The New Orleans Jewish Community Center produced a groove like no other on Nov. 8 when it hosted its annual Center Celebration, “Make It Pop!,” a tribute to the Jewish pop stars who defined the sound of the ‘70s and ‘80s.
To set the scene, the Uptown JCC was transformed into a retro-inspired gathering space. The party started poolside with cocktails, then guests moved inside to a reimagined venue, aka disco lounge with a dance floor.
Entertainment was the focus, led by Nu Groove, featuring Cha Wa’s Grammy-nominated Joe Gelini and Alix Paige. Their performance set the tone for a dynamic musical experience, further elevated by special guests Jenny Mercein, Leslie Castay and Bryan Batt. Among the songs performed included “I Feel the Earth Move,” by singer-songwriter Carole King; “The Look of Love” by Burt Bacharach and Hal David; and “Mrs. Robinson,” by Simon and Garfunkel, to name a few.
“Our Center Celebration was nothing short of magical this year, transforming the JCC into a vibrant disco lounge while raising critical funds to support the high-quality programs that support the community,” said JCC Executive Director Rebecca Friedman.
“The evening was a testament to the dedication and creativity of the event committee, led by co-chairs Aleeza Adelman and Shirley Sonesh Bolz. We are already looking ahead with excitement to the 2026 celebration, when we will honor the 60th anniversary of our beloved St. Charles Avenue building.”
Fun Fact: The New Orleans JCC, through its Uptown and Metairie campuses, serves approximately 2,000 individuals each day with a wide range of educational, cultural and health and wellness programs.
