engage all ages. They were fun, friendly, and easily approachable. The tunes were memorable enough that it gave the opportunity for new fans to sing along. I would love to work with them in the future."
- Elizabeth Singer, Temple Judea, Fort Myers, FL
"We had Listen Up! for our Yom Ha Atzma'ut celebration. They were easy to work with, sounded great, and were enjoyed by a diverse crowd."
- Rabbi Hannah Greenstein, Milwaukee Jewish Federation
"Hiring Listen Up! to perform at our synagogue for our spring fundraiser was a success, and the performers were a joy to spend the day with! Our audience enjoyed the afternoon concert and left wanting more! Listen Up! spent the morning singing with a few of our children’s groups prior to the concert and had our Hazzan join them on stage! What a DELIGHT!"
- Amy Cytron, Adath Jeshurun Congregation- Minnetonka, MN
"I could not believe how beautiful their voices were—and how emotional their performance made me feel. Their music made me feel I was home again in Israel."
- Lior Kakon, American Friends of Israel War Disabled Foundation
"We are very pleased with the wonderful energy Listen Up! brought to our camp Zimriya performance. The yiddishkeit and terrific interaction with kids and adults of all ages added a special excitement to the evening. We recommend their work enthusiastically."
- Lori Stark, Ramah Day Camp, Wheeling, IL