Matisyahu, the alternative-rock star known for infusing Jewish spirituality with reggae, will headline the Silicon Valley Jewish Music Festival with an unplugged all-acoustic set. The family-oriented event featuring live music, food and activities for kids takes place from 2 to 7 p.m. June 28 at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center in Los Gatos.
Matisyahu broke into the music industry in 2004. At the time, as an adherent of Hassidism, he struck a chord with his beatboxing reggae style and black-hatted, bearded appearance. In late 2011 he shed the Hassidic look — shaving his beard, dying his hair blonde and losing his kippah — and went in a different direction.
Though no longer strictly Orthodox, Matisyahu — who grew up as Matthew Miller in White Plains, New York, moved to Brooklyn’s Crown Heights when he was Hassidic and now lives in Los Angeles — continues to identify as Jewish. His latest album, “Akeda,” is named for the biblical story of Abraham preparing to sacrifice Isaac.
Also in the festival lineup, three local groups: the Bay Area-based duo Hot Kugel, neo-klezmer band Red Hot Chachkas and the popular children’s music group Octopretzel. For the kids, there will be carnival games, tie dye and face painting.
Handmade jewelry, Judaica and other crafts will be available for sale, as will an assortment of food options. This year, gourmet kosher ice cream will be available, prepared by dessert chef (and ketubah-maker) Lisa Rauchwerger for Milk & Honey Kosher Catering. Other food choices include gourmet grilled cheese by L’Chaim Sushi, hot dogs and burgers, falafel and shwarma, organic fruits and veggies, donuts and more.
The festival takes place on the grounds of the Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. Tickets are $5 for JCC members, $10 general. Kids under 18 are admitted free. For more information and the performance schedule, go to www.siliconvalleyjcc.org.