Never Forget: Lee Oskar’s Story Through Music and Art
Thu, Apr 24
|Mandell JCC
Experience an unforgettable Yom HaShoah with world-renowned musician Lee Oskar, through his iconic harmonica melodies, captivating musical performance, striking art, and powerful stories. Hosted by Urban Dor as part of a special community-wide program. Dessert reception included.
Time & Location
Apr 24, 2025, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
About the event
About Lee Oskar
Lee Oskar is an internationally acclaimed harmonica virtuoso, composer, producer, and lifelong musical explorer. He is renowned for his iconic role as a founding member and lead harmonica player of the pioneering funk/jazz band that composed and recorded such hits as “Low Rider,” “Spill the Wine,” “Cisco Kid,” “The World is a Ghetto,” “Slippin’ into Darkness,” “Why Can’t Be Friends,” and many more chart-topping songs from 1969-1993.
Over the years, several Lee Oskar compositions have been featured on movie sound tracks and television commercials. Oskar has contributed to many Gold and Platinum recordings, and has been honored with multiple ASCAP Writing Awards. His hooklines and melodies have been widely sampled, including the recent megahit song, “Timber” by Pitbull, and award-winning songs, “Strip That Down” by Liam Payne and “GDFR” by Flo Rida.
Yom HaShoah Performance
Lee Oskar's musical memoir, Never Forget, was inspired by his personal story and his family's journey through and beyond the Holocaust. Highly praised by music critics around the world. This powerful and meaningful program reveals Lee Oskar's grappling as a "Miracle Child" of the Holocaust through his artistic expression on many levels. It's a stunning and unforgettable inside look at how an artist can transform the horrific into art that touches and moves people universally.
About Urban Dor
Urban Dor was founded by West Hartford native Simon Lichter in 2021 and is dedicated to strengthening the Jewish community of Greater Hartford by creating engaging events that bring together Jewish young professionals in their 20s and 30s. Urban Dor aims to foster connections, promote cultural heritage, and build a vibrant, inclusive community where young adults can grow personally, professionally, and spiritually. Urban Dor is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization. Learn more at UrbanDor.org.
Urban Dor by the Numbers:
20+ community partners
Hosted over 30 events
Averages 50 young Jewish adults (ages 21-39) per event
100% volunteer-led (no paid staff)
Nearly 400 young Jewish adults in its network