Borscht Belt Rhythm and Beats: The Musical Melting Pot

Step back into the golden age of the Catskills for an unforgettable, high-energy afternoon of history, culture, and rhythm. Borscht Belt Rhythm and Beats is a dynamic multimedia panel and presentation exploring the eclectic soundtrack that defined the region. This special event brings together expert discussion, archival visuals, and live musical elements designed to illustrate the vibrant history of the area and get the crowd up and dancing.

Our panel will trace the incredible evolution of sounds that filled the grand resort ballrooms, showcasing a true American cultural legacy. Attendees will experience a fascinating sonic journey as the presentation dives into the variety of rhythms that shaped the era, moving from the soulful strains of Yiddish theater and traditional prayer to the infectious, high-energy fusion of Swing, R&B, and Latin mambo. This is an immersive educational and musical experience. Through a captivating mix of rare photos, historical storytelling, and live musical demonstrations, the program brings the rich cultural history of the Catskills to life while keeping the energy high.

Meet the Artists:

Eve Sicular: A renowned Yiddish cinema scholar and musician. As a bandleader and drummer for Isle of Klezbos & Metropolitan Klezmer, she brings a deep academic and performative passion for preserving Yiddish musical heritage.

Paul Shapiro: The acclaimed reedist, vocalist, and "improvisor of heart and mind," Paul is the mastermind behind the Ribs and Brisket Revue. He expertly blends klezmer with swing and R&B, adding a "potent Yiddish tinge" to every note.

Rabbi Dr. Cantor Sam Josephson: A true Renaissance man, "Cantor Sam" is a professional actor, singer, and pulpit rabbi. A former mainstay of the Folksbiene Yiddish Theatre, his credits range from leading roles in Les Misérables and Carousel to his moving liturgical work featured by the Orthodox Union.

Scott Wilson – scottwilsonmusician.com

Scott Wilson grew up immersed in Middle Eastern music as the son of renowned belly dancer Serena. In the 1960’s, he accompanied his mother to New York City’s “Greektown” clubs along Eighth Avenue, where he was surrounded by musicians and dancers from across the Mediterranean and Middle East. By the 1970s, he was performing professionally in those venues and spending summers playing for belly dancers at resorts in the Catskills, including the Nevele and Grossinger’s.

Scott is known for designing and building a unique three-necked instrument that combines the Arabic oud, Turkish saz, and American guitar into a single creation. When he’s not making music, Scott enjoys painting, animation, 3D design and printing, and feeding squirrels in Central Park with his wife Leni.

Leni Cohen – lenicohen.com

Leni Cohen teaches music and dance in the New York City public schools and is a proud member of the Carnegie Hall Music Educators Program. She has also taught in Hunter College’s Graduate Department of Early Childhood Education. Leni met Scott Wilson in 2001 while belly dancing to his live oud music at Le Café Figaro in New York City’s West Village, and they have been married since 2003.

In addition to teaching, dancing, and performing percussion with Scott’s band, Leni has recently begun acting, appearing in commercial print and on-camera projects. She also shares Scott’s enthusiasm for feeding the squirrels in Central Park.

Experience New York Comedy, Cuisine, & Culture

July 24 - 26, 2026 in the heart of The Catskills!